Video tapes are delicate! They need to be stored carefully in order to prevent a process called binder hydrolysis, or “sticky tape,” from occurring. Sticky tape causes your videotape to literally stick together like glue, and it will eventually destroy the tape altogether. Frighteningly, there is no way to see whether this process has started outside of trying to play your tape and discovering it’s too late. If you discover your tapes won’t play- don’t fret! We might still be able to help.
Beat “Sticky Tape” to the Punch
How can you prevent your memories from being lost to “sticky tape” damage? The best solution is to convert your tapes to a digital format and cut the chemical reaction out of the equation altogether. Once your tapes are digital, the files are immune from chemical decay, and can be easily stored and shared.
Digital files have another benefit: they’re much easier to watch! No dusty VCR to drag out of the closet, and no risk of your tape being eaten. Your videotapes live on, ready to be enjoyed whenever you want to take a trip down memory lane.
We Transfer Over 20,000 Tapes Per Year
For over 20 years, Astound Video has been preserving nearly every type of video tape under the sun. Our technicians can spot flaws in video tapes from a mile away, and our workflows ensure that each tape transfer must pass multiple quality checks before making it back to you. We can even repair your damaged tapes, safely remove tapes stuck in your VCR or camcorder, and in some cases, reverse “sticky tape” after it’s started to recover your irreplaceable tapes.
But if you want tapes to look their best, not only do you need professional experience, you also need the best equipment. Our custom, purpose-built video tape transfer system is unlike anything else our competitors have to offer. And with hundreds of professionally maintained video tape players spanning dozens of models and formats at our disposal, we ensure the best gear and the right settings are used for each and every individual tape.
Getting Started is Easy
Whether you have one tape or hundreds, we make it easy to get started preserving them. Just gather up your video tapes and bring them in to one of our five Twin Cities metro locations. We’ll help you determine what tape formats you have, discuss your transfer options, provide tips on organization, and prepare a detailed quote.
After you place your order, we carefully label your tapes in the order you indicate and prepare them for transfer. Each tape is then inspected and cleaned as necessary. If we discover tapes that need significant repairs to transfer, we’ll give you a call. We do our best to match transfers to exactly what’s on your tape. Most tapes are not high definition, so your picture will be the absolute best that the tape allows it to be while staying true to the source.
After your tapes are transferred, we create a digital file for each tape, ready for delivery, or a DVD master for each tape. All DVDs utilize top-of-the-line archival-grade media (rated for 100 years) and proven thermal printing technology.
We’ll give you a call as soon as your order is completed, and all you have to do is pick it up and start enjoying and sharing your memories.
We also offer standards conversion for foreign tapes (like PAL) on most formats. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Ask us!
Astound Video is a family-owned, Minnesota-made company. We rely on the continued support of our fantastic customers to keep us here and keep jobs in our community. Thank you!
Nearly a quarter century old, you can rest easy trusting Astound Video to care for your irreplaceable memories. They won't leave our care until we hand them back to you.
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