Some memories aren't lost, they're simply waiting to be played again.
VHS and camcorder tapes degrade a little more every year. I transfer them by hand, one reel at a time, onto digital files you can keep and share, giving every tape the full attention it deserves from the moment it arrives to the moment it's back in your hands.
Three easy steps to bring your old memories back to life.
Send or drop off
Bring your tapes to a local drop-off, or pack them into any box and mail them. I'll confirm as soon as they arrive.
I transfer, tape by tape
Every tape is cleaned, and repaired free of charge if needed, then played and captured in real time on calibrated decks in my own studio.
Receive your files
Digital files are delivered by download link, plus a USB stick if you'd like a physical backup too. Your original tapes are returned to you cleaned and in their original condition.
Your tapes are handled with real care while they're with me.
From the moment your order arrives to the day it's posted back, you'll get updates so you always know where things are at. This isn't a job I rush through, it's work I genuinely care about.
Simple, per-tape pricing. The more you send, the less each one costs.
Disclaimer: All tapes are handled with care. Due to the age and condition of some old VHS tapes, I cannot guarantee final quality or be liable for pre-existing damage or tape failure.
Wherever your tapes are, there's a way to get them to me.
Local drop-off
Drop tapes off in person and skip the packing. I'll text you a heads up when your transfer is ready.
- No shipping cost or risk
- Flexible drop-off scheduling
Mail-in
Pack your tapes into any sturdy box and send them in. I'll confirm receipt and treat them like my own.
- Works from anywhere in the country
- Arrival confirmation by email
Hi, I'm Jack Racovalis.
I founded JR Vintage Media as I found genuine interest in helping people and families save their memories. After wanting to save and watch my parents' wedding tape myself, I saw how much can ride on a single tape, and that's what the business is built around now: trust and integrity. Every order runs on my own decks, watched and logged by hand, because I know what it means when it's your family on the other end.
Outside of this, I work as a business advisor helping clients manage listings and confidently navigate selling their business, and I'm an active member of the Young Chamber of Commerce. When I'm not behind a tape deck, you'll usually find me at the gym, out hiking, or watching the AFL.
What families are saying.
I found an old box of family VHS tapes and wasn't sure what to expect. The transfers came back looking great and everything was organised nicely. It was an easy process from start to finish.
Really impressed with the quality of the digitised videos. Communication was clear, the turnaround was quick, and it was great seeing these memories again after so many years.
Fantastic service. My tapes were handled with care and the digital files were easy to access. It means a lot to have these family moments preserved.
I had several old VHS tapes converted and the whole experience was smooth. Everything was completed on time and the results were exactly what I was hoping for. I would happily use this service again.
Professional, reliable, and straightforward. The videos turned out better than I expected and it was wonderful being able to share them with my family. Highly recommended.
Good service, fast turn around. Cheers!
Questions people ask before sending their tapes.
VHS makes up most of what comes through the door, but the other common home video formats are covered too, including S-VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Video8, Digital8 and MiniDV. If your tape isn't listed here, get in touch with a photo of it and I'll let you know whether it's something I can handle.
I clean and, if needed, repair tapes at no extra cost before transferring. Some very old or heavily damaged tapes still won't play well, and I'll always let you know before charging for anything unexpected.
Yes. I work with VHS, VHS-C, MiniDV, and Hi8 camcorder tapes, and pricing is based on the total number of tapes across all of these formats.
Not at all. That strip of static is called overscan, and it exists on every VHS recording. Old CRT televisions trimmed a small border off the picture before displaying it, so nobody ever saw it. Flat screens don't trim anything, they show the full frame from edge to edge, which brings that hidden strip into view. The transfer hasn't introduced it, the tape has always carried it.
Yes. NTSC VHS and camcorder tapes go through the same process as standard tapes, with nothing added to the price.
Often, yes. Snapped tape, worn shells, and similar issues can usually be repaired free of charge before transferring. Every tape is assessed individually, and if one truly can't be saved, I'll let you know before doing any work.
Your home movies are left exactly as they are. The only material removed is taped TV shows and movies, along with blank or dead footage at the start and end. I'll only transfer TV content if you've asked me to.
Ready to see what's on those tapes?
Get a free quote