DVD Conversions

Giving analogue formats life in a digital world

DVD Conversions Limited t/a Kodak Express Botany

Giving Analogue Formats Life In A Digital World

Contact and Location

Botany Retail Store – 09 265 1038

After Hours – 022 600 4694

Quick Email: dion@nulldvdconversions.co.nz

Quick Links

  • About
  • Film Conversion to Digital File
  • Pro Video to Digital
  • Video to Digital
  • Audio Transfers
  • Cassette Repair Service
  • Format ID
  • Film samples
  • Photos to Digital files
  • Data Recovery

Format ID

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 Video cassette Panasonic brand 3 hour E180

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 ModeMaximum duration in LP Mode
E101020
E151530
E303060
E6060120
E9090180
E120120240
E180180360
E240240480

For more information on converting VHS to Digital Files click here


VHS C (VHS Compact)

VHS C video cassette EMTEC Brand cassette adaptor required to play in VCR

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

Hi8 tape / Digital 8 Cassette Sony brand 90 minute

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.

White Hi8 Tape

For more information on transferring Video 8, Hi8 or Digital 8 to Digital Files click here


Mini DV, HDV

Mini DV video cassette DVM63 Panasonic brand

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

Mini DVD-RW 1.4 GB Panasonic brand

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

Mini DVD 1.4 GB Sony single sided.

DVD RAM Disc – 4.7gb double sided cartridge

DVD RAM Disc

DVD RAM – commonly used in DVD recorders. Double sided disc in a cartridge with 4.7gb (120 minutes of video) per side.

If you want to convert Mini DVD or DVD RAM to Digital Files click here


DVD – 4.7gb, DVD DL 8.5gb, DVD RAM, BD BluRay

DVD-R

We can convert all optical DVD video formats to digital files for use on smart devices or sharing online.


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

Sony betacam SP video cassette

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

Sony BCT30K betacam video cassette small size for cameras

  • Betacam
  • Betacam SP
  • Betacam SX
  • Betacam IMX
  • Digital Betacam

For more information of converting Betacam to digital files click here


3/4 Inch Umatic low band / Umatic SP / High Band

AMPEX Umatic three quater inch video cassette BCA60 60 minute tape

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.

DVC Pro video cassette cleaning tape

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

Sony ME 184 3 hour DVCAM video cassette

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 pathescope film

50ft Super 8 reel. Super 8 reels have a larger spindle diameter when compared to regular 8 reels.

A super 8 film reel has a spindle diameter of 13mm

Super 8 film reel close up with white acetate leader
50ft Regular 8 film reel grey plastic 75mm diameter

A regular 8 film reel, 75mm diameter capable of holding approximately 50 feet of film. Spindle diameter measures approximately 7mm

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.

Super and regular 8 film side by side

Super 8 film strip with magentic sound track on both edges

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.

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.

  • 175mm / 7 inch diameter = 400ft = ± 28 minutes
  • 125mm / 5 inch diameter = 200ft = ± 15 minutes
  • 75mm / 3 inch diameter = 50ft = ± 4 minutes

Super 8 processing

Super 8 film cartridge – not processed.

Do not open or attempt to remove film – any exposure to light will damage the film.

In this case the cartridge needs to be sent for processing prior to scanning. We do not offer chemical processing of Super 8 film. Contact us for information on film processing services.

8mm film cartridge pre processing

9.5mm Film also known as Pathescope

9.5mm film from a Pathescope film reel

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.

For more information on film to Digital Files click here


16mm Film

16mm film with optical audio track

116mm 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, 35mm negatives and printed photos

35mm slides and negatives

35mm negative strips or slides can be scanned in resolutions up to 4800dpi. Photos can be scanned in resolutions up to 600dpi.

35mm Film Processing – C41, Black and White, APS, APX, 110, 120, 220 contact our retail outlet in Botany for more information.

35mm film processing

Audio Formats


Audio Cassette

Audio tape compact 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

Audio reel - half inch - on 175mm diameter reel

Micro Cassette

Panasonic MC60 micro audio cassette used in answering machines

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

Sony mini disc optical audio disc in cartridge

DAT / Digital Audio Tape

DAT Cassette - Digital Audio Tape

DAT was a fairly popular tape based digital audio format widely used in professional audio applications.

If you want to convert DAT to Digital files click here


LP records – 33rpm, 45rpm or 78rpm

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, SD Card, memory Stick, XD Card, CF Card, USB Drives, HDD, Zip discs

Floppy Disc 1.4mb black verbatim brand

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

Data recovery and video file conversion from SD cards, Memory Stick, XD cards, CF Cards and others.

SD Card 8MB

Visit this website for a comprehensive list of obsolete media.


Tape Repair and Cleaning Service

8mm Cassette cleaning jig custom built for 8mm and hi8 tape cleaning and repair

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
Panasonic half inch splicer NV-B45 tape splicing block

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.

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.

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

Kodak acetate leaders and splicing tapes

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

www.obsoletemedia.org

DVD Conversions Limited (NZ) also trades as Digital Mix and Kodak Express Botany

Contact Us

Format Identification

If you are unsure of what format you have go to this page

Tape format Identification

DVD Conversions LTD also trades as

Digital Mix – Corporate Video Production.

Kodak Express Botany – Photo printing, retail sales, passport and visa photo service.

More Information

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