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Video Tape Transfer FAQ
How Many Video Tapes Will Fit on a DVD or Blu-ray Disc?
A Standard DVD will hold up to 2 hours and 5 minutes – which means each DVD will hold 1 tape that was recorded at Standard Recording Speed.
A single layer Blu-ray disc can hold 9.5 hours of standard definition content from video tapes such as VHS or Hi8 or MiniDV, or 3.5 hours of high definition content from HDV tapes.
A typical Standard Definition tape is 2 hours, so each Blu-ray disc can hold 4-5 of those tapes.
Ask us about using dual layer Blu-ray discs, which can hold more hours of content, but are not universal in compatibility with all Blu-ray players.
Tell me why I should buy a Blu-ray player?
Transfers to Blu-ray are far superior to DVD. Blu-ray is so much higher definition than DVD so it will bring out all of the quality of the original. And, because of the extra capacity of Blu-ray vs DVD, compression is not required. Compression reduces quality.
Blu-ray discs hold more video tapes per disc. Each tape is put into it’s own “Chapter,” labeled “Chapter 1, Chapter 2,” etc. that can be accessed from the disc menu. Optional custom chapter titles may be added.
DVD is an aging technology. Just like video tape and 8 Track, DVD is on its way out. It makes sense to use a technology that will last into the future.
See Info For Transferring
Video Tapes To Blu-ray
We can also transfer to Digital Files.
I can save money by combining my tapes on fewer discs, but then they aren’t separated into individual events, like Christmas, Vacation, etc. Is there a “best of both worlds” solution?
Yes…if you use Blu-ray! When you combine tapes, each one is in it’s own Chapter on the disc. By default, each chapter is numbered sequentially: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, etc. Optionally, you can order Chapter Titles that reflect the content of each tape. Significant savings are realized If you get extra copies of Blu-ray discs – even with the added fee for Chapter Titles – because fewer discs are required.
Don’t Have a Blu-ray player?
Check Amazon.com for models under $50 and up.
