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Convert Betamax to USB

Do you have old Betamax tapes stored in the cupboard but no way to play them?

"In just two simple steps, we can transfer your Betamax tapes to USB, letting you relive those special memories anywhere, anytime, as vividly as the day they were recorded.

Reviews
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Clients we've worked with.

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How Betamax to USB Conversion works..

Our Betamax to digital transfer process is simple, reliable,
and trusted by thousands of happy customers

Send them

After you place your order, we’ll help you arrange a courier collection or you can post your Betamax tapes to us.

Save them

We’ll let you know as soon as we receive your Betamax tape(s). Our specialists will carefully begin work to preserve and transfer your memories to the modern digital format of your choice.

Savour them

Your new USB versions will be available for you to stream or download, and your original Betamax tapes are sent safely to you. After that, it’s over to you to enjoy your old memories made new!

You’ll always know where your Betamax tapes are, when we’re working on them, and when you can expect to get them back.

What type
of conversion
should you
order?

How to choose the right
digital conversion for your Betamax tapes.

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Betamax to DVD

Your original Betamax tapes, converted and written onto a disc. You’ll be able to play it on any DVD player or other disc drive.

What you get

Each of your tapes on a separate disc

Each of your tapes on a separate disc
What to order

You only need to order one set to get all your conversions

You only need to order one set to get all your conversions
Perfect for…

Watching on your computer, games console or DVD player

Watching on your computer, games console or DVD player
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Betamax to USB

Your converted Betamax tape(s) on a memory stick. Plug in to your computer (or any other device with a USB port) and you can play, save, and copy your files.

What you get

All your videos on one USB

All your videos on one USB
What to order

You only need to order one USB to get all your conversions

You only need to order one USB to get all your conversions
Perfect for…

Watching on the computer or Smart TV

Watching on the computer or Smart TV
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Betamax to Digital

Your Betamax conversions, stored safely online as digital files. We’ll upload your files to the cloud and send you a private access link, so you can watch and download your videos instantly, from anywhere. The access lasts one year, and you can continue to renew it for a small cost.

What you get

Your Betamax conversions as digital files

Your Betamax conversions as digital files
What to order

You only need to order one cloud backup link to get all your conversions

You only need to order one cloud backup link to get all your conversions
Perfect for…

Sharing with friends and family via email, watching on your phone or computer, or burning to a disc

Sharing with friends and family via email, watching on your phone or computer, or burning to a disc

What you can expect from us.

Your memories are irreplaceable - this is how we’ll take care of them

We only use professional-grade equipment, which we keep well maintained, to get the best possible quality from your tapes.

Each tape goes through a careful process: we inspect it first and make any needed repairs. For VHS and VHS-C tapes with mould, we clean them before transfer. After the initial transfer, we check the quality. If there are any issues, we'll transfer the tape again using different machines and settings, choosing the best version for your digital files.

Our success rate speaks for itself - around 95% of tapes are digitised with good picture quality, and over 99% of tapes are successfully transferred regardless of their condition.

Free blanks

Free blanks

You’ll never have to pay for sending blank tapes. If we find any blanks in your order, we’ll refund them ASAP.
Free return

Free return

Your originals are priceless. We’ll send them back to you free of charge along with your Betamax conversions.
Free repairs

Free repairs

Our technicians can fix most problems and will always try their best to repair any damaged media you send us.
Bulk discounts

Bulk discounts

More conversions, more savings! You can get up to 30% off, depending on how many tapes you’re converting.
Quality equipment

Quality equipment

The best conversions are made using the best equipment. What else would you expect us to use for your memories?
Real-time updates

Real-time updates

You’ll be updated via email when your Betamax tape(s) arrives with us, and again when your order is sent to you. You can check on the status of your order at any time using our real-time order tracker.

What do Digital Converters
customers think?

Thousands of people have trusted us with their memories already.
This is what they made of the experience...

Reviews
Excellentstarsstarsstarsstarsstars Reviews
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Transfer Betamax tapes
to USB & More.

Old Betamax tapes often hold cherished moments, from family gatherings to weddings or the early days of your children’s lives, now waiting to be revived.

Yet, as Betamax players have become scarce and tapes deteriorate with time, accessing these memories has become a challenge.

Converting Betamax tapes directly to USB is the most convenient way to preserve and enjoy these memories on modern devices.

At Digital Converters, we've safeguarded hundreds of thousands of hours of footage from outdated formats like Betamax. Our top-tier equipment and experienced specialists handle your recordings with precision and care.

Let us transfer your memories to USB, keeping them safe and easy to share for years to come.

Examples of our video tape conversions.

Nothing beats seeing old memories remade for today

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FAQs

Q. What is Betamax, and why should I convert it to USB?
Betamax was a video cassette format in the 1970s and 1980s, often used to record important moments such as family events or TV programmes. However, Betamax tapes degrade over time, risking the permanent loss of their contents. Converting them to USB preserves these recordings in a modern, easily accessible format. A professional service like Digital Converters provides reliable equipment and experienced technicians to transfer your memories safely and in high quality.
Q. How long do Betamax tapes last?
Betamax tapes generally last 15-20 years under ideal conditions before they start to degrade, but factors such as humidity, temperature, and playback frequency can shorten their lifespan. As they age, the risk of playback issues increases. By converting your tapes to USB, Digital Converters can help you preserve them before further deterioration occurs.
Q. Can I convert Betamax tapes to USB at home?
While it’s technically possible, converting Betamax tapes at home requires specific equipment like a Betamax player, a video capture device, and software. The process can be complex, costly, and prone to errors, potentially damaging your tapes or producing poor-quality results. Digital Converters removes these risks by using specialised equipment and skilled technicians to deliver high-quality USB conversions without the hassle.
Q. Do I need a Betamax player to convert my tapes?
Yes, a Betamax player is needed to play and convert your tapes. However, these players are hard to find and often unreliable due to age. Digital Converters use fully maintained, high-quality players to ensure smooth playback and accurate USB conversion, so you don’t need to source outdated equipment yourself.
Q. How much storage space will my converted files need?
The size of digital files depends on the length and quality of the original recordings. A typical Betamax tape converted to MP4 might need 1-2GB per hour of footage. Digital Converters optimises compression to balance file size and quality, making the files manageable and high-quality.
Q. Will converting my Betamax tapes improve their quality?
While conversion doesn’t increase the original quality, Digital Converters uses advanced equipment to enhance video and audio clarity where possible. We also stabilise playback issues, making your recordings look and sound better than they do on ageing tapes.
Q. How long does the USB conversion process take?
The time required depends on the number of tapes and their condition. Digital Converters focuses on efficiency without compromising quality, typically completing orders within a day or two. Most customers receive their USBs and tapes back within 7 days of posting them.
Q. What happens to my original Betamax tapes after conversion?
Your original tapes are returned to you alongside your USB copy. Digital Converters handles your tapes with care throughout the process, ensuring they remain intact for those who wish to keep them as mementoes.
Q. Are there risks of damage to my tapes during conversion?
Handling old tapes does carry some risk, but Digital Converters minimises this by using well-maintained equipment and expert handling. Our team is trained to work with delicate tapes, treating them with care to keep them safe during the USB conversion process.
Q. Can I transfer parts of a Betamax tape instead of the whole thing?
Yes, it’s possible to transfer specific sections of a Betamax tape, but this requires precise playback control. Digital Converters can help, digitising only the sections you want while cutting out any blank or unwanted parts.
Q. How much does it cost to convert Betamax tapes to USB?
Costs vary depending on the number of tapes and the chosen format, but converting a single Betamax tape to USB costs £14.99, plus the cost of the media. Bulk orders get up to a 30% discount, reducing the price to £10.49 per tape. DIY conversions may seem cheaper, but they often come with hidden costs for equipment and software.
Q. Can I edit my digital files after conversion?
Yes, files on USB can be edited using video editing software. Digital Converters provides files in formats compatible with popular editing programs, making it easy to organise, cut, or enhance your footage as needed.
Q. Can Betamax tapes with mould be converted?
Tapes with mould require careful cleaning before they can be played. Digital Converters offers cleaning and restoration services to prepare your tapes for conversion, reducing the risk of damage to the tape and equipment.
Q. Do I need to label my Betamax tapes before sending them for conversion?
Labelling your tapes helps us keep your recordings organised during the conversion process. Digital Converters also offers custom file naming based on your instructions, making your USB files easy to navigate.
Q. What happens if my tapes are damaged or broken?
In many cases, damaged or broken tapes can be repaired. Digital Converters offers repair services to recover and digitise the contents wherever possible, giving your recordings a second chance at preservation.
Q. Can I get additional copies of my converted tapes?
Yes, we can create additional copies on various media, such as USB drives, DVDs, or cloud links. You can select these options when placing your order, with each format acting as a separate copy of your recordings.
Q. How do I send my Betamax tapes for conversion?
We offer collections across the UK. Orders over £100 qualify for free collection. For smaller orders, collection is available for a small fee. After placing your order, choose the pre-paid Royal Mail postage option. You can also post them yourself or drop them off at our Melmerby location in Yorkshire.
Q. Why should I choose Digital Converters over other services?
It’s simple — we provide the best service at competitive prices, reflected in our excellent customer reviews. Digital Converters is more affordable than big-name services like Tesco, ASDA, and Snappy Snaps. Our expertise, modern equipment, and dedication to quality ensure your memories are transferred with care and precision. See our reviews for more details.