MEDIA DIGITIZING SERVICE AGREEMENT
This Media Digitization & Transfer Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between Tommy House Studios (“Service Provider”) and the undersigned client (“Client”) for the purpose of converting analog media to digital format.
1. SERVICES PROVIDED
Service Provider agrees to perform analog-to-digital transfer services for Client’s media, which may include but is not limited to:
- VHS
- VHS-C
- Betamax
- Hi-8
- Mini-DV
- 8mm / Super 8 Film
Services consist of real-time playback and digital capture of provided media into a standard digital video file format unless otherwise specified in writing.
2. CLIENT MEDIA CONDITION ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Client acknowledges and understands that all analog media—particularly magnetic tape and motion picture film—is subject to age-related degradation, including but not limited to:
- Binder breakdown (“sticky-shed syndrome”)
- Tape stretching, warping, snapping, or tearing
- Film brittleness, shrinkage, warping, or perforation damage
- Mold, mildew, dust, dirt, or contamination
- Signal loss, dropouts, color fading, tracking issues, or audio distortion
Client further acknowledges that many tapes and films may be 30–60+ years old and were not designed for long-term archival preservation.
3. RISK OF DAMAGE & MEDIA FAILURE
Client expressly agrees and accepts that:
- Playback of aging tapes or film may result in breakage, tearing, snapping, or permanent damage
- Some media may fail during transfer, even when handled using professional equipment and best practices
- Service Provider is not responsible for damage caused by:
- Pre-existing weaknesses or deterioration
- Improper original storage conditions
- Manufacturing defects
- Prior use, previous transfers, or home recordings
Client authorizes Service Provider to attempt playback and transfer at Client’s sole risk.
4. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
To the fullest extent permitted by law:
- Service Provider shall not be liable for loss, damage, or destruction of original media
- Service Provider shall not be liable for loss of content due to unreadable, damaged, or failed media
- Service Provider’s total liability, if any, shall be limited solely to the amount paid by Client for the affected media transfer
No compensation shall be owed for sentimental value, historical value, or irreplaceable content.
5. DIGITAL OUTPUT QUALITY DISCLAIMER
Client understands and agrees that:
- Digital output quality is entirely dependent on the condition and quality of the original media
- Service Provider does not guarantee:
- Image clarity
- Color accuracy
- Audio fidelity
- Completeness of recordings
- Absence of visual or audio defects
- Transfers are provided as straight dubs unless editing, restoration, or enhancement services are specifically contracted in writing
Service Provider makes no warranties regarding improvement over the original recording.
6. NO GUARANTEE OF COMPLETE CONTENT
Client acknowledges that:
- Some tapes may contain blank sections, partial recordings, or overwritten content
- Some film reels may contain incomplete footage
- Service Provider is not responsible for missing, truncated, or previously erased material
7. TURNAROUND TIME
Turnaround times are estimates only and may vary based on:
- Media condition
- Total runtime
- Equipment availability
- Required handling or stabilization
Service Provider does not guarantee completion dates unless explicitly stated in writing.
8. CLIENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Client agrees to:
- Clearly label all media
- Identify any known issues or fragile items in advance
- Ensure contact information is accurate
- Retrieve original media and digital deliverables within the agreed timeframe
Unclaimed media may be subject to disposal after reasonable notice (90 days).
9. OWNERSHIP & CONTENT RIGHTS
Client represents that they own or have legal rights to all submitted media and content. Service Provider assumes no responsibility for copyright violations or unauthorized duplication.
10. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior discussions or representations. Any modifications must be made in writing and signed by both parties.
11. GOVERNING LAW
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed under the laws of the State of Alabama.
12. ACCEPTANCE
By submitting media for digitization, Client acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agreed to all terms and conditions outlined above.
VHS Tape Details
A standard VHS tape recording length depends on the speed at which it was recorded. The most common consumer recording times are:
- SP (Standard Play): up to 2 hours
- LP (Long Play): up to 4 hours
- EP / SLP (Extended / Super Long Play): up to 6 hours
Most blank VHS tapes were sold as T-120, which indicates 2 hours of recording time in SP mode. Many home recordings—particularly from the 1980s and 1990s—were recorded in EP/SLP to maximize recording time, meaning a single tape may contain up to 6 hours of footage.
For transfer purposes, the actual runtime on each tape determines the conversion time, as all transfers are completed in real time.
8mm & Super8 Film
- A full 3-inch reel holds 50 feet of film. Approx. 2-3 min of footage.
- A full 4-inch reel holds 100 feet of film. Approx. 5-6 min of footage.
- A full 5-inch reel holds 200 feet of film. Approx. 12-14 min of footage.
- A full 6-inch reel holds 300 feet of film. Approx. 19-22 min of footage.
- A full 7-inch reel holds 400 feet of film. Approx. 26-29 min of footage.
8mm film is transferred at 20fps. Old film is brittle and does (at times) require film lube/film guard and cleaning of the film for a better presentation. Being that old film is brittle and inherently fragile, we will work with what we have and process as best product as we can.
If the film breaks during transfer, we will splice and/or start the transfer back where the break occurred.
We will not be liable for any of the damages to film as it is inherent in the process of old film.
Once your transfer order has been completed, we will return your films along with your digital dubbed recording.