What is the best way to save my precious memories?
Currently the most popular is a USB “thumb drive” or “stick”. Based on the capacity it can hold upward of 100 digital .mp4 or .mov files of videos or films, plus thousands of photos and slides. These files can also be shared online with services like DropBox or short clips of the media extracted with many easy-to-use apps found on PC and Mac. These files can also be stored on your computer and played back on your big screen TV.
How do I use my USB “Thumb Drive”?
It will work on any computer PC or Mac. We will provide an instruction sheet as well.
It also works on many of the new “Smart” TVs.
It is very important however to make a backup onto your home computer or upload to a cloud storage service like those offered by Google, Microsoft, or Apple. Always store the tiny USB drive in a dry safe and secure place.
What if my videos, films or photos are wet or damp?
FDS has a number of possible solutions and methods for saving or restoring most media. We have had success especially with VHS videos and photos, but can also sometimes save films and slides. Smaller video formats like 8mm and DV as well as VHS-Mini C pose our toughest challenges. Call us or come by. Click here for more info.
If I already have DVD’s can you make those into digital files?
Definitely YES. And that’s a smart thing to do. DVD's are NOT a reliable long term solution to preserving your memories. Many of our customers bring in their DVD’s for conversion to digital files. Then you have the piece of mind your memories will last for future generations.
Will my old videotapes degrade and become un-viewable?
It depends on storage conditions, age of tapes, and original camcorder speed. It can also be difficult to find or hookup an old VCR to play tapes back on, especially with newer smart TVs. Some tapes not stored in dry conditions get mold (visible white powder) we can restore those moisture damaged tapes as well as repair broken tapes in most cases.
Once the digital transfer is done, are extra USB drives or DVD copies available?
YES! It is always good to have backups and copies for friends or family members.
Florida Digital Studios also offers online delivery depending on size and number of files.
Do I still get my original videotapes back and should I save them?
Unless requested otherwise, all tapes and other media is always returned. OK to discard if you have purchased the digital files option and have proper backups.
Can I watch my videos on any SMART TV?
Yes in most cases. As long as your TV has a USB port in the back and you can access it. It is also possible and preferable to "cast" your videos onto a TV screen over Wi-Fi from a computer, using a number of well known programs like Google Chrome. This option is very popular and doesn't require getting access to the rear of your TV, many of which are wall mounted.
Do I still get my original films back and should I save them
They are always returned unless otherwise specified by customers. OK discard if you have backed up the transferred footage to more than one device or the cloud. In some cases we may take several of the small 50’ reels and combine them onto one larger reel during the transfer process. PLEASE NOTE: old films can develop odor and potential toxicity. Best to transfer and safely discard observing environmental protocols.
What if my films have become brittle and appear damaged?
We offer FREE evaluation of any and all films. We DO NOT use projectors on most film transfers. We use hi-tech film scanners. Over time film tends to yellow and fade, dry out and crack and possibly disintegrate. Often, we can pre lubricate it and save it or some portions, especially on larger reels. Film stored in cabinets and drawers in climate controlled conditions often will look just like the first time it ever went through a projector. Florida Digital will look at your film when you drop it off, and in most cases can alert you to any potential problems we foresee.
Where will I get the best service and quality?
From an experienced professional, like Florida Digital with decades of experience. and a commercial lab. WATCH OUT for home based part-time unrealistically low prices and mail-in providers! We utilize the latest digital processes with wide screen playback options. Many send away services take literally "months" to complete your job, often with hidden charges and hidden add-ons. FDS usually completes your job in under 2-weeks. SEE OUR REVIEWS.
Will converting to 1080p HD make my films look better?
1080p will make the film transfer cover more of your new wide screen TV as opposed to a square picture more compatible with older Standard square TV’s. Also, films tend to yellow when not stored in a dark place or inside a metal reel case or carton. Fortunately, we find many film reels have been stored in good environmental conditions. If so, the color richness and depth of field of well shot, in focus and well processed film will be there if it is on the original reels.
How do you convert 35mm slides, negatives and photos?
We use professional scanning equipment and create .jpg files, the same file type you now get with a digital camera.
Slides and negatives are scanned at 72dpi and standard size photos less than 8 x 10 are scanned at 300dpi and look GREAT!
Do you cahrge for BLANK tapes or Tapes that have old TV shows and sports events.
Any VHS videotape that is NOT labeled and has off-air TV shows is rejected and charged a minimal labor fee of $1.99-$3.99 per tape depending on how many NO TRANSFER tapes are in your order. The same applies to BLANK tapes of any videotape format. We verify its blank and then apply the same minimal labor only fee as described above.