Preserve your memories before time (and tape) erases them.
Character Driven offers careful, local conversion of legacy media to modern digital files on a USB stick. We specialize in analog-to-digital transfers — the home movies and recordings that are hardest to replace and easiest to lose.
What we convert
- 8mm video (pre-digital Video8) → USB
- VHS → USB
- MiniDV (DV Mini) → USB (transferred using Canon XL1s)
- Vinyl (records) → digital audio files (WAV/MP3) by quote
Note on 8mm tape labels: On pre-digital 8mm tapes, the words “Hi8” or “Digital” typically do not appear on the label or packaging. If you’re unsure what you have, please send a photo of your tape(s) and we’ll help identify them.
Why timing matters
Older analog tapes are often the most vulnerable to age and storage conditions. Depending on how they’ve been kept, tapes can degrade over time — and when that happens, the audio and picture can be permanently lost. If you’ve been meaning to convert them “someday,” this is one of those projects that’s worth doing sooner rather than later.
Pricing
$20 per tape (8mm, VHS, or MiniDV) for standard transfer.
- USB stick at cost (or you can provide your own).
- Post-production editing / enhancement available by quote: trimming, cleanup, tracking adjustments, combining clips, basic audio levelling, etc.
- Vinyl conversion is available by quote (depends on quantity and whether cleanup is requested).
Need multiple copies or a second USB for family? Just ask.
How it works
- Message us with what you have (and photos if you’re unsure).
- Drop-off / pickup (local arrangements) or we can discuss the safest delivery method.
- We convert in real time with dedicated playback and capture gear.
- You receive a USB with your files, and your original media is returned.
What you receive
- USB stick containing your converted files (commonly MP4 for video; WAV/MP3 for audio)
- Original tapes / records returned to you
- Clear file naming (by date or tape label, whenever possible)
Plug-and-play: Most modern TVs and computers can play USB video files directly.
FAQ
Can you improve the quality?
We aim for the best possible capture from the source media. Optional enhancement is available by quote (cleanup, trimming, stabilization, audio levelling, etc.). Some limitations are inherent to older formats, but careful capture makes a big difference.
Do you keep my originals?
No — your original tapes/records are returned. We treat your media respectfully and handle it locally.
How do I know what format I have?
If you’re unsure, send a photo of the tape(s). For 8mm in particular, pre-digital tapes often won’t say “Hi8” or “Digital.” A quick photo usually solves it.
What affects tape condition?
Heat, humidity, smoke, dust, and storage conditions can all affect playback. If a tape is fragile or unstable, we’ll tell you what we’re seeing and discuss the best next step.
Get started
Use our contact form to send a message with:
- Format(s): 8mm / VHS / MiniDV / Vinyl
- How many tapes/records
- Any labels/dates you want preserved in file names
- Photos (if you’re unsure what you have)
Subject suggestion: Analog to Digital Conversion
Tip: If your tapes have sentimental or irreplaceable moments, consider prioritizing those first.