Mini DV Tape to Digital Service
Your MiniDV camcorder tapes often hold life’s most important moments, but repeated playback and aging tape can cause glitches, dropouts, and frozen frames over time. Heirloom converts MiniDV tapes to high-quality digital files you can stream, download, and search—preserving both the original date/time burned into the video and added context inside your secure Heirloom digital vault.
What does Heirloom convert my MiniDV tapes into?
Heirloom converts each MiniDV tape into a high-quality MP4 digital video file. MP4 files are easy to stream, download, and share across phones, computers, and smart TVs, with blank footage removed when possible.
Why do MiniDV tapes glitch at important moments?
MiniDV tapes store precise digital data on fragile magnetic tape. Important scenes were often replayed more than any other part of the tape, causing extra wear, stretching, and data loss in those sections. As the tape ages, this wear shows up as pixelation, freezing, or audio dropouts—issues that typically worsen over time, making early preservation critical.
Can Heirloom recover video from glitching tapes?
Yes. Heirloom uses professional MiniDV playback equipment and careful capture methods to recover as much video as possible from glitching tapes. While some digital dropouts may be permanent due to tape damage, Heirloom focuses on preserving the maximum playable content before further degradation occurs.
Will the date & time burned into my MiniDV video remain?
Yes. Any date and time information that was recorded directly onto the video will remain exactly as it appears in the original footage. In addition, Heirloom allows you to add searchable text—such as dates, locations, people, or events—inside your Heirloom digital vault for easier discovery later.
Does Heirloom let me add searchable text to my videos?
Yes. Beyond preserving what’s already on the video, Heirloom lets you add custom text, descriptions, and context to your digitized MiniDV files inside your secure digital vault—making your memories easier to find, organize, and share.
What if my MiniDV tape turns out to be blank?
If a MiniDV tape is confirmed to be completely blank after professional playback attempts, it is automatically credited back. You only pay for tapes that actually contain recoverable video—no estimates, no wasted charges.
How are my digitized MiniDV videos delivered?
Your digitized MiniDV videos are delivered to your online Heirloom digital vault, where you can stream or download them anytime. Optional USB flash drives are also available. Heirloom does not deliver MiniDV conversions on DVD because digital files are safer, easier to back up, and built for long-term access.
How It Works
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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.
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Relive & Share
Enjoy your memories securely in the cloud. Download anytime. USB available if you want it.
Choose How to Deliver
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
