Frequently Asked Questions
Below you’ll find the most common questions we’re asked, but if you would prefer to chat about our services, please give us a call on 07539-290-306 EMAIL info@vintagemediatransfers.co.uk
What does Tape Baking actually mean?
With old videotapes, the layers within separate with age and shed a lot of oxide on the video recorder heads. Oxide shed from the tapes when played will end up unwatchable even if its a sticky tape after regular head cleaning.
At this stage it is vital to tape bake to recover whole or part of the recording or content will be lost forever-something nobody wants.
Basically, the process we use for tape baking bonds these layers together. This will buy enough time to capture both the audio and video pictures which would otherwise be irretrievably lost.
At Vintage Media Transfers, we can recover around 95% of tapes, although there will be some tapes which are just too far gone thanks to the nature of tape itself.
When you edit, what do you cut out from the original recordings?
The only things we cut out are the ‘starts and stops’ of your camcorder footage, or shots of the ground when cameras have been left rolling. Other than that, we keep all the original recordings as they are.
What exactly does ‘restoration’ mean?
This is when we first set the correct colour balance for your footage. We then get to work on improving your footage with various professional tools and filters within our Professional broadcast software, to making your recordings sound and look better than the original.
How do I place an order with you?
You can use the contact form on our website or email or telephone us with your requirements.
For UK clients, simply send you tapes in a parcel via Special Delivery (track and trace insured).
Or local clients can drop off in person via an appointment time slot phone for details.
For overseas clients, please use a courier and insure your parcel. Vintage Media Transfers takes no responsibility for loss or damage of tapes in the post. We send all media out to clients via Special Delivery, which will be signed for.
I have snapped tapes- can you repair them?
Yes, we can but only after a prior examination of your media. The price will depend on what is required. If they could damage our equipment unfortunately we cannot repair them, but in most cases, we can
How long will it take to complete my order?
Put simply, it will depend on the quality of the recordings supplied. This is because the restoration of audio and video takes time, unlike cheap direct copy services which only mirror the original.
Above all, we can guarantee your finished recordings will look better than before, which might not necessary take a short space of time but will definitely be worth it!
Will I get my original recordings back?
Yes, we always return all original recordings back to the client with their order (unless you have no need for the original obsolete media).
What if my tape or film is damaged?
All tape media is examined prior to any capture, before we make a test capture.
If we feel that the media could be damaged, or has a risk of being harmful to our equipment, we will not go ahead with the transfer.
For cine films, we can examine, clean and then repair, or add new splices or leaders, prior to scanning.
Furthermore, we can repair snapped tapes supplied by a client. but there is a charge depending on the media on top of your order.
Will my order be safe?
We ask all clients to use a Special Delivery track-and-trace service for your precious memories, unless you’re based in the local area you have the option of coming to us with your legacy media.
We take great care in the transfer and restoration of your treasured recordings and return all orders using national Special Deliveries (we do not use recorded deliveries). For international clients, we use a trustworthy courier.
My content on my tape is pretty short. Can you do any length?
There is a standard charge for all media we transfer which is measured per tape. This applies whether the footage is five minutes, or if it comprises a full tape. This is because we have to capture the complete tape on both sides on example audio tape or single side video double VC2000.
Can I have more than one copy of my recording?
Yes, of course, provided that the recordings are owned by you and you have the copyright. If you have the copyright clearance for a commercial, this is also fine. Copies are 50% less cost of original Order.
Is the quality of the work guaranteed?
Yes, all work is completed for the client to the highest standards. But if you are not entirely happy, we will refund in full, no questions asked.
Choose VMT and your audio or footage will be in safe hands. Douglas has over 25 years of experience in video restoration, and always goes the extra mile to preserve your memories. On top of this, he is a trained Multimedia Designer who hold a Higher National Diploma in Multimedia Design and Production and entrepreneur and Real Estate Video Specialist.