Best 8mm Tapes To Digital Company Service: Buyer's Guide for 2024

1. Our top picks
2. Comparison table
3. iMemories
4. Legacybox
5. EverPresent
6. Forever Studios
7. ScanCafe

Summary of Our Top Picks

Over the span of the 80s and 90s, a notable array of generations opted to safeguard their treasured memories on 8mm tapes. This pattern persisted into the early 2000s, encapsulating a significant era. It's intriguing to observe how even the early 2000s embraced this technology, reflecting its enduring impact.

It's quite plausible that many individuals possess these sentimentally charged artifacts within the confines of their residences.

Gleaning insights from seasoned film experts, it's discerned that camera tapes like Video8, Digital8, and Hi8, among others, begin to exhibit markers of aging as they traverse the 20-year mark.

Considering this, if you’re in possession of these treasured home tapes, the time has come to preserve their essence by transforming them into a digital format.

To simplify and ensure a seamless conversion process, we’ve meticulously curated a selection of reputable professional services specializing in the conversion of these tape types. This way, you can effortlessly discover the perfect match that aligns with both your requirements and your budget.

Best 8mm Tapes To Digital Service Comparison Table

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1) iMemories

Are you seeking top-tier results coupled with unparalleled convenience and affordability? Your search ends here, with iMemories. A stalwart in the realm of preserving memories since 2006, iMemories boasts the trust of a staggering 1 million customers.

Though headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, their reach extends far and wide across the continental expanse of America. This is made possible by their ingenious online platform, which empowers customers to effortlessly place orders and dispatch their 8mm tapes from any corner of the nation. The process is elegantly simple: opt for their proprietary SafeShip kit, pack your tapes securely using the provided protective bags, and deposit them in the box. No need for meticulous labeling or organizational efforts that other services may demand.

For those who harbor concerns about shipping their cherished tapes, iMemories quells anxieties with their meticulously tracked SafeShip kit. Every step of your media’s journey is communicated, keeping you well-informed. Notably, iMemories raises the bar by enhancing your media’s quality at no extra cost—a feature that could set you back $5-$20 per tape with alternate services.

Once your 8mm tapes are converted into digital treasures, you gain the freedom to select your preferred digital storage medium. The options span a spectrum: their app, which doubles as a cloud storage solution, free digital downloads, portable flash drives, timeless DVDs, or the high-definition brilliance of Blu-ray.

Urgency finds its match with iMemories, as their turnaround time ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, contingent on the volume and nature of your media collection. For those seeking expedited processing, an optional acceleration can be acquired for a nominal additional fee.

Regarding the pricing, iMemories offers a competitive rate. The price for each 8mm tape is set at $14.99 with the current 50% discount.

Testimonials Speak Volumes!

Genuine insights into the efficacy of a service can be sourced from platforms like Trustpilot and Sitejabber. These sources resound with the harmony of satisfied customers, mirrored by exceptional ratings. With a Trustpilot rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 300 reviews and a staggering Sitejabber rating of 4.75 out of 5 from over 13,000 reviews, iMemories earns its rightful place as the preferred choice for a multitude of discerning customers.

In summation, iMemories’ popularity is a testimony to its unwavering commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

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2) Legacybox

Legacybox stands shoulder to shoulder with iMemories, sharing both prominence and popularity. Hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, this service boasts a history dating back to 2007 and has gracefully preserved over 100 million tapes and photos. Like its counterpart, Legacybox thrives as an online-based digitization enterprise, further streamlining the process of ordering and sending your cherished media.

Their approach revolves around the employment of box kits, available in varying sizes and price tiers, contingent on the quantity of items you wish to digitize – in this context, videotapes.

These box kits span four different sizes:

• Starter Kit: Designed for 2 videotapes, this entry-level offering is priced at $30.
• Family Kit: Tailored to accommodate 10 videotapes, this package is priced at $140.
• Closet Kit: Envisioned for 20 videotapes, this comprehensive solution is priced at $280.
• Trunk Kit: Aptly spacious to hold 40 videotapes, this extensive offering comes at a price of $550.

Important to note is that the prices mentioned above are discounted prices, applicable as of the writing of this guide. Also, you can either pay in full or opt for 4 interest-free installments using Shop Pay.

The process of placing an order with Legacybox takes a slightly different trajectory compared to iMemories. Prior to initiating an order, it’s recommended to assemble and tally the number of videotapes you intend to have converted. This count serves as the foundation for selecting the appropriate box kit size. Should you come across additional tapes in the interim, worry not – each kit is accompanied by supplementary labels, affording you the flexibility to append extra items. The cost for these additions will be billed separately.

The box kit itself arrives complete with all essential components thoughtfully provided. Inside, you’ll discover a comprehensive guide to assist you, a prepaid shipping label for your convenience, and individual barcodes that should be affixed to each item you wish to digitize. Your task is straightforward: neatly pack your tapes within the box, attach the shipping label, and conveniently drop it off at any UPS location.

Upon reaching the Legacybox service, you’ll promptly receive notification of their safe arrival. Subsequently, the digitization process takes center stage. It’s important to note that Legacybox doesn’t introduce any enhancements to your tapes during this phase. Rather, their focus lies in delivering the highest quality conversion feasible. The overall outcome hinges on the initial condition of your tapes.

Following the conversion of your videotapes, you’re presented with various options for transferring the digital content. This includes the choice of utilizing cloud storage, a practical flash drive, a comprehensive disc set, or even a one-time-only digital download.

As for the timeline, anticipate a processing period of approximately 10 to 12 weeks from the moment Legacybox receives your tapes. 

Acknowledging the extended processing time, they offer three expedited options for an additional fee:

1. Standard Processing: This mode typically spans around 10 to 12 weeks, with variations linked to the inbound volume of requests.
2. Expedited Processing: This expedited route condenses the timeline to a shorter span of 3 to 4 weeks.
3. Guaranteed Rush Processing: For those in need of urgency, this accelerated option ensures completion within a swift 10 business days.

Legacybox’s array of processing choices is designed to cater to your individual needs, offering flexibility in timelines to better suit your preferences.

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3) EverPresent

EverPresent, nestled in Newton, Massachusetts, boasts a widespread presence with more than 50 physical locations. With an annual conversion count exceeding 100,000 videotapes, their impact in the preservation realm is substantial.

Diverging from the previous services, EverPresent has cultivated its own unique way of working. Instead of offering shipping kits, they present a trio of alternatives: you can personally drop off your tapes at one of their locations, dispatch your box via mail, or even arrange for a home pickup service throughout the northeast.

EverPresent introduces a distinctive pricing strategy, setting them apart. Their approach entails providing you with a comprehensive overview of the technical options prior to any commitment. The evaluation process is cost-free, and there’s no upfront payment requirement. Notably, they charge based solely on the work conducted and not according to the count of items.

Their range comprises four distinct converting packages:

Package	Details
Digital Package	First 10 Tapes: $19.99/tape, Afterwards: $15.99/tape Transforms into .mp4 for both Mac & PC 60 days on EverPresent app: cloud space, boundless sharing & downloads Covers: VHS/VHS-C, Hi8/8mm/Digital8, MiniDV, Betamax Extra charges: PAL, SECAM (+$10), diverse formats (+$20) Specialized video tweaks: $95/hour
Signature Package	First 10 Tapes: $27.99/tape, Afterwards: $22.99/tape Transforms into .mp4; label transcription available Choice of personalized USB or DVD 60 days on EverPresent app: cloud space, boundless sharing & downloads Same coverages & extra charges as Digital Package
Family Bundle	First 10 Tapes: $36.99/tape, Afterwards: $29.99/tape Transforms into .mp4; label transcription available Triple custom-labeled copies (DVD/USB options) 1-year on EverPresent app: cloud space, boundless sharing & downloads Same coverages & extra charges as previous packages
Professional Package	Upgrades to ProRes 422 HQ .mov primary files Restoration and essential adjustments when needed Optional .mp4 streaming files Label transcription into file titles Hard drive cost hinges on storage size (around $65–$95) 60 days on EverPresent app (just for streaming .mp4 files) Same coverages & extra charges as previous packages

Although a specified turnaround time isn’t provided, EverPresent notes on their website that more than 80% of their projects are completed within a single month.

When it comes to customer feedback, EverPresent earns commendable ratings, scoring 4.6 out of 5 on Reviews.io, 4.1 out of 5 on Yelp, and 3.2 out of 5 on Trustpilot. This collective feedback speaks to their standing as a reliable option for preserving your cherished memories.

4) Forever Studios

Forever Studios has etched its legacy in the preservation domain since 2007, with their operational hub situated in the vibrant locale of Boca Raton, FL. What sets them apart is their multi-faceted approach – not only do they excel at digitizing media, but they also engage in enhancing and restoring photos, alongside crafting personalized handcrafted photo artworks.

When it comes to digitizing videotapes, Forever Studios presents you with three distinct pathways. Firstly, you have the option of requesting their Home Ship kit. Alternatively, if you’re located in South Florida, you can avail the Local Pick Up service. For those seeking a hands-on approach, a visit to their headquarters for personal delivery is also on the table.

The Home Ship Kit mirrors the approach we’ve previously discussed, with a few nuances. Specifically, you’re prompted to input the number of tapes you’re dispatching. Additionally, Forever Studios offers two pricing tiers for videotapes.

For standard format tapes like VHS, VHS-C, Hi-8, and Mini DV, the conversion rate stands at $11 per tape. On the other hand, pro format tapes such as Beta, Umatic, DVC Pro, and DV CAM entail a cost of $25 per tape for conversion. After this step, you’re granted the choice between standard quality (retaining video and audio akin to the original) or enhanced quality (featuring heightened color, clarity, and audio) at an additional $5 per tape. The final decision rests on selecting the digital storage medium, ranging from USB drives, cloud storage, DVDs, to personalized USB boxes.

The turnaround time at Forever Studios spans approximately 3 weeks, and for those who require expediency, a paid rushed service is available to cater to your urgency.

In the realm of customer satisfaction, Forever Studios garners glowing accolades. They hold a pristine 5 out of 5 rating at Reviews.io and a commendable 4.0 out of 5 at Trustpilot.

For those inclined toward converting audio media, Forever Studios extends their expertise to accommodate your needs seamlessly. Their commitment to preserving memories in various forms solidifies their standing as a comprehensive and reliable service provider.

5) ScanCafe

ScanCafe stands tall among the vanguard of photo scanning services, yet they extend their prowess to include the conversion of 8mm tapes as well. Fusing the facets of quality and professionalism, they channel their efforts to extract the finest essence from your media, leaving you with a sense of contentment and fulfillment. Demonstrating their commitment to your precious memories, they even undertake the task of repairing your videotapes without imposing any extra charges.

At every juncture of the process, your media is meticulously tracked. You’re granted the privilege of monitoring the real-time status online, ensuring transparency throughout.

The procedure adheres to the simplicity exhibited by prior services. While ScanCafe doesn’t furnish a box kit, you’re required to send your materials in your chosen container. Your tapes embark on their transformational journey within the confines of the Indianapolis lab, with a turnaround period of 3 to 4 weeks. If time is of the essence, the option of express processing can be seamlessly added during the ordering process.

The fruits of the conversion process find their way onto platforms like flash drives, hard drives, or through the convenience of digital downloads.

Pertaining to the financial aspect, the conversion of 8mm video tapes comes at a cost of $28 per tape.

It’s heartening to note that ScanCafe earns accolades from their clientele, manifesting in an impressive 4.6 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot. This resounding endorsement from their customers is a testament to their dedication to delivering exemplary service.

6) Nostalgic Media

Nostalgic Media stands as a true pioneer, boasting a legacy that spans back to 1989. Their unrivaled expertise in the realm of service duration is evident, providing you with a trusted avenue to preserve your 8mm tapes with unwavering confidence. An assurance like no other, they stand by their work - if their efforts fall short of satisfying you, they’re committed to re-digitizing your tapes at no extra expense. Should you remain discontent, they’re prepared to offer a full refund.

In contrast to box kits, Nostalgic Media adopts a different approach - you’ll either have to mail your media or personally drop them off at their store.

Their videocassette conversion service encompasses a comprehensive offering:

• Free DVD: Each tape is accompanied by a complimentary DVD.
• Free USB Flash Drive: For those submitting 4 or more tapes and opting for MP4 digital files, a USB flash drive is provided at no additional cost.
• No Charges for Blank or Damaged Tapes: You won’t find any unexpected fees for tapes that turn out to be blank or damaged.
• Original Tapes Returned: Rest assured that all your original tapes are returned to you.
• Average 7 Business Day Turnaround: Their efficiency translates to an average 7-business day turnaround time.

The pricing for tape conversion commences at $30 per tape. For quantities ranging from 2 to 10 tapes, the price per tape is $14, exhibiting a decreasing per-tape cost as the cassette count increases.

While information regarding enhancement or editing options for videotapes is scarce, they do extend the service of tape repair at a rate of $20 per tape.

In terms of customer feedback, Google reviews provide a window into their service quality, reflecting a commendable 4.9 out of 5 rating. This high regard from their customers underscores their commitment to delivering top-notch service.