UPDATE: Way overdue, but was beyond satisfied with click and am collecting more items to bring to them. They did a great job of pulling stuff from ancient media, and returned it to me in an extremely well-organized package with original media and new formats. Exceeded my expectations, and I'll be back!
3/9/16 This is a preliminary rating based on today's consultation and drop-off of media. Fully expect it'll be a 5-star review when I update it after receipt of final products!
After years of neglecting old pics and videos on various media, and inheriting more of the same, I finally bit the bullet and decided to start getting this stuff into a more compact usable format:
1) so I (and others) can actually see and enjoy it
2) so my kids aren't left with boxes of stuff to go through if something happens to me
3) to better ensure preservation for future generations, as my kids may very well want to just toss boxes of old media
4) before it's too late! Realized I really need to get it done before there is no way to get stuff off of this ancient media.
Wanted to use a local and specialty company, not mail-in, so found this place that has only one lil Yelp review, but an informative website, and not too far from me --- and called and spoke to Nick. Based on conversation, I brought in a smallish box with a variety of media to consult with him on how to best handle. Included:
- VHS C tapes
- Flip Video Cam
- Tons of disposable cameras, some of the underwater type, most only partially used
- XD disk
- Sony Media Sticks
- SmartMedia disks (oooold)
- 6 oooold film cameras with the film still in them, partially used (I didn't want to risk messing up the precious contents by trying to use up remainder and remove film myself)
Nick patiently explained how he'd go about handling these items, and best options for output. He took plenty of time with me (but I had called ahead to see when would be a good time to allow for consulting, so you shouldn't necessarily expect this with a walk-in when he may be busy).
When I apologized for being somewhat weepy (hey, these things contain precious memories from my late mom, other deceased relatives, and from my baby's earliest years!), Nick was SO kind and empathetic. Said this is not unusual; of course when people are bringing in old stuff it's usually packed with emotional memories by virtue of it being old!
I also like the back-story of this company. They took a chance and put everything into this type of service after their corporate company disintegrated. This tells me they care about the specific service they are providing, and likely put great effort into doing it well.
Nick said he's going to need to investigate best method for some of the media, and I appreciate this. I know mail-in labs must by nature of their business follow a scripted process, regardless of condition of media, which may not always be the best route.
I'm not sure what cost will be.... but figured worth getting started before it's not doable anymore. I have boxes more to get through - including audio cassette tapes (my mom was in a band and these are probably so fragile and crispy by now!) and VHS tapes. And personally I'd rather spend more if necessary to do business with people I can see in person, who may then feel more pride and accountability, and know they'll get more business and referrals from me if it goes well --- unlikely with a mail order service.
I asked Nick if he could try to provide output in some identifiable form, including descriptions when provided on the media (such as on VHS C cases), or at least names of camera/type and/or media type, and he assured me he would do this.
Very much looking forward to what comes.... and hoping I've found the right place to finally help me get through the boxes of precious memories that need to be turned into updated, usable formats.
Will update review after completion of project! read more
