University Libraries Digital Media Services can digitize or reformat a variety of analog and digital media formats for academic, promotional or personal use. Using our versatile toolset, we can copy and transfer media, edit content, encode web files for streaming, and convert many old and new formats for reliable playback, online access, and digital preservation—all with a commitment to professional standards and best practices. Our team ready to help with media conversion services

We work with a wide range of archival and legacy audio and video tapes, discs, phonograph records, motion picture film reels, and virtually all multimedia file types. Bulk duplication and color disc printing are also available.

Our aim is to support the strategic goals of the University of Colorado while reaching out to the wider community. Whether you are affiliated with the University, a business or non-profit community organization, or you need assistance with a personal project, Digital Media Services is here to help. Contact us by email MediaServices @ Colorado.EDU or phone: 303-735-2681.

On this page:

Streaming Media Services

Options for accessing streaming media or other multimedia in support of CU Boulder instruction

To facilitate remote teaching and work, the Libraries are offering the following services to support and expand access to films, music, and other multimedia.

Streaming physical media content (discs and tapes) for Canvas access

The Libraries offer a fee-for-service option to convert and stream library or personally owned DVDs, Blu-ray Discs, VHS tapes and other video or audio formats that may not be available in Kanopy or other streaming services. This content is uploaded to Kaltura for access in Canvas course pages. Educators can link available streaming videos in their Canvas course pages for convenient access by their students. Contact us with streaming media requests by email MediaServices @ Colorado.EDU or phone: 303-735-2681.

Assistance with Setting up Video and Audio Files in Canvas

Libraries Media Services will upload the converted streaming files to the Course Reserves/Canvas folder on the Kaltura server within 3 to 10 days after submission, depending on the current backlog. For assistance with linking files to their Canvas courses, faculty members can contact Learning Technology at OIT.

OIT has also provided instructions for how to search and add Kaltura media to a course. 

Conversion / Digitization / Duplication

The following descriptions will help you identify the type and method of media digitization or conversion that best fits your request. 

  • Video Tape to Digital File or DVD: Convert and encode any supported video format (tape, disc or file) to a digital file format or DVD for use in presentations, editing applications, web publishing, or download to mobile devices. Common file formats are MP4, M4V, QuickTime (.MOV), WMV and AVI.
  • Motion Picture Film Digitalization: Digitize 8mm, Super 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm motion picture reel film to Uncompressed, ProRes, and MP4 formats.
  • Audio Tape to Digital File or CD: Convert and encode any supported audio format (tape, disc or file) to a digital file format for use in presentations, editing applications, web publishing, download to mobile devices. Common file formats are AAC, MP3, AIFF and WAV.
  • Phonograph record to digital file or CD: Convert all types of phonograph records (33/45/78rpm) to digital file or CD. Optionally, perform professional disc cleaning and apply pop and scratch removal.
  • File Conversion: Convert any audio or video file to another format for compatibility with editing, web upload, or playback applications.
  • Custom DVD Menu: Include a customized DVD menu that displays each chapter, clip or program break that you wish to create. You must first preview the videocassette or DVD to identify the precise start and end times for each break. The DVD menu is accessible from your remote control or media player.
  • Foreign Region Video Conversion (PAL/SECAM/MESACAM to NTSC) Convert a foreign region VHS tape or DVD to a digital file or DVD that can be played on equipment in North and South America (NTSC). Or, vice versa, convert an American DVD or VHS tape to a foreign region format (PAL/SECAM). Due to the difference between formats, the original disc menu usually can’t be retained during conversion.
  • Video Clip Editing: Create a video file or slideshow containing multiple clips or images. Clips can be compiled and edited from tapes, discs, camera media, and video files.
  • Audio CD Compilation: Create a “mix” combining multiple audio tracks or songs on a CD. The mix can be compiled from audiocassette, reel tape, phonograph record, CD, or other audio sources.
  • Single Disc Copy (Audio and Video): Duplicate a single copy of a CD or DVD. Direct disc-to-disc duplication may not be possible for some types of audio and video discs. In this case, real-time transfer will be required and normal audio or video conversion pricing will apply.
  • Multiple Copies and Bulk Duplication: Reproduce multiple copies of any supported video, audio or data format—in small or large quantities—to CD or DVD. You provide the master, or we can create the master for you using one of the above methods.
  • Disc Title Printing: We print your title information and any graphic images, in color, directly to the CD or DVD disc face. We’ll provide a suitable background theme from our image library or you can submit your own jpeg image to include on the printed disc.

Submitting Service Requests

Online forms are not available at this time. Visit the Norlin Library service desk, contact us by email at MediaServices @ Colorado.EDU or call 303-735-2681 to request the appropriate service form for your media project: 

  • Video Conversion Request Form
  • Audio Conversion Request Form
  • Motion Picture Film Digitization Request Form
  • Streaming Audio Request Form
  • Streaming Video Request Form

Requests with personal media items

Submit your media conversion, streaming, or digitization request, along with any personal media items, at the Service Desk in Norlin Library.

Requests to stream library collection items

For requests to stream library collection items (DVD, VHS, CD), CU faculty and instructors may complete and submit a Streaming Video or Audio Request Form via email.

Off-Campus Orders

Digital Media Services accepts off-campus requests from individuals and organizations. Please contact us by email at MediaServices @ Colorado.EDU or call 303-735-2681 to inquire or place your order.

Expect additional shipping and handling costs and longer turnaround times for mail order requests.

Libraries Personnel Requests

Subject Specialist Requests 

Libraries subject specialists are encouraged to submit a GetHelp ticket to “Libraries Specific Applications and Technology” when assisting faculty members and instructors with streaming media requests or other media services. We will include the appropriate form in response to the ticket.

Other Libraries Project Requests 

Libraries personnel may download request forms for assistance with internal Libraries event productions and digitization projects from the Media Services SharePoint.

Service Fees

Prices for Digital Media Services are modest in comparison with most commercial services. Please contact us by email at MediaServices @ Colorado.EDU or call 303-735-2681 for price estimates for your audio, video, or film transfer inquiry. Prices are based on format type and recording length.

  • Rates for audio and video conversion typically range from $15 - $35 per digital transfer
  • Film transfer rates are usually in the $70 - $90 range
  • Additional costs may apply for lengthy recordings, extra enhancements, or special handling and repairs

Streaming Video Conversion and Upload Fees

Fee per individual video program or clip for conversion to a streaming file:

  • 1-30 minutes, $6.00
  • 31-60 minutes, $12.00
  • 61-90 minutes, $18.00
  • 91-120+ minutes, $24.00 (Maximum per single video program on a DVD or tape:  $24.00)

Please note that a “single video program” also refers to a part, episode or volume contained in a multiple disc or tape set.

Streaming Audio Conversion and Upload Fees

CD Tracks or Digital Files

  • $2.00 per audio track or digital file (mp3, WAV, etc.)
  • $5.00 minimum per faculty request
  • $24.00 maximum charge for all tracks on a single CD*

*Please note that each disc in a multiple CD set is charged separately

Audiocassettes, Reel Tapes and Phonodiscs/Phonograph Records

  • $4.00 per song track (if digitized separately)
  • $15.00 per capture of multiple songs/tracks in a single file (i.e. without track breaks)
  • $10.00 minimum per faculty request
  • $36.00 maximum per tape, cassette, or phonodisc/phonograph record

Funding and Acceptable Methods of Payment for Streaming Conversion Fees

Faculty members may consult their department administration regarding possible funding support to cover the Libraries’ streaming media conversion and upload fees. To ensure timely processing of your request, please enter an authorized department “speedtype” account number in the space provided at the top of the Video or Audio Streaming Request Form.

Streaming requests submitted via email, GetHelp ticket, or at the Norlin Library Circulation desk must indicate one of the following payment methods:

  • An approved department speedtype number
  • Payment by credit card or personal check will be accepted at the time of pickup of your completed order at the Circulation desk
  • Orders not accompanied by personal media items may be paid with a credit card by calling 303-735-2681

Acceptable forms of payment for all service orders

  • Authorized SpeedType Account Number
  • Authorized Interdepartmental Invoice (IN)
  • University Procurement Card
  • Personal Credit Card, Personal Check or Money Order
  • Cash not accepted

Pick up your completed order at the Norlin Library Service Desk. We will contact you by email when your order is finished.

Turnaround time depends on our current backlog and the size or complexity of your order – usually two to five days for most orders.

Delivery of Finished Media

You may select from the following two options for delivery of your converted audio and video content (for non-streaming orders):

  • Portable flash media
    You may submit a blank personal flash drive with your order, or we can provide you with USB flash drives from our own stock at a charge ($4 - $8 per item).
  • Blank DVD/CD media
    To ensure consistent and reliable results, Digital Media Services provides blank discs for customer orders. We use only the highest quality disc media recommended by the industry for stable copying, durability, and compatibility with most players and disc printing systems.

For orders that exceed the capacity of flash drives or disc media, we will copy your content to a personal external drive or send your files via the CU Large File Transfer Service or Google Drive share.

Supported Formats

Video

  • DVD
  • DVD (PAL, SECAM)
  • Blu-ray disc 
  • VHS (NTSC, PAL)
  • S-VHS
  • Hi8, Video8, Digital8
  • Mini DV, DVCAM, HDV
  • Laserdisc
  • Video CD (VCD)
  • Betacam SP
  • Digital Betacam
  • Betamax (I, II, III)
  • ¾” U-Matic
  • Flash memory cards (CF, SD, etc.)

Video Files

  • Most common and pro formats
  • QuickTime (MOV) – Uncompressed, ProRes, MPEG-4
  • MP4
  • FLASH (FLV, SWF, F4V)
  • AVI
  • WMV

Audio

  • Standard audiocassette
  • Reel-to-reel tape (3 ¾”, 7 ½”, 10”)
  • Phonograph Records (33/45/78 rpm)
  • CD
  • Digital Audio Tape (DAT)

Audio Files

  • Most common and pro formats
  • MP3
  • M4A
  • AAC
  • WAV
  • AIFF
  • WMA

Data and Images

  • Flash and external drives (formatted APFS, Mac OS Extended, or exFAT for Windows/Mac compatibility)
  • All memory card formats
  • File formats of all kinds: JPEG, TIFF, PDF

Copyright

Customers will be required to sign a Copyright Acknowledgement Statement when submitting their duplication or reformatting request. It reads as follows:

I, the person making this duplication request, understand and agree to the following copyright restrictions: Under certain conditions specified by U.S. copyright law (Title 17, U.S. code), libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a copy or reproduction. One of these conditions is that the reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship or research.” If the user makes a request for, or later uses, a reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement.  Excluding content for which I am the legal copyright holder, I understand that reproduction of copyrighted content is acceptable for non-commercial use only.

The University Libraries reserves the right to refuse a reproduction request if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the request would violate Copyright. The Libraries will notify you if your request can’t be fulfilled due to copyright restrictions.