DIGITAL LIFE BACKUP

Old tapes. Lasting memories.

Family celebrations, childhood moments and voices you do not want to lose deserve more than a box in the closet. Digital Life Backup at Normal Gadgets helps Bloomington-Normal families explore transferring VHS tapes and other supported media into digital files that are easier to watch, save and share.

Illustrative family sharing memories with a VHS tape and vintage camcorder

Bring your memories to a local team

Start by bringing your tapes to our Bloomington shop, or call and tell us what you have. We review the format, condition and available transfer options before getting started. If you are unsure what kind of tape you own, bring it in rather than guessing or buying playback equipment.

VHS and other media: confirm the format first

VHS is a starting point for the program. Other media require a format-specific review before we can confirm service. Do not assume that every tape, film, disc or recording format is supported. Tell us the approximate number of items and whether any are visibly damaged or have known playback problems.

A quote based on your collection

Transfer cost and turnaround depend on the supported format, quantity, condition and requested output. Ask how your digital files will be delivered, what storage is needed and which playback devices you plan to use. We will review the available options with you before you approve the job.

Digital files still need a backup plan

Once your files are delivered, check that you can open them and keep more than one copy in separate locations. Ask us about data-transfer and backup help if you need it. Transfer quality depends on the source recording; digitization does not guarantee that damaged or unreadable recordings can be recovered.

Questions before you visit?

Can you transfer my family VHS tapes to digital files?

Bring your VHS tapes in so we can review their condition and available transfer options through Digital Life Backup. We will discuss the job before you authorize it.

Can you handle formats other than VHS?

Possibly, but we need to identify the format and confirm the available service first. Bring the item or call with the label information. Support for all tape, film or disc formats is not implied.

How much does VHS conversion cost?

We provide a quote after reviewing the collection, format, condition and output requirements. Call 309-807-3333 or bring your tapes to our shop.

Can you repair damaged recordings or improve the picture?

That depends on the source condition and available options. Transfer cannot create detail that was never recorded, and damaged or unreadable media may not be recoverable. Let us review the items first.

How will I receive my digital files?

We will discuss the available delivery and storage options before the job begins. Tell us whether you want to watch on a computer, television or another device so we can review a suitable option.

Is this the same as computer data recovery?

No. Media transfer converts a supported recording into a digital file. Data recovery attempts to retrieve files from a device or storage medium. Tell us what you have so we can discuss the appropriate service.

Visit Normal Gadgets in Bloomington

Locally owned. Serving Bloomington-Normal since 2012.

802 S. Eldorado Rd., Suite A2
Bloomington, IL 61704

Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

fixme@normalgadgets.com

Get directions · Explore all repair services · Contact us