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Southtree (May 2025) logo

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How It Works

How does Southtree digitization work?

What does Southtree have to do with digitization and what’s a Southtree Converter Box? Great questions, let’s answer them!. What is digitization?. Digitization is taking old home analog media - things like pictures, videotapes, and film - and turning

Can you convert my tapes? Is it a high quality transfer?

Yes! We convert most consumer video tapes. Our digitizing process produces a digital video that remains faithful to the original footage, as we aim to achieve a one-to-one quality match. We deliver your digital videos on high quality DVDs and/or mp4

Can I play my thumb drive on my TV?

Our thumb drives are formatted specifically for computers, so while it is possible that the thumb drive we create will work in your smart TV, we cannot guarantee that it will. In fact, sometimes plugging your thumb drive into your smart TV will cause

Why are my audio reels split into multiple files?

This is a really great question, and there are a couple reasons as to why. 1. Better compatibility with Cloud platforms.2. Better compatibility with USB storage.3. Better compatibility with CDs, at maximum quality.The first reason is that some Cloud

Why are my tapes split into multiple files?

This is a really great question, and there are a couple reasons as to why. 1. Better compatibility with Cloud platforms.2. Better compatibility with USB storage.3. Better compatibility with DVDs, at maximum quality.The first reason is that some Cloud

Why is my film reel split into multiple files?

Excellent question! Sometimes, due to the age of the reel, it is necessary to stop the recording and repair any damage from bad film, or old splices before proceeding.This normally happens when a splice in the reel comes undone during the transfer. S

How do I access my thumb drive files?

Using your thumb drive is as simple as plug and play!. From there you can enjoy your converted memories!

What is the video quality?

There's a lot of factors to take in when it comes to video quality. Here's some helpful definitions. Given these definitions, what does that mean for your digitized videos?. Your digitized tapes will be converted to 480p at about 24-29 frames per sec

What is your privacy policy?

Great question!. Given that we are handling our customers' precious and personal memories, privacy is of utmost importance to us. We've crafted an extensive privacy policy that you can look at here.

Do you repair film?

Our repair service is limited to splicing; we don't offer a comprehensive film repair service. We recommend having any major repairs done prior to sending in your film. If we’re unable to digitize your film, our technicians will leave a note on it. W

Can I send my photo items to you in albums, frames, cases, carousels, or sleeves?

Unfortunately not. We require that photos, slides, and negatives be sent loose leaf, in groups of 25, packaged in ziploc style baggies or envelopes. Each group of 25 photos/slides/frames should then be labeled with one of the provided barcode sticker

Does my Southtree Box expire?

We completely understand that life happens and you might forget about your Southtree box. No need to worry! We don't want your purchase to go to waste. There is, however, an expiration date for your box and your prepaid shipping label. Your pre-paid

Do you offer gift certificates?

We offer E-Deals — our digital version of a gift certificate.E-Deals are printable vouchers that can be given as gifts to other people (or to treat yourself)! Our vouchers cover the cost of conversion and the digital download. DVD/CD sets and thumb d

How do Southtree Groupon vouchers work?

Groupon vouchers can be a great way to get an awesome deal on Southtree services! You can find information below on how they work, along with important information on terms of use and restrictions. What types of Groupon vouchers are available?. There

Do you provide services internationally?

We do not ship internationally at this time. We currently fulfill orders within the contiguous U.S. only. Southtree does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, APO/FPO/DPO addresses or P.O. boxes.

How do I unsubscribe from texts and/or emails?

We're sorry to see you go! But we understand wanting to receive fewer notifications. To Unsubscribe from Text Messages. If you'd like to stop receiving texts messages, just reply to the last text message you received from us with the word STOP. This

What is the price of an extra item?

Extra items are only $17.99 each. We provide extra barcodes with every Southtree Box, giving you the flexibility to send in extra items. Just apply the additional barcodes to the extra items and include them in your Southtree Box, and you're set!. On

Can I drop off my media in person?

That's a great question! We require that you place an order here and ship your items to us after receiving your Southtree shipping box in the mail. In order to ensure that our service is as efficient and safe as possible, we do not accept hand-delive

How do I get the digital files on my computer?

Moving the digital files to your computer is as easy as dragging and dropping them! Simply insert your Digital Copy disc or USB thumb drive into your computer, wait a second for it to load, and then drag and drop them wherever you like. Because of ho

What are the dimensions of your boxes?

Great question!. We'd first want to clarify that the dimensions don't determine how many items you can send in, as you pay up front for a pre-selected number of items to be converted. Additionally, you don't necessarily have to use our box! If you ha

Can you convert 110 Format Slides?

Yes! At this time, we are able to convert the following photo formats:.

Do you send back my originals?

Absolutely!. We understand how important, and even irreplaceable, your originals items are. So we always make sure to return your original items with your completed order.

Is it safe?

Yes!. We're the leader for home movie and photo conversion. We've served over 250,000 families and created well over one million DVDs and digital files for customers all over the country. Mail-in processing isn't new, it's something you've done throu

What do I get back?

Through our trusted shipping partner, your Southtree order will be returned to you once the digitization process is complete. We provide tracking information with updates the whole way, letting you know where your order is in the process. In your com

What's the format of the digital files?

Great question!. We encode videos in MPEG-4, mirroring the quality of your original media as closely as possible. Audio tapes and reel-to-reels are saved as WAV files, while photos are saved as JPEG images. The MPEG-4, or MP4, files are a common vide

I have an iPad or newer computer - I don't want DVDs

Awesome! DVDs were great in the 2000s, but times have changed. Thumb drives or digital download are a great way to share your memories with friends and family. By selecting one of these options, you will receive back your files in a digital format, r

Do you ship to Hawaii and Alaska?

Currently, Southtree only offers services to the continental United States. We cannot ship to Hawaii or Alaska.

What formats do you convert?

Formats. We convert almost all consumer formats of videotapes, photos, film reels, and audio. If you bought it from a big box store, odds are we can digitize it! Here's a full list of formats we can digitize:. Videotapes:. A note on foreign tapes: We

Why should I digitize my home videos and photos with Southtree?

Your memories are fading — the time to preserve them is now!. Assuming your VCR hasn’t already “eaten” them, the average lifespan of your home videotapes is only 15 years! Slides begin to degrade at around 20 years.We operate one of the largest and m

How many DVDs/CDs will I receive if I select the disc set?

The type and number of discs you receive will depend on what types of media items you send in. Video Tapes:. Each tape will be converted to its own DVD disc. Normally the tape can fit on a single disc, but some longer tapes may need to be split up on

How do I use my thumb drive or digital download?

Thumb drives and digital download are a delivery method for your memories,  and many of our customers love them! It's not Thanksgiving or Christmas every weekend, and that makes it difficult to gather your friends and family around the TV to view DVD