Access digital files stored on media drive formats that are no longer commonplace on newly purchased computers and media players (i.e. many new devices rely on USB peripherals and wireless streaming to consume media content and do not include built-in disc drives).

Note: The library is not responsible for any damage customers may incur to their personal property when using this workstation

Central Library Digitization Station:

• Copy VHS to Computer Video File Format (.mpg format) (Manual)

George Bothwell Digitation Station:

• VHS to Digital - CyberLink PowerDirector software support

VHS tape to digital media file format service is available at Central Library and George Bothwell locations.

Convert VHS tape to commonly used digital media formats playable on computers, tablets, smartphones and other digital media players. 

Note: We have a VHS-C adapter available that can help you convert VHS-C and Super VHS-C camcorder cassettes to DVD. Ask at our Circulation Desk to borrow it for in-library use.

File sizes can be quite large and you may not be able to save a single large file (4GB or more) to your USB drive. This is due to limitations of the file system used by most USB drives (called FAT32) . We recommend using USB drives formatted to use the NTFS or exFAT file system. Which file system is right for you depends on a number of factors .

Software that provides basic image and video editing is provided on the Digitization Station.

Note: The library is not responsible for any damage customers may incur to their personal property when using this workstation.

Central Library Digitization Station:

• Copy VHS to DVD
  • One VHS to One DVD (Manual)
  • Multiple VHS to One DVD (Manual)

VHS tape to DVD service is available at Central Library and George Bothwell locations.

One Click conversion from VHS tape to DVD format (playable in DVD/Blu-ray players). This process converts content in real time. For example, one hour of tape will take one hour to convert over to DVD format. 

Note: We have a VHS-C adapter available that can help you convert VHS-C and Super VHS-C camcorder cassettes to DVD. Ask at our Circulation Desk to borrow it for in-library use!

Note: The library is not responsible for any damage customers may incur to their personal property when using this workstation.

The Super 8 Digitizer is only available at Central Library and is only offered with the assistance of staff and must be booked through the Digital Media Studio.

Super 8+ Scanner Reflecta

• The digitizer scans each individual frame and then combines them into a single video file. The scanning process can take a while (ex. 2.5 hours for a 3-minute reel of film) and does not include additional set up and editing time.

Note: The library is not responsible for any damage customers may incur to their personal property when using this equipment.

Central Library Digitization Station:

• Transfer One Photo per Scan (Manual)
• Transfer Multiple Photos per Scan (Manual)
• Regular Color Film (135 format)
  • Short Strip (less than 6 frames per strip) (Manual)
• Slide (135 format) (Manual)

George Bothwell Digitation Station:

• Scan Photos or Documents - EPSON Perfection software: manual |  FAQ