Professional Video to Digital Service
Your professional video tapes—including broadcast and studio formats like Betamax, U-Matic, Betacam, and DVCam—often contain irreplaceable footage that can’t be trusted to aging playback equipment. Heirloom specializes in converting professional video to high-quality digital files, using calibrated gear and archival handling to deliver accurate, secure digital masters you can stream, download, and preserve long-term.
What is considered a professional video tape format?
Professional video tapes are broadcast-grade formats used by TV stations, production studios, schools, and corporations. These include formats like Betamax (broadcast use), 3/4-inch U-Matic, Betacam, Betacam SP, DVCam, DVCPro, and other studio or field-production tapes that require specialized playback equipment.
Why do these tapes need a special conversion service?
Professional formats were recorded to much tighter technical standards than consumer tapes and often require calibrated decks, time-base correction, and experienced handling. Many general digitizing services lack the equipment or expertise to safely play these tapes, increasing the risk of damage or failed capture.
Can Heirloom digitize broadcast & studio master tapes?
Yes. Heirloom regularly works with broadcast-quality and archival video tapes, including masters and field recordings. Each tape is evaluated individually to ensure proper playback settings and the most accurate digital capture possible.
What if my tape hasn’t been played in decades?
That’s common. Professional tapes are often stored for long periods without playback, which can lead to stiffness, shedding, or signal instability. Heirloom carefully inspects and prepares each tape before digitization to reduce stress on aging media and maximize recoverable content.
Will my video retain its original quality and framing?
Yes. Heirloom captures professional tapes at their native resolution and aspect ratio, preserving the original framing, timing, and visual characteristics of the source. The goal is an accurate, archival-quality digital master—not a compressed or altered copy.
Are pro videos handled differently than home videos?
Yes. Professional video formats are treated as archival assets, with additional attention to signal stability, playback alignment, and file integrity. This approach is especially important for institutional footage, historical recordings, and one-of-a-kind masters.
How are digitized professional video files delivered?
Your converted professional video files are delivered as MP4 files to your secure Heirloom cloud vault, where they can be streamed or downloaded anytime. Optional USB delivery is available. Heirloom does not rely on DVDs, which are unsuitable for long-term preservation of professional-grade content.
How It Works
-
Deliver Your Old Media
Buy a secure shipping box or label.
Drop it off at any UPS Store. -
Review & Approve
We count and classify everything using our published prices. You approve before we digitize.
-
Relive & Share
Enjoy your memories securely in the cloud. Download anytime. USB available if you want it.
Choose How to Deliver
-
Buy a Labeled Box
Put everything into one of our secure boxes. Drop off at any UPS Store. Starts at only $25 and includes the return of your old media.
-
Use Your Own Box
Add this label to any box and ship it today! Drop off at any UPS Store. Only $20 for any size box and includes the return of your old media.
-
Self Ship to Heirloom
Already have a preferred shipper? Go ahead and self ship. This is a great option if you're not very concerned about the return of your old media.
-
Deliver In Person
No appointment needed. Get expert help from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday from our facility at 11 eWall Street in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

