Southtree vs. Legacybox
When it comes to digitizing your old film, photos and audio cassettes, there’s good news and bad news. The good news is, we’ve got the technology to make sure your memories live on for generations. The bad news … with a growing number of companies and DIY software available, how do you know which method is best suited to handle your precious memory cargo?
Well, hopefully you won’t have to do much research because we’re going to layout two of today’s most popular digitizing companies side by side to see what each offers you.
Let’s get to know them
Legacybox, which is headquartered in Chattanooga, TN, is an all-in-one shop stop for your digitization needs. They’ll send you a pre-paid box to pack with your old analog items (tapes, film, cassettes and photos). They’ll even update you along the digitization process, so you’re never in the dark. When you get your box of memories back, you’ll get all your original tapes and photos, along with DVDs, and your choice of an optional thumb drive and cloud download.
Southtree, which is also located in Tennessee, offers consumers a more DIY stripped down version. Rather than boxed package pricing, Southtree pricing is based on the exact number of items you send in. You get the option to select what resolution you want your items converted to, but you’re responsible for packing up and mailing your media of memories.
But, that’s just scratching the surface. Let’s get to the side-by-side comparison to truly see which company is right for your preservation needs.
|
Legacybox |
Southtree |
|
|
Only 1 company handles your film, cassettes, and photos? |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Anyone can use it? |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Packaging materials included? |
Yes |
No |
|
Return shipping included? |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Film Formats Accepted |
Regular 8, Super 8, 16mm |
Regular 8, Super 8, 16mm |
|
Tape Formats Accepted |
VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Video 8, Digital 8, Mini DV, Betamax, Micro MV, PAL |
VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, Video 8, Digital 8, Mini DV, Betamax, Micro MV, PAL |
|
Convenient Packages to Choose? |
Yes |
No |
|
Step-by-Step Tracking? |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Package Starting Price |
$23.74 |
$59.98 |
|
Turn-around Time |
6-8 Weeks |
6-8 Weeks |
|
Optional Thumb Drive of videos/photos included? |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Customer Service Availability |
Through Legacybox. All questions answered by the Legacybox team. |
Through Southtree. All questions answered by the Southtree team. |
|
USA Today Recommended? |
Yes |
No |
And the winner is …
Ultimately, both! That’s right, both companies are great for your digitization needs, the only differences really come down to how custom of a package you need and pricing. If you’ve got the need for just a couple tapes, film or photos, then Southtree is perfect for you. On the other hand, if you’ve got a whole tub in the attic full of old film and tapes, then Legacybox’s bulk packaging is probably the better option. Both companies have professional technicians who are qualified to care for your memoires, keep them private and in good condition – not to mention, return them to you quickly and safely.
So, if you’ve got some memories you’re looking to digitize, look no further than either Southtree or Legacybox to help you relive your glory days.
