Old video tapes, film reels, slides and photo albums all fade with time, and the machines to play them are getting harder to find. Taupō has local services that convert them into digital files you can watch on a TV, computer or phone, and both on this page also take posted items from elsewhere in New Zealand. Here is what each one converts, how your items are handled and how to get them there.
1Digitizer
Digitizer is the media conversion service Wayne Frost runs in Taupō, turning VHS and other video tapes, 8mm and Super 8 film, photos, slides, cassettes, 8 Track and vinyl into digital files on a USB flash drive. Wayne holds a fine arts degree specialising in photography and a degree in digital technology, checks every item before converting it, and handles everything from a few prints to boxes of loose photos.
Services
- VHS, VHS-C, Mini8, MiniDV and Hi8 tapes to digital
- 8mm and Super 8 film transfer
- Photo and 35mm slide scanning, including bulk orders
- Cassettes, 8 Track, vinyl, CDs and DVDs to digital
- Photo restoration and colourising
Highlights
- Fine arts degree specialising in photography, plus a degree in digital technology
- Free return postage anywhere in New Zealand
- Drop-offs in Taupō by appointment
- Every item inspected first, with any restoration cost agreed before work starts
- Originals always returned, with your files on USB
Customer Feedback
Location & Contact
Name: Digitizer
Address: Servicing Taupō and NZ-wide by post
Phone: 021 0238 2799
Website: digitizer.co.nz
2Your Story in New Zealand
Your Story in New Zealand is a Taupō-based service run by Andrew Whyte, a broadcaster, photographer and visual artist, that scans slides and prints and converts VHS tapes and unprotected DVDs to digital. Scans are cleaned up and finished in Photoshop, video is delivered as files online with a private YouTube link to share, and items can be picked up and dropped off in Taupō or sent by tracked courier from anywhere in NZ.
Services
- Slide and print scanning
- Photo restoration and Photoshop finishing
- VHS tapes to digital video files
- Unprotected DVDs to digital video files
- Recorded life-story podcast interviews
Highlights
- Run by broadcaster, photographer and visual artist Andrew Whyte
- Free pick-up and drop-off in Taupō
- Tracked courier from anywhere in New Zealand
- Files delivered online, with private YouTube sharing for video
Location & Contact
Name: Your Story in New Zealand
Address: Taupō
Website: yourstorynz.com
VHS to Digital in the Explore Taupo business directory
How to Choose a VHS to Digital Service in Taupō
- Check they handle your formats. VHS is common, but VHS-C, MiniDV, Hi8, Super 8 film, cassettes and odd slide sizes are not covered everywhere. Send a photo of anything you are unsure about.
- Decide how you want the files. Some services return everything on a USB flash drive, others deliver files online. USB suits people who want something to keep in a drawer; online delivery suits families spread around the country.
- Ask how originals are handled. Find out whether your tapes, films and photos come back, how they are packed, and whether courier costs are included.
- Mention damage up front. Mouldy tapes, broken film and cracked or faded prints may need extra work. A good service tells you what is possible, and any cost, before starting.
- Plan where the files will live. Keep at least two copies, in different places, once your files come back.
Frequently Asked Questions About VHS to Digital in Taupō
Why should I convert old VHS tapes now?
Video tape wears out with age and every play, and working VHS players are getting harder to find and repair. Converting tapes while they still play well gives you the best copy you are likely to get, and the digital files will not degrade further.
Can damaged or mouldy tapes and photos still be converted?
Often, yes. Tell the service about any damage before you send items, and send photos of anything badly affected so they can assess it. Cleaning or restoration may add time and cost, so ask for that to be confirmed first.
What format will my digital files be in?
Video is usually supplied as MP4 files, which play on computers, phones and most modern TVs. Photos and slides are usually scanned to high-resolution JPEG files that can be viewed, shared and printed again.
Can I send items from outside Taupō?
Yes. Both services on this page accept items by courier from elsewhere in New Zealand. Pack them in a sturdy box with padding and include your name and phone number.
How should I look after the originals and the digital copies?
Store prints, slides and negatives somewhere dark, dry and at a steady temperature, and keep digital copies in more than one place, such as an external drive and an online account. Te Papa’s guide on how to care for photographs covers handling, storage and labelling.