Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that you may have additional questions beyond what is covered in our FAQs, or may simply feel more comfortable talking with one of our sales or customer service associates before sending us your videos.

Customer Service

hours: Monday - Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm (PST)

phone: 509.996.4281

live chat:

e-mail: support@StashSpace.com

VHS to DVD Transfer Questions

How much does it cost to convert one of my videotapes?

StashSpace.com will convert your analog videotapes to digital for $6.95/tape for up to two hours of footage per tape.

Note: Most tapes contain less than 2 hours of footage; however in situations where more than 2 hours of footage exist an additional fee of $6.95/hour is incurred.
What video tape formats do you accept for transfer?

We accept most consumer format videotapes, including VHS, VHS-C, SVHS, 8mm (tape), Hi-8 (tape), Digital 8, mini-DV, DVCAM, DVCPRO, BetaMax, mini-DVD, regular DVD, and microMV. We also accept old Regular8 and Super8 film, as well as 16mm film (additional transfer costs apply). If you have another video format, please contact us, as chances are we accept it as well.
How long does it take for the videos I sent in to be posted online?

All video transfers are done here in the USA at our headquarters in Winthrop Washington. Our turn-around is typically 10 to 12 business days from the time we receive your video tapes until the time they are available for online viewing, editing and sharing. However, processing time may vary based on current volume; contact customer service for current turn around estimates.
What is the quality of video like for online viewing? What about my DVD? Is my DVD going to look like what I see online?
Delivering video over the Internet has it's limitations, for the optimal online viewing and editing experience we create a low resolution video stream from your original video. This Internet optimized video stream is 350 Kb/s with a 480 x 360 frame size.

DVDs will be of the best quality, and are created from your original high quality digital video file created during the video tape conversion process. Video tapes are captured in the Windows Media 9 format at 3 MB/s with a 720 x 540 frame rate.

By utilizing multiple video files and various bitrates we are able to deliver DVDs at the highest quality plus provide an amazing online viewing, sharing, and editing experience.
How many days do I have to create my custom DVDs?

If you have not signed up for a Premium Account with stashSpace, you have 60 days to create custom DVDs through stashBox, our online video editing software. If you are a Premium Account member, all your video is securely stored at stashSpace as long as you remain a Premium member, and you are able to watch, edit, store and share an unlimited amount of video.
I just want DVDs of my video tapes. Do I have to edit my video before ordering DVDs?

No, you do not have to do any editing if you don't want to. To have your video tapes placed directly onto DVD (One video tape per DVD) simply check the 'send me a DVD' option when placing your video transfer order. Basic DVDs (a.k.a. Archive DVDs) are $9.95 per DVD. Direct Video to DVD Order

These DVDs are an exact replica of your videotape, and come with a DVD-style menu with 30 evenly-spaced chapters throughout your video. Regardless of whether or not you order a Basic DVD, all of your converted videos will be available online for 60 days for online viewing, editing and sharing.
**Basic DVDs can only be ordered at the time you place your video transfer order**
How much do the DVDs cost?

We have two types of DVDs. Our Basic DVD (or Archive DVD) can be purchased for $9.95/DVD at the time you place your original video transfer order. The Basic DVD is an exact copy of your videotape on DVD, broken into 30 evenly spaced chapters with thumbnail scene images. Our Director's DVDs are created by our customers through stashBox, our online video editing and management system, and can be purchased for $14.95/DVD plus shipping. Director's DVDs can contain footage from any of your transferred videotapes, any uploaded video and even photo montages created through our photo sharing tools. DVDs can contain up to 3 hours of video footage.
Do I have to order DVDs?

No, you do not have to order physical DVDs to be a stashSpace customer. Many customers decide to use our services to handle the off-site storage and archiving of their home movies while privately sharing video with family and friends, or publishing public video feeds on their blog or MySpace account. Of course, you can always order Director's DVDs of any of your movies for just $14.95/DVD.
How many minutes of video can fit on one DVD?

Up to 3 hours of video can be placed onto a DVD.
Will my new DVD play in my home DVD player?

Yes, we guarantee DVD playback in your DVD player.
What's your return policy if I do not like my DVD?

We use the highest quality products from Pioneer, Mitsui Advanced Media, Spruce Technologies, Snell and Wilcox, Tascam, Viewcast and DPS. StashSpace Corporation provides a 100% money back guarantee or we'll replace your DVD if it is found to be defective upon viewing, up to 30 days after you have received your order. We do ask that you send us back the item you are returning and provide us with the manufacturer and model number of your DVD player so we can continually update our DVD compatibility list.
Do I have to pay sales tax on my order?

StashSpace.com operates in Washington State, and therefore we charge all Washington State customers 7.7% sales tax. Customers outside of Washington State are not charged sales tax.

Shipping & Handling Questions

Are my original videotapes sent back to me?

Of course! Your videotapes will be sent back to you about 30 days after your video is posted online.
How safe is it to send my videotapes through the mail?

We recommend sending your videotapes through a trackable shipping method by one of the three major shipping providers -- UPS, FedEx or the US Postal Service (with delivery confirmation). We have never had a consumer videotape lost in shipping either to or from our processing facility via one of these shipping methods. If you are shipping a large number of tapes, we do recommend splitting your shipment up into two or more separate shipments.
What are your shipping and handling fees for VHS to DVD transfer?

Shipping and handling fees are per order. DVDs ordered in the same 24 hour period are shipped together and only charged one shipping fee. Current shipping fees and typical delivery times are as follows:
- USPS Media Mail (up to 2 weeks) - $6.00
- UPS Ground (4 to 7 business days) - $8.00
- USPS Priority Mail (2-3 business Days)- $9.00
- UPS 3-Day Select - $13.00
- UPS 2-Day - $16.00
Where do I send my videotapes?

After placing your video transfer order you will get an e-mail with your order number and shipping instructions. Pack your tapes up carefully in a sturdy cardboard box or padded envelope, and send them with your order confirmation to:

StashSpace.Com
Attn: Shipping/Receiving
31 West Chewuch
Winthrop, WA 98862

If you are sending your tapes in a padded envelope, be sure the padding is provided by bubble-wrap. Some envelopes contain shredded wood fiber/pulp which is extremely dusty and will contaminate your videotapes if the envelope tears or rips during transit. We recommend using a sturdy cardboard box, with lots of extra bubble-wrap or packing peanuts to take up all the extra empty space & protect your tapes. Better yet, have your tapes professionally packed by the UPS Store, FedEx Kinko's or your neighborhood pack and ship store.

Film to DVD Transfer Questions

How do I find out what kind of film I have?

Your film is most likely Regular 8mm, Super8mm (silent or with sound) or 16mm film. You can visit our Film transfer section to learn more about our Film to DVD Transfer Service, or use our film identification guide to find out what kind of film you have.
Why is film transfer so expensive

Unlike our fully-automated VHS to DVD Transfer service, Film transfer is very labor-intensive and requires more oversight throughout the entire transfer process. As a result, the cost is much higher, as you are paying for both the equipment, expertise and labor required to complete a high-quality digital film conversion of your home movie memories.
Why do I get charged extra for shipping on my film transfer order?

Film weighs much more than its videotape counterparts. As a result, our standard shipping rates are insufficient to recover the actual shipping & handling costs that we incur for your order. We charge an extra $2.50 per 500 feet of film in your transfer order to cover these additional costs.

Video Sharing Questions

Can I upload my own video for sharing?
Yes you can! Not only can you send in videotapes for long-time archiving, sharing and delivery on DVD, you can also upload and share video that "just happened" for quick sharing of life's special moments caught on your digital camcorder, mobile phone, Flip Video, digital camera, or files on your computer.
What protection does my video have? How can I be sure that only my family & friends will be able to watch my video?

We treat the security and privacy of our client's video as our number one priority. Your videos are safeguarded by a number of custom access and privacy controls to allow your family and friends in, and keep the random visitor out. You have video-by-video and person-by-person sharing control to limit who can watch your videos and establish the level of access to your videos. Each share invitation has a unique code associated with it grating that recipient access. You can even remove access after a movie or album has been shared. With StashSpace, you have complete control.
How do I share my video with family and friends? Do they need to join to watch my video?
Simply add a persons name and e-mail to your people list and click 'share'. Take a look at our how to share video online guide to learn more. Share recipients simply click a link to begin watching the video you shared with them, no account or install is required.
How long can I share video through my free account or paid account?
Our free stashLite customers are able to share each uploaded video for 60 days. Standard and Premium Account holders get unlimited video sharing with no time limits as long as they remain an active member.

For video transfer orders, video is available to share for 60 days from the time the video is added to your account for stashLite and stashStandard customers. StashPremium members get unlimited video sharing of video tapes as well as uploaded content. See our pricing schedule for more details on account pricing and specifications.
Is there a quality difference in shared video between the free and standard or premium accounts?
Yes there is. stashLite video is shared at "web-quality" (300mbs at 240x320 pixels) whereas our stashStandard and stashPremium accounts enjoy higher-quality video sharing with both a higher bitrate and larger frame size (500kbs at 480x640 pixels). See our pricing schedule for more details on account pricing and specifications.
What makes StashSpace different from other video sharing services?

Video Acquisition - Transfer, Capture, and Import video from a multitude of sources

Other video sharing companies assume you already have video on your computer, or just want to share short clips. Only with stashSpace.com can you send in video tapes, capture video directly from your camcorder, import from your camera or flip video, or grab an entire video file, edit and organize your video into custom home movies to share with family and friends

Private network:

Although stashSpace.com allows you to publish individual clips to the web for inclusion in your personal blog or webpage, we have designed our service around the sharing and enjoyment of movies with your family and friends – NOT the entire Internet world. Each video is shared on a per-person, per-movie basis, ensuring that your movies are available only to those people with whom you wish to share.

Editing and publishing of your entire video library:

Life doesn’t happen in 60-second chunks – so why should you watch it that way? Only with stashSpace.com can you manage ALL of your home video content and create custom videos that your friends and family won’t sleep through boring, unneeded clips. Our online editing software allows you to scan an entire two-hour video in seconds using our video time line solution, located directly in the stashBox application. There are no limits on video size or length.

Do It Yourself, or have us do it for you:

Only with stashBox can you transfer your video library yourself using our software OR send your tapes in for processing into your account. For only $6.95/tape, you can have stashSpace.com convert your video tapes to high quality DVD format.

Video Editing Questions

What is stashBox?

stashBox is our web-based video preservation, viewing, editing and sharing tool. It can be downloaded from the stashSpace.com website for free. stashBox allows the user to upload and share videos with family and friends, as well as edit and publish them with just one click. Through this technology, customers can also create Hollywood-quality DVD’s complete with scene chapters and menu images.
Do I need Hi-speed Internet to use stashBox?

stashBox requires a high-speed Internet connection. Cable, DSL or satellite will work. Speeds over 350K work best, but the system will work with as low as 256K. Dial-up is not supported.
Will stashBox work on my computer?

Our online editing software is currently compatible with Windows operating systems through Windows Vista. Macs and Windows Vista 64-bit computers have limited support. We are currently in the process of updating our software for use on Macs, Windows 7, and Vista 64-bit.

Video Storage Questions

About StashSpace

How long has stashSpace.com been in the DVD conversion business?
stashSpace.com entered the market in 2000 and has been generating sales since April of that year. stashSpace.com hit the market when DVD streaming was just taking flight. Our company targets the professional videographer, the newlywed and the everyday technology savvy consumer. Our main goal is to get rid of the Do-it-yourself solutions by offering a way to preserve, edit and share your video content to DVD while at the same time delivering personalized authoring services at a lower cost and higher quality.