DVD Conversions – Format Identification
Listed below are all the formats we can convert from. If you are unsure of what format or tape you have, scroll down to see the formats we can convert to digital files.
For a table of format types and duration’s click here
Video Formats
VHS / SVHS (Super VHS)
VHS or SVHS, Full size VHS tapes have durations from 5 to 240 minutes. This can be ascertained by looking for numbers printed on the left side of the cassette spine, usually a number beginning with an E. The number after the E is the maximum recording time in minutes in SP (standard play) mode.
Most VCR’s supported a LP (long play) mode which extended the record time to twice the indicated time. For example, a E120 cassette (120 mins) could be extended to 240 minutes. There is no way of telling from the appearance of the physical cassette if it was recorded in LP mode.
| VHS Tape E *** | Maximum duration in SP Mode | Maximum duration in LP Mode |
| E10 | 10 | 20 |
| E15 | 15 | 30 |
| E30 | 30 | 60 |
| E60 | 60 | 120 |
| E90 | 90 | 180 |
| E120 | 120 | 240 |
| E180 | 180 | 360 |
| E240 | 240 | 480 |
For more information on converting VHS to Digital Files click here
VHS C (VHS Compact)
VHS C format was a popular camcorder format used by various manufacturers to compete with 8mm video. This format requires a cassette adaptor to play in a normal VHS VCR. Durations are indicated on the tape case usually with a number preceded by the letters EC. Generally, EC30 (30 minutes), EC45 (45 minutes) or EC60 (60 minutes). As with VHS, some camcorders supported the long play mode which doubles the available time on a cassette. For example, a EC30 in LP mode could be as long as 60 minutes.
For more information on converting VHS C to Digital Files click here
8mm Video, Hi8, Digital 8
8mm Video, Hi8, Digital 8. This format competed against VHS C and is not compatible with VHS C adaptors. Tape durations are printed on the case and usually are preceded with the letters MP. A MP90 cassette could record for 90 minutes in SP mode. LP mode extends the duration by 50%, so a MP90 could hold up to 135 minutes. Popular durations are MP60, MP90 and MP120.
For more information on transferring Video 8, Hi8 or Digital 8 to Digital Files click here
Mini DV, HDV
Mini DV, HDV, is a digital video format. Tape durations can be identified by the numbers printed on the casing. DVM63 = 63 minutes of recording in SP mode. LP extends time by 50%.
For more information on converting Mini DV or HDV tapes to Digital Files click here
Mini DVD – 1.4GB single or double sided
1.4 GB Mini DVD (8cm) optical discs were used in DVD camcorders. Discs can be double sided in some cases. A double-sided disc will appear identical on both sides. Discs have to be finalized in the camcorder in order to play on a standard DVD player.
We can recover data from single or double sided 8cm Mini DVD discs whether they are finalized or not. Contact us or visit our data recovery page for more information
If you want to convert Mini DVD to Digital Files click here
Betamax
Betamax was a consumer home video format launched by Sony prior to VHS and competed against VHS in the home video market. Similar in appearance to Betacam but not cross compatible.
Betamax Durations
- L125 : 30
- L250 : 65
- L370 : 95
- L500 : 130
- L750 : 195
- L830 : 215
If you want to convert Betamax to Digital Files click here
Betacam, Betacam SP, Betacam SX, Betacam IMX
Betacam was used extensively in the broadcast television industry for many years and had various adaptations. Tape durations are printed on the cassette case and vary from 5 to 90 minutes depending on the size of the cassette. This format was available in two sizes, S cassettes for use in the cameras and L cassettes for use in the VTR’s. All VTR’s can play S and L cassettes. We have various VTR’s and can convert most variants of the Betacam format
- Betacam
- Betacam SP
- Betacam SX
- Betacam IMX
- Digital Betacam
For more information of converting Betacam to digital files click here
3/4 Inch Umatic / Umatic SP
Umatic, 3/4 inch format was a very popular video format used by the TV industry in the late 70’s through to the late 80’s, prior to the Betacam format being introduced. The tape is approximately 18mm wide and was available in two case sizes. Durations vary from 5 to 90 minutes. There were two variants of this format, low band and high band (Umatic SP) we have machinery that supports both formats.
If you want to convert Umatic to Digital Files click here
DVCPRO 25
DVCPRO25 – Professional digital video format used in the television industry. Identified by the yellow cassette flap. Durations vary and can be identified by the numbers printed on the case. This format was available in 2 sizes, M size for DVCPRO camcorders and L size for DVCPRO VTR’s. There is also an option for Mini DV tapes to be played in the VTR with a Mini DV to M cassette adaptor. DVCPRO can also playback DVCAM tapes. We have the machinery and adaptors to support all tape sizes.
If you want to convert DVCPRO to Digital Files click here
DVCAM
DVCAM – Professional digital video format identified by blue tapes. Competitor to the DVC PRO format. Tape Durations are printed on the tape case, generally from 5 to 183 minutes. Available in 3 sizes, Mini, M and L cassettes.
If you want to convert DVCAM to Digital Files click here
XDCam (SD)
XD Cam 23gb Single layer optical discs – a professional video format used in broadcast television applications. High-capacity optical disc inside a protective plastic casing.
For more information of converting XDCam to digital files click here
Film Formats
Super 8, Regular 8 film and 9.5mm film
Regular 8 film has slightly larger sprocket holes (pictured left) when compared to Super 8 film (pictured right). Smaller sprocket holes on Super 8 film allowed for a slightly larger frame size and as such, a better image quality. Spindle diameters on the film reels also differ – large spindle for Super 8 film reels, small spindle for Regular 8 film reels.
Super 8 film with sound – this can be identified by a brown magnetic strip down one or both sides of the film. We can recover the sound track using a 2-step process and this is subject to additional charges.
9.5mm Film also known as Pathescope
9.5mm film is unique in that the sprocket holes are located in the center of the film and not to the side as in 8mm, Super 8 or 16mm film.
Approximate durations for 8mm and Super 8 film, Super 8 has a slightly shorter run time due to a higher frame rate of 18 or 24 fps.
- 75mm / 3 inch diameter = 50ft = ± 4 minutes
- 125mm / 5 inch diameter = 200ft = ± 15 minutes
- 175mm / 7 inch diameter = 400ft = ± 30 minutes
For more information on film to Digital Files click here
16mm Film
16mm Film – silent or with a soundtrack. Film with a soundtrack can be identified by an optical audio strip on one side of the film and a square spindle hole in the center of the reel. Film with sound is subject to additional charges. Sprocket holes can be on one or both sides of the film.
If you want to convert 16mm film to Digital Files click here
35mm film, 35mm slides and printed photos
35mm negative strips or slides can be scanned in resolutions up to 4800dpi. Photos can be scanned in resolutions up to 600dpi.
Film Processing – C41, Black and White, APS, APX, 110, 120, 220 contact our retail outlet in Botany for more information.
Audio Formats
Audio Cassette
Audio cassette, or compact cassette generally 60 or 90 minutes in duration (30 or 45 minutes per side).
If you want to convert Audio Cassette to CD / Digital files click here
1/4 Inch Audio Reel (2 Track)
Audio Reel, 4 Track, Duration depends on the amount of tape on the reel, reel size and recording speed and whether it is a single sided or double-sided recording.
If you want to convert Audio Reels to CD / Digital files click here
Micro Cassette
Micro Audio cassette used in dictaphones and telephone answering machines, 30 or 60 minute duration (per side)
If you want to convert Micro Cassette to CD / digital files click here
Mini Disc
Mini Disc – Professional Audio Format. Essentially a small CD in a plastic protective case used in professional audio facilities.
If you want to convert Mini Disc to CD / Digital files click here
LP records – 33rpm, 45rpm or 78rpmhttps://dvdconversions.co.nz/audio-transfers/
Vinyl records recorded at 33, 45 or 78 rpm
If you want to convert records CD or digital files click here
Data Formats
Floppy Disc, CD, DVD, Bluray
1.4Mb Floppy Disc. Popular in early computers prior to CD and other optical storage systems. We have disc drives and can recover files, documents and pictures from floppy disc. We can also recover data from CD, DVD and BD discs.
Click here to go to our data recovery page
Visit this website for a comprehensive list of obsolete media.
Tape Repair and Cleaning Service
This service is only for tapes that DVD Conversions are converting. We do not offer this as a stand-alone service.
We get a lot of tape through our doors, for the most part they are in good condition and do not require any attention prior to commencing the transfer process. We do get a fair number of tapes that have not been cared for or have been damaged, cassette repair is then required. In some cases, tape baking is required. Baking the tapes at low temperatures for extended periods of time removes excess moisture and increases the chance of a successful repair and recovery,
All is not lost, in most instances we are able to recover video footage. The extent of the damage determines what footage can be recovered.
We also stock empty cassette casings for most popular video formats.
- Tape cleaning and / or splicing – $ 10 to $ 20 each depending on extent of damage.
- Tape cases – $ 10 each
We only use professional tape splicing films. Normal adhesive tapes have a chemical reaction with magnetic tape and cause damage to the tape surrounding the splice point. Our tape is sourced from professional tape supply companies and is supplied in the exact width required for most video tapes.
We make use of custom built and commercially available machinery to ensure that the tape is properly aligned when spliced. Our specialised cleaning equipment removes mold and mildew from the tape surface and edges.
For more information on cassette repair and baking visit this page Cassette Repair Service
Click here to go to our gallery showing some before and after pictures of tapes we have repaired or cleaned.
In most instances we are able to rescue most if not all video footage.
We will assess and advise accordingly, there is no fee for assessment of cassettes.
Film Supplies
We stock genuine Kodak film leaders and splicing tapes, click here to go to our film supplies page or here to go to our film transfer page.
A very useful website for obsolete media identification