Q. What is the Memory Lab?

The Memory Lab

The Memory Lab is a space for free, do-it-yourself digitization of video, sound recordings, and other media, located at the Grant R. Brimhall Library. Many analog formats, such as VHS and film negatives, degrade over time and need to be digitized before the recordings are lost. In the Memory Lab, you can digitize VHS tapes, DVDs, CDs, photographic film slides, and film reels (Regular 8mm and Super 8mm).

To sign up, Click Here. 

The equipment for the Memory Lab can convert:

Still Film in the formats: 35mm, 127, 126, 110, and APS photo film slides and negatives to JPEG images.

Movie Film in the formats: 8mm and Super8

Videotape in the format: VHS

Spinning discs: DVD and CD

Conversion of video / film can be made to any of the most common digital video formats.

Library scanner (at both NP and TO)

Can scan photos or documents, but has no auto-feeder, so you will need to scan your items one at a time. This service is available any time the library is open, no appointments required.

Limitations:

most materials can only be converted in real time - so if you have a 2 hour VHS it will take 2 hours to convert, plus set up time and save/close time in addition.  8mm and Super8 are slow capture.  One 4 inch reel (200ft) will take about 2 hours. 

Copyrighted items may not be digitized, including, but not limited to: 

commercial recordings of motion pictures on VHS or DVD

commercial recordings of audio on CD or DVD

Home recorded audio or video programs captured from TV, Radio, or streaming broadcasts

Editing:

We cannot provide the equipment, software or expertise to edit the captured video, audio, or still images 

Suggestion:

If you have large amounts of materials to convert, you may want to try a spot check your collection with the Memory Lab to check the condition and contents, but then have the bulk professionally copied, either if the materials need editing for quality or condition issues, or due to the time needed to complete bulk transfers.