TechHelp Ottawa

We use the best equipment available to ensure the best quality possible from the S-VHS format.

S-VHS tapes are analogue, but they produce a higher resolution (definition) picture than conventional VHS tapes at a 4 X 3 aspect ratio (like with older TVs). See this YouTube video.

Yes, we can edit your S-VHS tape content, but additional fees will apply. Please ask us in advance about editing your S-VHS content.

NOTE: Sound restoration techniques can be applied to MP4 video files as well. This is particularly effective in reducing consistent background noise such as fans, air conditioners and hum, and in enhancing voices. Ask us to explain.

We use only the best equipment available, such as state-of-the art S-VHS to DVD transfer decks. We use Mac computers and advanced movie editing software for creating video files.

For just $7 more, the surface of each DVD is professionally imprinted with a custom-made label using an inkjet printing technique. Let us know at the outset if you would like to give us a picture that will be used in the label design. Each DVD is packaged in a paper sleeve for protection.

• The viewer chooses from one menu item at the beginning of the DVD.

• Since the DVD is imbedded with chapter markers, the "Skip" button on the remote control can be used to navigate forward at equal-intervals of 5 or 10 minutes. "Fast Forward" and "Rewind" buttons can also be used to to navigate through content.

• This method copies the entire VHS tape from beginning to end — blank spots and all — just like the original!

Scroll down to read our Frequently Asked Questions and Tips for Better Service

DVDs that have been transferred from S-VHS tapes will display a skewed line at the bottom of the screen when you watch the disks on a computer. This happens because, when tapes are transferred to DVD and watched on a computer display, we see the whole picture, including the part at the bottom that was meant to be hidden through a process called over-scanning.

When playing these same disks on a DVD player, however, this bottom line—produced by the NTSC video signal—is hidden from view because of over-scanning. Similarly, the electronics of S-VHS players hides this skewed line through over-scanning.

S-VHS tapes that are converted to MP4 video files are cropped at the bottom so that this line is not present.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT that tapes are organized and accurately labelled — preferably by numbers. This helps us to properly label the resulting DVDs.

If you can, please save us time by rewinding your tapes before delivering them to us.

It is very helpful when you can indicate to us the length of each tape. This can also save you money, as two short tapes (one hour or less each) can be put onto one DVD. Otherwise, each S-VHS tape is transferred to its own DVD, regardless of length (up to two hours).