Converting Mini DVD to DVD and Digital
Including Mini DVD to Digital, DVD, MP4, AVI, MOV, usb, mp3 and Blu ray - San DiegoMini DVD conversion service
MiniDVD discs are smaller than a regular DVD and were designed for in 
camcorders as an alternative to tape formats. The discs typically would hold up to 30 minutes of recorded video. When the disc was full it just needed to be finalized and then it could be loaded into a standard DVD player (equipped with a smaller tray option) and played back on a TV.
If you no longer have a Mini DVD camcorder and if you forgot to finalize the discs you may have trouble viewing or converting the Mini DVD discs to DVD or a digital file. For any disc that was not finalized you will need a functioning Mini DVD camcorder made by the same brand as the one you used to record with in order to finalize the discs. Only then can they be played on another DVD player or transferred to another format.
They stopped making Mini DVD camcorders years ago and it’s getting harder to find one in good working condition. If the disc gets scratched it may not play or transfer. Now is the best time to have them converted.
We convert Mini DVD to DVD, Gold Archival DVDs, CD, blu ray, usb and digital files including MP4, MP3, AVI and MOV for editing or uploading to the web.
For videos from other countries we can transfer from PAL Mini DVD to NTSC DVD, digital, usb, MP4, MP3, MOV or AVI.
What makes our Mini DVD to DVD and Digital conversion service better?
We can transfer most Mini DVDs even if they’re not finalized
If you have any Mini DVD discs that you forgot to finalize, we may still be able to transfer them. We have machines that will play most Mini DVDs and in some cases we can also finalize them.
All Mini DVD transfers performed in our studio – Faster Service
We never send our clients’ family memories overseas or to any other transfer factory. All video transfer orders are done right here in our San Diego studio. This enables us to provide a better quality transfer and faster turnaround than most other companies. Most orders are completed in less than 2 weeks, many within a few days!
Transfer pricing based on actual length of the video
Most transfer services will charge you the same price per tape, whether your video is 2 hours or 5 minutes. Mini DVD discs can run up to 30 minutes so you can really save some money since our flexible pricing is based on the actual length of each disc. Bring in all of your videos and save even more with our volume packages.
Digital conversion to MP4, AVI and MOV
Sunray was one of the first companies to provide Mini DVD to digital conversion service. After converting your video to MP4, AVI or MOV files, they can be put onto a USB flash drive or external hard drive for your convenience.
AVI and MOV files offer the best quality. MP4 files are more compact as they are compressed to 1/10 the size of AVI or MOV. AVI and MOV are also better for editing purposes should you decide to do that.
Many places only offer MP4 versions of your videos. We offer AVI, MOV and MP4 formats for your convenience.
First to transfer video to true Archival Gold DVDs
Your family videos cannot be replaced and it’s important to preserve them as long as possible. That’s the reason we became one of the first companies to transfer Mini DVD to Gold Archival DVDs. Their 100 year lifespan makes it one of the longest lasting media options available for saving your videos.
Volume level adjustment option
In cases where the sound is too quiet on the disc, we can raise the volume during the transfer if you choose that option. Most video transfer companies just leave the volume as it is.
These are just a few of the reasons people choose Sunray Video for transferring their videos. We’ve listed more reasons below. Very few video transfer services can match the variety, quality and fast service we provide. Our reviews say it all.
Bring in your videos today to get your FREE estimate! Or give us a call 858-578-4786
Don’t take our word for it, see what our clients had to say.
Read More Reviews
Which format is the best for transferring Mini DVD?
To answer this we must first determine what you plan to do with your video. Do you plan to watch it on TV only, watch it on a computer or do you plan to edit the video? The following options and descriptions may help with your decision.
Mini DVD to CD vs DVD vs Blu ray
On occasion someone may ask about converting Mini DVD to CD. Often they are confusing CD with DVD as the discs look very similar.
Converting Mini DVD to CD
CDs are not really designed for video, they only hold up to about 700mb of information which is not a lot. CDs were originally designed for music, audio and data and that’s what they are best used for. If you just want the audio portion from the video then CDs are a good option, but you’ll be limited to about 70 minutes or so. CDs will play on CD, DVD and blu ray players.
Converting MiniD DVD to DVD
When movies first became available on disc they were put on DVDs. DVDs hold up to 4.7GB of information or about 2 hours of video. If you think you’re only going to watch your Mini DVD videos on your TV using a DVD or Blu ray player then a DVD will be the best option. We recommend putting them on a 24k Gold Archival DVD that will last longer than any other media currently available.
DVDs will play on DVD players, blu ray players and on computers equipped with a DVD drive and appropriate DVD player software.
Converting Mini DVD to Blu ray
Blu ray discs were created for high definition video as they hold a lot more data (25GB) than regular DVDs. Mini DVD discs are considered standard definition so there isn’t really any significant benefit for putting them on a blu ray disc. Blu ray would be a better choice for HDV or hi-def camcorder footage. The biggest disadvantage for using Blu ray discs is that they will only play on blu ray players.
Learn more about the difference between CD, DVD and Blu ray.
Mini DVD to Digital vs DVD
Not everyone has a disc player these days, so we have been receiving requests to convert Mini DVD to digital files such as MP4, MOV and AVI. We were one of the first companies to offer this option.
Mini DVD to Digital File Conversion (Mini DVD to usb)
If you don’t own a DVD or Blu ray player and plan to watch your video on a computer only or you want to have the video edited, converting your Mini DVD to a digital file may be a better choice. Your video can then be put onto a usb flash or hard drive.
Editing video from a DVD is not ideal since the video is compressed and may produce a lower quality final product. You’ll also need special software to “rip” the video from the disc into an editable file format.
Converting Mini DVD to AVI or MOV (Mini DVD to Mac)
If you want the best quality digital file, then we recommend converting your Mini DVD to AVI or MOV format. If you want to edit your videos then either of these should work. Both formats are not compressed like MP4 and can be recognized by most video editing programs. AVI is a native file format for PCs and MOV is native for MACs. 1 hour of video in AVI or MOV will take 13GB of drive space.
Converting Mini DVD to MP4
If you want to upload your videos to the web or share them with others (without editing) you may want to have them digitized to an MP4 file. This will keep the file size smaller as this is the most compressed file format. It us commonly used by YouTube. Many of the modern TVs have a USB port that will accommodate a flash drive and can play MP4 files. 1 hour of video in MP4 will take 1.3GB of drive space.
Gold DVDs last longer than a hard drive or flash drive
If you’re thinking about storing your videos on a hard drive, keep in mind that the average lifespan for a traditional-style (spinning platter) hard drive is about 5-7 years before they crash or seize up. For this reason they are not the best option for long-term archival storage of your videos, so you may want to put them on a Gold Archival DVD instead.
Converting Mini DVD to MP3
Converting Mini DVD to mp3 could be considered the same as converting video to audio. If you only want the audio portion from a video then mp3 is an option. If you want to keep the video and the audio then AVI, MOV or MP4 make more sense.
For additional information available on converting to DVD vs digital refer to our blog article on choosing a format for converting video to DVD or digital.
If you’re still not sure what format to get, give us a call. We’ll make sure you get what you need.
Mini DVD to DVD & Digital Pricing and Conversion Options
We offer 4 options for transferring your Mini DVD discs to digital form:
- Mini DVD to DVD includes: 1 standard DVD copy.
- Mini DVD to Archival Gold includes: 1 Archival Gold DVD copy and 1 standard DVD copy.
- Mini DVD to Digital file only includes: Digitizing to AVI, MOV or MP4 file/s. No DVDs in this package.
- Mini DVD to Gold DVD & digital file package includes: Put onto 1 Gold 100-year Archival DVD copy, 1 standard DVD copy and digitized to AVI, MOV or MP4 file.
Current turn-around time for MiniDVD to DVD transfer can run from 1 day to a few weeks depending on how much video you have.
| <30 minutes | <60 minutes | |
| to Standard DVD | $16/disc | $20/disc |
| to Gold DVD | $20/disc | $24/disc |
| to AVI/MOV/MP4* | $22/disc | $26/disc |
| to Gold DVD & file* | $34/disc | $42/disc |
Volume discounts for orders over 15 discs.
*Price does not include Hard drive or Flash drive.
All video transfer orders under $40 will be charged a minimum transfer charge of $40.
Additional Services Available
- Audio (Volume) Level Adjustment: $6 per MiniDVD
- Digitize to 2nd file type: $ 10.00 per hour of video
- Additional Gold DVD copies: $15.00 per disc / Get 3 Gold copies for $42 / 5 for $65
(Each gold disc comes with a FREE standard dvd copy) - Additional Standard DVD copies: $ 10.00 per disc / Get 3 copies for $27 / 5 for $40
PAL Mini DVD to NTSC Conversion
Videos produced in the United States, Canada and Mexico are usually in a format referred to as NTSC. Videos produced outside of North America may in a foreign video format referred to as PAL. We convert MiniDVD discs from PAL to the NTSC format. We can also transfer NTSC videos to PAL DVDs when you need to send a DVD to another country.
| <30 minutes | <60 minutes | |
| to Standard DVD | $20/disc | $26/disc |
| to Gold DVD | $24/disc | $30/disc |
| to AVI/MOV/MP4* | $24/disc | $32/disc |
| to Gold DVD & file* | $38/disc | $48/disc |
How to Order - Click Here for Instructions
Step 1: Make sure each disc has its own unique label on it. We will use that label for the chapter title on the DVD or the file name for a digital file. Keep the title short, less than 30 characters.
Step 2: Decide what format you want your videos converted to, DVDs or digital files (MP4, AVI or MOV). If you only want DVDs skip to Step 4.
Step 3: DIGITAL FILEs: What file format do you want them in: AVI, MOV or MP4? Will you be providing your own external USB hard drive or flash drive or do you want us to add one to the order? If you’re providing your own, don’t forget to include it with your videos. If you don’t want any DVDs skip to Step 8.
Step 4: DVDs: For transfer to DVDs: If the tapes are less than 2 hours each, do you want us to combine them to fill up each 2 hour DVD? This will conserve space in your media cabinet. Is it okay for us to split any tape over 2 discs if it will not fit?
Step 5: Number the Mini DVD discs in the order you want them to appear on the DVDs (if you have a preference), but do not write on the actual disc itself.
Step 6: Decide how you want your DVDs to be labeled. How do you want it to read? This is just for your benefit so that one day in the future, when you pull out the DVD you’ll know what’s on it. (Example: Smith Family Videos)
Step 7: Do you want your videos on Gold Archival 100-year DVDs? Will you need any additional DVD copies for anyone else? How many?
Step 8: Do you have any 8mm or 16mm films you need transferred to DVD or digital files? Do you have any photos or slides you need scanned to digital files? This would be a good time to get them together and bring in with your videos.
Step 9: Now you’re ready to bring your videos to Sunray for transfer. Select the option below for dropping them off in person or ordering by mail. If you prefer to ship them to us, we recommend using a courier such as UPS or FedEx for shipping as they have good tracking systems so you’ll know where the package is at all times.
Why choose Sunray Video for your Mini DVD to DVD or digital transfer?
Before you send your money and irreplaceable memories out to be converted, you’re entitled to know what’s going to happen with them. Most companies say very little about their actual transfer process or how their process compares with others. You shouldn’t have to make such an important decision based solely on price. We think there are some things you should know about our process.
Mini DVD may be transferred even if not finalized
We can convert most Mini DVD discs even if they have not been finalized, so you won’t lose all of your videos.
Professional equipment makes a difference
Converting MiniDVD discs to another digital form using a professional equipment provides a better picture than using consumer-grade hardware or software and better encoding during the process. Discs with scratches or damage on the recordable side of the disc may not transfer properly if at all. There have been times when our equipment has actually been able to read the information on discs that were too badly damaged to be read by our competitor’s equipment.
Experienced Technicians and Editors
Our technicians have over 16 years of experience in converting video. We can help you determine what format you have and what format will best suit your needs. Our editors have over 22 years experience in editing video and can help you edit your video.
True 100 Year Gold Archival DVD
Do not be fooled by imitation archival DVDs. So called 100 year discs are not the same as the true Gold Archival DVD. Gold DVDs will last much longer than standard DVDs.
Transfer rates based on length of video
Our rates are determined by the length of video on each disc. You won’t be charged the full price for shorter videos like most other transfer companies.
Volume Discounts
We offer discounts based on how many discs you bring in for transfer.
Did you know?
MiniDVDs that have not been finalized in the camcorder they were recorded with may not be playable in any other DVD player and therefore impossible to transfer. We do have some equipment that will finalize these discs.
From Our Blog
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