In this article, we will compare two popular digitization companies, iMemories, and Southtree. Both companies specialize in converting old and outdated media into digital formats, but they have different approaches, and each has its pros and cons. We will take a closer look at their pricing, turnaround time, and additional features to help you decide which is best for your needs.
Don't worry, because, with the help of this article, you will be able to make an informed decision when choosing your digitizing company.
iMemories and Southtree Comaprison Table
iMemories Editors Choice | Southtree | |
 |  | |
Website Link | ||
Shipping kit (box) | Crush-proof box with the included prepaid shipping label | Crush-proof box with the included prepaid shipping label |
Free repairs (splicing) | Yes | Yes |
Free enhancements | Yes for specific media | No |
Easily edit and organize files | Yes | n/a |
Average turnaround time | 2-3 weeks | 10-12 weeks |
Expedited turnaround time | n/a | n/a |
Originals return | Yes | Yes |
Reviews Across Multiple Websites | Trustpilot: 4.6 out of 5 Sitejabber: 4.7 out of 5 Yelp: 3.5 out of 5 | Trustpilot: n/a Sitejabber: 3.6 out of 5 Yelp: 2.5 out of 5 |
WHAT FORMATS THEY CONVERT | ||
Video Conversion | Betamax, VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, Hi8, Digital 8, MiniDV, MicroMini, DVDs, MiniDVDs | VHS, VHS-C, MiniDV, Hi8, Digital 8, MicroMV, Beta, PAL to NTSC |
Film Conversion | 8mm, 16mm, Super 8 (with and without sound) | 16mm, 8mm, Super 8 (without sound) |
Photo Conversion | Photos, Negatives, Slides | Prints, Slides, Negatives |
Audio Conversion | N/A | Cassette, Reel to Reel |
PRICING | ||
Video Conversion Price | $14.99 per tape | $15 per tape |
Film Conversion Price | $14.99 per 50ft. | $25 per film |
Photo Conversion Price | $0.49 per photo | $0.25 per photo |
Audio Conversion Price | N/A | $15 per audio |
Digitizing With iMemories
What we like
- They offer a shipping kit with all necessary safety packaging included
- Accept most old media formats, including DVDs and MiniDVDs
- Plenty of options for digital copies
- Fast turnaround time
- Highly rated among customers
- Service prices are affordable
- Regular email updates during the whole process
- They include enhancements and repairs for specific media
What we don't like
- Some customers have reported that the shipping kit provided by iMemories is too small for larger orders.
iMemories is a company service that helps convert old media formats and transfer them to a digital format, which helps preserve your family memories.
iMemories provides several options for preserving your digitized media, such as a digital download, a USB drive, cloud storage, and a customized DVD. This allows you to access old memories from anywhere and on any modern device and even share them online with others.
One of the biggest goals at iMemories is to make digitization easy and convenient for customers.
To make their service even better, they include a SafeShip Kit which is the perfect solution for shipping your media safely by mail. The kit contains a crush-proof box, guide, media protective bags, and prepaid-shipping label, etc.
What Can You Digitize With iMemories?
One of the best benefits of working with iMemories is that you can send in almost anything. Here are all the formats they accept:
- Movie Films: 8mm, 16mm, Super 8
- Videotapes: Betamax, VHS, VHS-C, 8mm, Hi8, Digital 8, MiniDV, MicroMini
- Photo: Photos, Negatives, Slides
- Digital: DVDs & Mini DVDs
The photo slides and negatives can break down with age, and it's important to stop the process before more damage is done to them. With iMemories, you can prevent the photos from breaking down and losing precious memories.
Some of the content that iMemories won't digitize:
- Commercial footage
- Adult content
- Footage of law violations
- Footage of illegal activities
Damaged or Broken Content
Many people experience fear and anxiety when considering the quality and condition of their video footage. Fortunately, iMemories can accept damaged or broken videos. Their expert team will repair or splice together videotape or film pieces and combine multiple films into a single reel, all without any loss of footage and at no additional cost. So, if you have an essential home movie you are unsure can be transferred, iMemories can probably fix it!
Benefits of iMemories
iMemories has a solid reputation and excellent customer service that sets them apart from the competition. The company has never lost or damaged someone's memories. If your films and tapes are not in good condition, you can be sure that iMemories will preserve them for you in the best possible way.
If you send a damaged videotape or old film, they can professionally repair or "splice" the broken film without losing any footage, and the best part is that it's free of charge. Besides that, their expert staff also restores certain memories to look even better, free of charge.
For those who have a hard time with media files, the iMemories app offers an excellent solution for viewing and sharing memories over their cloud. With its cloud storage system, you no longer need to worry about keeping many discs and other media at home.
Mailing Your Old Memories via iMemories
As we mentioned, iMemories offers their SafeShip kit to ensure the safe and secure shipping of your precious memories. They take the protection of your media very seriously and strive to ensure that your media arrives at their facility in the best possible condition.
When you opt for the SafeShip kit, you won't have to worry about packaging and mailing your media.
Once you've received the kit, simply follow the included user guide to pack your media. iMemories accepts a wide range of media formats, and there is no need for labeling. In addition, you can leave the organizing of your media to iMemories, so you don't have to worry about the number or type of items you're sending as long as iMemories accept them.
Once your box is ready, drop it off at the nearest FedEx location, and iMemories will be notified of its arrival. After they've inspected your media, you'll receive a free, no-obligation quote, and once you accept it, the digitization process will begin.
iMemories Process Time
Processing time for some services is beyond the estimated time they claim, sometimes even a couple of months, which makes customers worried and angry. That's a given as you are sending your family treasure, and it is normal to feel concerned.
Furthermore, customers have been inquiring as to how long the process takes. Depending on how much content and which format you have, the timeline usually falls between 3 and 4 weeks.
Digitizing With Southtree
What we like
- They provide a convenient shipping kit to ensure the safe transport of your media.
- Support of a wide range of media formats, including audio.
- Affordable pricing for their services
- The process of ordering, shipping, and receiving media is simple and easy to understand.
What we don't like
- Customers have reported long turnaround times, with some even taking several months to complete.
- There have been complaints about the poor quality of DVD transfers.
Southtree is another company that provides services similar to iMemories, though there are minor differences, such as the requirement for payment upfront. In addition, they offer a range of packages for you to choose from and how you would like to get it back in digital format.
Southtree strives to produce the highest quality conversion possible; however, the transfer quality is ultimately contingent upon the quality of the original items.
As such, If you are looking for restoration, enhancement, or editing services for your media, Southtree may not be the best option as they do not offer these services. They will attempt to repair and transfer damaged tapes, but if the tape is beyond repair, they will not be able to transfer the content.
What Can You Digitize With Southtree
You can digitize Tapes, Films, Audio, and Photos.
Here are the specifics of each one:
- Tapes: VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Video 8, Digital 8, Mini DV, Betamax, Micro MV, PAL
- Film: Regular 8, Super 8, 16mm
- Photos: Prints, Slides, Negatives
- Audio: Cassettes and Reel-To-Reel
Benefits of Southtree
If you're looking for a digitization service for a small number of tapes, films, or photos, Southtree may be a good choice. They offer competitive pricing and good customer service. However, they can also accommodate larger orders, and their Mix-and-match box kit option is a convenient choice for those with a variety of media types to transfer.
Sending Content
Packing up your Southtree box with home movies and family photos is pretty straightforward. They include safety barcodes for every item as well as a prepaid shipping label for UPS.
Getting Originals Back
Southtree wants you to have the best of everything. When choosing your digital copy, you can pick from digital download (cloud), thumb drive, and disk set. Then, when your order is converted and shipped back to you, you'll receive your Southtree box with all original items and new digital copies of your choice.
Southtree Process Time
It takes approximately 6 - 8 weeks once they receive your old media. You'll receive regular email updates throughout the process.
Final Thoughts
Bot iMemories and Southtree are generally good and well-known transfer services, and they help many people to relive their moments with their families.
In terms of acceptable media, they both offer a wide range of media, with exceptions where iMemories transfer DVDs and MiniDVDs and Southtree transfer audio formats.
iMemories offer a great way to access and share your files from anywhere via their cloud storage. On the other hand, not having an available option with Southtree leaves you wanting more. Besides, iMemories also has a shorter processing time than Southtree, and besides the shipping kit, you can mail your media in your own box.
In the end, it comes down to your personal choice and needs for the service.
If you're looking for a company with an established reputation that offers repairs and enhancements for specific media free of charge, then look no further than iMemories, from partnering with some of the most well-known brands in America to countless satisfied customers.