Frequently Asked Questions

  • At Kevin Sean Studios, we specialize in professional media conversion, restoration, and archival transfers for a wide range of video, film, and digital formats.

    Video Tape Transfers:

    We transfer and restore the following video tape formats:

    • VHS, SVHS, VHS-C

    • Hi8, Video 8, Digital 8

    • MiniDV, MicroMV

    • Betamax

    Film Reel Transfers:

    We scan and digitize film reels using sprocket-less 2K scanning for optimal quality:

    • 8mm & Super 8mm Film

    • 16mm Film

    • 35mm Film

    Digital Media Transfers:

    We can transfer video files from:

    • Camcorders & Digital Video Recorders

    • SD Cards, USB Flash Drives, and External Hard Drives

    • CDs & DVDs

    If you’re unsure about your media format or need specialized restoration services, feel free to reach out. We provide custom solutions for damaged, degraded, or obsolete formats.

    For a full list of services, visit our website:
    www.kevinseanstudios.com

  • At Kevin Sean Studios, we use museum-grade 1:1 archival camera scanning instead of traditional flatbed scanners to ensure the highest level of precision, clarity, and preservation for images, slides, and film negatives.

    Why Archival Camera Scanning is Superior to Traditional Flatbed Scanners:

    • True-to-Life Quality – Captures fine details, textures, and colors without artificial sharpening or digital noise.

    • Non-Contact Scanning – Prevents damage to delicate, aged, or historical photographs, slides, and negatives.

    • No Reflections or Distortions – Eliminates glare and warping that often occurs with flatbed scanners.

    • Handles Oversized & Fragile Media – Scans large prints, mounted images, and fragile negatives without stitching or compression artifacts.

    • Preserves Historical Integrity – Perfect for historical photos, glass negatives, silvered prints, and rare photographic formats.

    Scanning & Digital Conversion Services:

    • Standard & Oversized Photo Scanning – High-resolution JPEG or TIFF/RAW formats for standard (4x6, 5x7, 8x10) and large prints (up to 20x30 inches).

    • Slide & Negative Scanning – 35mm slides, glass-mounted slides, and medium/large format negatives scanned at up to 4000 DPI for exceptional detail.

    • Historical Photograph Scanning – Specialized handling for ferrotypes, tintypes, daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, and silvered prints.

    • Document & Letter Scanning – Archival-quality preservation of historical letters, war correspondence, and maps.

    If you have specific requests or need additional information, feel free to contact us. We take pride in providing museum-quality digital preservation for your most valuable images and documents.

    For more details, visit: www.kevinseanstudios.com

  • Getting started with Kevin Sean Studios is simple and straightforward. We offer both in-person drop-offs and mail-in services to accommodate your needs.

    Step 1: Schedule a Drop-Off or Mail Your Media

    • Local Clients: Schedule a drop-off appointment at our studio.

    • Mail-In Clients: Securely package your media and ship it to us. We recommend using a trackable shipping service to ensure safe delivery.

    Step 2: Media Inspection & Logging

    • Upon arrival, we log your media into our system and inspect it for any damage, deterioration, or repairs needed.

    • If repairs are necessary, we will contact you before proceeding.

    Step 3: Digitization & Restoration Process

    • Your media is added to our digitization queue based on order volume and service type.

    • We handle all digitization, media restoration, and archival scanning in-house to ensure the highest quality.

    Turnaround Time

    • Standard projects: Typically 1-2 weeks depending on order size.

    • Larger or more complex projects (e.g., restoration, large film collections, or detailed archival scanning):May take longer, but we provide a time estimate when your order is received.

    Step 4: Digital Delivery & Return of Original Media

    • Once completed, your files will be delivered via Google Enterprise Drive with 3 months of free cloud storage.

    • Orders over $250 receive a free USB flash drive for convenient offline storage.

    • Your original media can be picked up in person or securely shipped back to you.

    For more details or to get started, visit:
     www.kevinseanstudios.com/information-request

  • es, we offer separate repair services for both film reels and video tapes, whether or not they are being transferred.

    Film Reel Repairs

    • We inspect film reels for damage, breaks, and deterioration.

    • Repairs include splicing broken film, fixing torn perforations, and stabilizing warped reels.

    • Head and tail leaders are added to ensure a full and complete scan.

    • Wet gate cleaning is used to reduce dust, scratches, and debris.

    Video Tape Repairs

    • Common repairs include broken or detached tape, twisted or wrinkled sections, and jammed cassettes.

    • We carefully rehouse and repair VHS, SVHS, VHS-C, Hi8, MiniDV, Betamax, and other formats.

    • Severe tape damage may limit recoverable footage, but we make every effort to salvage and digitize as much as possible.

    Important Note:

    We strongly advise against attempting DIY repairs, as improper handling can cause irreversible damage to your media. However, if you're interested in learning more, we offer a guide on repairing analog tapes.

    For a repair quote or consultation, visit:
     www.kevinseanstudios.com/information-request

  • At Kevin Sean Studios, we use professional-grade equipment and industry-leading techniques to ensure the highest quality for all media conversions, video transfers, and archival scanning projects.

    Film Reel Transfers

    We digitize 8mm, Super 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm film reels using a sprocket-less 2K film scanning system, designed for gentle, high-resolution transfers.

    • RetroScan Universal 2K Mark-II Movie Scanner System – Captures every frame in true 2K resolution.

    • No Sprockets, Claws, or Physical Contact in the Image Area – Prevents further wear on old, shrunken, or fragile film.

    • LED Light Source – Ensures accurate colors while avoiding heat damage.

    • Wet Gate Cleaning – Reduces dust, scratches, and debris for a cleaner final transfer.

    Video Tape Transfers

    We digitize VHS, SVHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Video 8, Digital 8, MiniDV, Betamax, and more using studio-grade decksfor frame-accurate digital capture.

    • Broadcast-Quality VCRs and Camcorder Decks – Stabilize playback for crisp video output.

    • Time Base Correction (TBC) & Noise Reduction – Minimizes jitter, flickering, and distortion in analog tapes.

    • IDDR Intelligent Digital Disk Recorder (DDR) – Captures full-frame digital transfers with lossless clarity.

    Archival Camera Scanning for Photos, Negatives, & Slides

    We use a museum-grade 1:1 archival camera scanning system to preserve images, documents, and slides at the highest resolution possible.

    • True 1:1 Camera Stand Scanning – No compression, distortion, or artificial sharpening.

    • Non-Contact Capture – Prevents damage to historical photos, fragile negatives, and mounted prints.

    • Glass-Plate Press System – Ensures flat, reflection-free scans for books, albums, and oversized images.

    By combining cutting-edge technology with expert handling, we guarantee high-quality digital conversions that are true to the original source.

    For more details, visit:
    www.kevinseanstudios.com

  • At Kevin Sean Studios, we take a preservation-first approach to media conversion, ensuring that your footage retains its original look while being optimized for clarity and viewing.

    Film Reel Transfers

    We carefully process 8mm, Super 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm film reels to deliver the best possible digital transfer.

    • Sprocket Hole Cropping – We frame each reel properly, ensuring only the intended image area is visible.

    • Dust & Scratch Reduction – Using wet gate scanning, we minimize dirt, dust, and surface scratches.

    • White Balance Correction – Adjusts faded, yellowed, or color-shifted film to restore a more natural tone.

    • Grain Retention & Enhancement – Light grain is preserved for an authentic cinematic feel.

    Video Tape Transfers

    We digitize VHS, VHS-C, SVHS, Hi8, MiniDV, Betamax, and other video tapes while maintaining their original quality.

    • Cropping & Framing – Ensures proper aspect ratio without unnecessary borders.

    • White Balance Correction – Adjusts color shifts and fading for a cleaner, natural look.

    • Time Base Correction (TBC) – Reduces video jitter, flickering, and distortion for smoother playback.

    Limitations & Quality Considerations

    Not all videos transfer perfectly, especially if the source material is severely degraded, warped, or damaged.

    • In cases where footage is barely viewable due to extreme deterioration, we will do our best to recover what is possible.

    • If the transfer yields little to no usable footage, we do not charge for that portion, but we will still provide the recovered video.

    Our goal is to preserve your footage as accurately as possible while making necessary improvements for modern viewing.

    For more details on our video transfer process, visit:
    www.kevinseanstudios.com

  • We ensure that all digitized media is delivered in high-quality, widely compatible formats for easy viewing, storage, and sharing.

    File Formats:

    • Video Transfers: Delivered in H.264 MP4 format for maximum compatibility across devices.

    • Archival Camera Scanning (Photos, Documents, Slides & Negatives):

      • Standard Photo Scanning (4x6, 5x7, 8x10): JPEG or TIFF/RAW upon request.

      • Oversized Photo Scanning (Larger than 8x10, Up to 20x30 inches): JPEG or TIFF/RAW.

      • Slides & Negatives: Scanned at 4000 DPI for maximum detail.

      • 35mm Glass-Mounted Slides: Special handling for scanning and reassembly.

      • Historical Documents & Letters: JPEG or TIFF/RAW archival formats for preservation.

    Delivery Methods:

    • Google Enterprise Drive (Cloud Storage):

      • Free for 3 months – Secure, private access to preview, download, and share your files.

      • After 3 months, media is moved to archival storage and can be retrieved later upon request.

    • USB Flash Drive: Orders over $250 receive a free USB drive. Additional USB drives are available for purchase.

    • External Hard Drive: Recommended for large-scale projects. Clients can provide their own or purchase one.

    • DVD & Blu-ray: Available upon request for video transfers.

    We provide flexible delivery options to ensure your media is securely preserved, easily accessible, and ready for long-term storage.

    For more details or to request an estimate, visit:
     www.kevinseanstudios.com/information-request

  • Ensuring the safety and integrity of your original media is our top priority throughout the digitization process. We take extensive precautions to protect your tapes, film reels, photos, and documents while minimizing the risk of damage.

    How We Protect Your Media

    • Professional Handling – Our skilled technicians carefully handle each piece of media using industry-standard archival practices. We treat every project with the same care as historical archives.

    • Climate-Controlled Environment – All media is stored and processed in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment to prevent deterioration and protect fragile materials.

    • Specialized Equipment – We use state-of-the-art digitization systems specifically designed to handle aging and delicate media safely.

      • Film Reel Transfers: Our RetroScan Universal 2K Mark-II Movie Scanner is sprocket-less and claw-free, meaning no direct contact with the image area, reducing stress on fragile film.

      • Video Tape Transfers: We use broadcast-quality VCRs with Time Base Correction (TBC) to stabilize playback and prevent further degradation.

      • Archival Camera Scanning: For photos, negatives, and documents, our non-contact museum-grade camera system prevents bending, warping, or surface damage.

    • Inspection & Repairs – Before digitization, we thoroughly inspect each item for damage and, if necessary:

      • Add head & tail leaders to film reels to ensure a smooth and complete transfer.

      • Repair broken video tapes so that footage can be recovered.

      • Gently clean dust and debris from negatives and slides for optimal clarity.

    • Tracking & Organization – Every order is carefully logged, labeled, and tracked throughout the process to ensure accuracy and prevent loss.

    At Kevin Sean Studios, we treat your media as irreplaceable artifacts, handling them with the utmost care, precision, and respect while preserving them for future generations.

    For questions about our process, visit:
    www.kevinseanstudios.com

  • Yes, we offer video transfers to DVD and Blu-ray for clients who prefer a physical copy of their media.

    Considerations When Choosing DVDs or Blu-ray Discs:

    • Limited Lifespan – DVDs and Blu-rays can degrade over time, risking potential data loss.

    • Storage Capacity – DVDs hold up to 4.7GB, while Blu-ray discs can store 25GB or more, but both have storage limits compared to modern digital formats.

    • Playback Compatibility – Many newer computers and streaming devices no longer support disc drives, making digital formats more accessible.

    Recommended Digital Formats

    For the best long-term preservation, we recommend H.264 MP4 digital files, which offer:

    • Higher video quality with efficient compression

    • Easier sharing and storage on cloud platforms or USB drives

    • Greater compatibility with current and future devices

    If you choose DVD or Blu-ray, we are happy to provide both a physical copy and a digital version for versatility.

    For more information on formats and storage options, visit:
     www.kevinseanstudios.com/information-request

  • Kevin Sean Studios, headquartered in Mooresville, NC, provides specialized media conversion, archival scanning, and video transfer services to clients both locally and nationwide.

    Local & Regional Service Areas:

    We proudly serve:

    • Mooresville, NC, and surrounding Lake Norman communities

    • Charlotte, NC, and the greater metro area

    • All of North Carolina and South Carolina

    Nationwide Mail-In Service:

    For clients outside our immediate service area, we offer secure mail-in options for media digitization. Customers across all 50 states can safely ship their media to us for professional digitization, restoration, and transfer.

    Whether you're local or across the country, Kevin Sean Studios ensures your precious memories, historical documents, and vintage media are handled with expert care and precision.

    For more information or to start your project, visit:
    www.kevinseanstudios.com

  • No, there is no limit to the number of items you can submit. At Kevin Sean Studios, we handle projects of all sizes—from small personal collections to large-scale historical archives.

    Scalability & Project Capabilities:

    • We can digitize and restore anything from a single video tape or photo album to hundreds of film reels or thousands of images.

    • Our state-of-the-art equipment and expert technicians allow us to efficiently process large collections while maintaining precision and quality.

    • Bulk projects and large-scale media conversions may qualify for consolidated pricing and customized estimates.

    For larger or time-sensitive projects, we recommend reaching out in advance so we can schedule and allocate resources accordingly.

    For more details or to request an estimate, visit:

    www.kevinseanstudios.com

  • At Kevin Sean Studios, we understand that every project is unique, often involving a combination of media types, restoration needs, and digitization preferences.

    Pricing Options:

    • We offer a detailed à la carte pricing structure, covering video transfers, film scanning, archival camera scanning, and restoration services.

    • Large projects, bulk orders, or multi-service projects may qualify for consolidated pricing and customized estimates.

    • Discounted rates may apply when combining multiple media types in a single project.

    How to Get a Price List or Estimate:

    We are committed to providing the best value for your investment while ensuring the highest level of precision, care, and historical preservation.

  • No need to worry! At Kevin Sean Studios, we specialize in handling all types of media—from film reels and video tapes to photos, slides, negatives, and historical documents.

    How We Help Identify & Organize Your Media:

    • When you drop off or mail in your media, our experienced team will carefully sort, organize, and count everything for you.

    • We will categorize your media by type (e.g., film reels, video tapes, photos, slides, negatives) and assess the condition of each item.

    • We provide a detailed estimate outlining:

      • The types of media you have

      • The quantity of each format

      • The cost for digitization and restoration

    What Happens After the Estimate?

    • Once you receive your customized estimate, you can decide whether to:

      • Proceed with the full collection

      • Prioritize specific items based on importance or budget

    • We never process anything without your approval, ensuring you only pay for the services you need.

    If you’re unsure about your media, let us handle the details—our goal is to make the process simple, transparent, and stress-free.

    To get started, visit:
     www.kevinseanstudios.com/information-request

  • At Kevin Sean Studios, we offer a variety of secure payment options to accommodate our clients' needs. You can pay using:

    • Cash

    • Check

    • Debit/Credit Cards

    • PayPal

    • Other Online Payment Services

    Deposit & Payment Requirements

    • Orders Under $500 – Full payment is due upon completion, before the return of your original materials (whether picked up in person or shipped).

    • Orders Over $500 – A 50% deposit is required before work begins, with the remaining balance due before final delivery of digital files and original materials.

    • Restoration & Custom Services – Film restoration, photo restoration, and other specialized services require a non-refundable deposit based on the estimated time and complexity of the project.

    • Bulk & Large-Scale Orders – Custom payment arrangements may be available for larger projects.

    For mailed-in orders, payment must be completed before media is shipped back to you.

    We strive to keep our payment process straightforward and transparent, ensuring that each client receives personalized service while maintaining fair and competitive pricing for high-quality media preservation.

    For more details or to request an estimate, visit:
     www.kevinseanstudios.com/information-request

  • At Kevin Sean Studios, we understand how important it is to stay informed about the progress of your media digitization and restoration project. To ensure seamless communication, we have established a reliable update system so you’re always in the loop.

    Our Project Update Process:

    • Media Arrival Confirmation: Upon receiving your media, we will promptly send you an email confirmation and follow up with a phone call to verify its arrival.

    • Progress Updates: Throughout the digitization and restoration process, we will send periodic email updates at key milestones to keep you informed.

    • Completion Notification: Once your project is finished, we will send a final email notification and follow up with a phone call to confirm that your digitized media is ready.

    Receiving Your Digitized Media:

    Once completed, you can choose to:

    • Pick up your original materials and digital files in person at our studio.

    • Have your materials and digitized media shipped back to you.

    We are committed to clear communication, transparency, and exceptional customer service, ensuring that you remain informed and confident throughout the entire process.

    For any questions or additional updates, feel free to reach out to us anytime.

     www.kevinseanstudios.com/information-request

  • At Kevin Sean Studios, we prioritize fair and transparent pricing while providing high-quality digitization and restoration services. If a film reel or video tape is completely blank, it will still be charged at the full service rate, as the time and resources for processing remain the same.

    How We Handle Blank or Unusable Media:

    • During the digitization process, we carefully inspect each reel or tape to determine if it contains any content.

    • If a tape or reel is blank, the full digitization price still applies, as it requires the same handling, preparation, and processing time.

    • If a portion of the tape or reel contains content, we will proceed with digitization and provide whatever footage is available.

    • Copyrighted materials (e.g., commercial movies, TV shows, or pre-recorded content) will not be transferredand will be excluded from the final project.

    Our goal is to ensure you receive the highest level of service while preserving your personal memories and valuable footage with professional care and expertise.

    For more details, visit:
    www.kevinseanstudios.com

  • Yes, at Kevin Sean Studios, we specialize in transferring and restoring film reels that have suffered damage from fire, water, mold, or other environmental factors.

    How We Handle Damaged Film Reels:

    • Our Film Repair & Restoration Service is designed to stabilize, clean, and repair deteriorated film to make it as transfer-ready as possible.

    • We use advanced techniques to carefully remove debris, mend breaks, and reduce shrinkage or warping in order to recover as much of the original content as possible.

    • Every damaged film is unique, and the success of restoration depends on the extent and severity of the damage.

    Insurance Coverage for Film Restoration:

    Many homeowner’s insurance policies cover the cost of repairing, restoring, and transferring damaged film reels.We recommend checking with your insurance provider to see if your policy includes coverage for media restoration.

    Consultation & Assessment:

    Since the condition of damaged film varies widely, we highly recommend reaching out to us with details about your film’s condition. Our team can assess the damage and provide a realistic expectation for the restoration and digitization process.

    To discuss your film restoration needs, visit:
    www.kevinseanstudios.com/information-request

  • No, we cannot transfer commercial movies to digital, as this is against copyright laws.

    Why We Do Not Transfer Commercial VHS Movies:

    • Copying or distributing copyrighted material without permission is illegal.

    • We strictly adhere to copyright regulations to protect the intellectual property rights of artists and creators.

    • Our services are designed exclusively for transferring and preserving personal home videos, family recordings, and other non-commercial content.

    If you have home movies, personal recordings, or historical media, we would be happy to digitize and restore your valuable memories.

    For more details, visit:

    www.kevinseanstudios.com

  • Kevin Sean Studios is now operating from our dedicated studio location at 107 Kilson Dr, Suite 106, Mooresville, NC 28117. This expansion allows us to offer a professional, fully-equipped space designed specifically for high-quality media conversion, video transfers, and archival scanning services.

  • Kevin Sean Studios is now operating from our dedicated studio location at 107 Kilson Dr, Suite 106, Mooresville, NC 28117. This expansion allows us to offer a professional, fully-equipped space designed specifically for high-quality media conversion, video transfers, and archival scanning services.

    How Does Your Studio Location Enhance the Quality and Professionalism of Your Services?

    Our new commercial studio space enhances our ability to handle projects more efficiently while maintaining the same personalized approach and attention to detail that our clients have come to expect. The move to a dedicated studio has allowed us to:

    • Expand Our Capabilities – With more space and upgraded equipment, we can process larger projects with improved turnaround times.

    • Offer Walk-In Services – Clients can now drop off their media in person at our studio by appointment.

    • Maintain the Highest Standards – Our studio is outfitted with professional museum-grade scanning and digitization equipment to ensure top-tier results.

    At Kevin Sean Studios, we remain committed to quality, transparency, and customer satisfaction. Our team takes pride in handling each project with care, ensuring your media is preserved for generations to come.

    For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit:
     www.kevinseanstudios.com/information-request

  • Yes, Kevin Sean Studios is an approved government contractor and is fully qualified to provide media conversion, video transfer, and archival preservation services for local, state, and federal agencies.

    Government Contracting & Capabilities

    We hold the following government credentials, allowing us to work on government contracts and sensitive media projects:

    • DUNS Number: 050245586

    • UNIQUE ENTITY ID: F45ACZBFH2G1

    • CAGE/NCAGE Code: 9WYL9

    • Certifications:Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Active SAM.gov Registration

    NAICS & PSC Codes for Government Services

    Kevin Sean Studios is classified under the following NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes:

    • 512110: Motion Picture and Video Production

    • 512199: Other Motion Picture and Video Industries

    • 518210: Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting

    • 519210: Libraries and Archives

    • 541922: Commercial Photography

    • 541990: Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

    • 812921: Photofinishing Laboratories

    Additionally, we operate under these PSC (Product and Service) codes:

    • J059: Maintenance, Repair, and Rebuilding of Equipment – Electrical and Electronic Equipment Components

    • R425: Support – Professional: Engineering/Technical

    • R799: Support – Management: Other

    • T006: Photo/Map/Print/Publication – Film/Video Tape Production

    • T016: Photo/Map/Print/Publication – Audio/Visual

    Services for Government Clients

    Kevin Sean Studios provides highly secure, professional-grade digitization and archival preservation services for government entities, including:

    • Film and video preservation for historical records, training materials, and classified media.

    • Digitization and restoration of government archives including maps, letters, and confidential media.

    • Secure data conversion and media storage solutions compliant with government standards.

    Our commitment to excellence and strict confidentiality measures ensure that we handle all government projects with the highest level of professionalism, security, and precision.

    For inquiries regarding government contracts or agency-specific projects, contact us at:
    www.kevinseanstudios.com/information-request

  • When choosing a media conversion service, it’s important to consider more than just price. Many big-box companiesand budget services offer low rates and "by-the-box" pricing, but what they don’t tell you is the hidden costs, poor handling, and long wait times that often come with their services.

    How Big-Box & Budget Competitors Fall Short:

    • Mass-Processing Warehouses – Your media is sent to a large facility, where it is treated as just another order in an assembly line.

    • Excessive Wait Times – Some services take 6-8 months (or longer) to return your media.

    • Lost or Misplaced Items – High-volume processing means media can be lost, mixed up, or even damaged.

    • False "Unrecoverable" Claims – Many companies mark media as ‘untransferable’ without making real efforts to recover it.

    • Hidden Fees – “By-the-box” pricing sounds cheap but often comes with extra fees for cloud storage, file access, or return shipping.

    • Low-Quality Transfers – Many services use outdated equipment, low-resolution scanning, and compressed formats that reduce image and audio quality.

    What Sets Kevin Sean Studios Apart?

    At Kevin Sean Studios, we take a completely different approach. We treat your media with the same level of care as an archival institution, ensuring that every project is handled professionally, securely, and with full transparency.

    • Personalized, Hands-On Service – Every order is processed with individual attention.

    • Fast & Reliable Turnaround – Most projects are completed in 1-2 weeks, not months.

    • Secure, Trackable Processing – Your media is logged, monitored, and handled with care—we don’t lose or misplace items.

    • No False "Unrecoverable" Claims – If media has issues, we investigate the cause and work to recover itrather than dismissing it.

    • Honest Pricing with No Hidden Fees – À la carte pricing ensures you only pay for what you need.

    • Museum-Grade Quality – We use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure high-resolution, uncompressed transfers with no artificial sharpening or compression artifacts.

    When preserving your family’s history and priceless memories, don’t trust a company that cuts corners. Choose quality. Choose expertise. Choose Kevin Sean Studios.

    www.kevinseanstudios.com