Video Tapes to Any File Format - MP4, ProRes, MOV and DVD Explained

Every tape and cine film we transfer can be delivered in the file format you need - to share online, for your own editing projects, or simply to store safely on a computer or hard drive. This page explains the options so you can choose with confidence.

Video tapes encoded to MP4, ProRes and editable file formats on an editing screen

Which file format should I choose?

Tell us what you plan to do with the footage and we will pick the right codec, frame rate and resolution. If you are unsure, MP4 on a USB stick is the answer for most people, and we can always make a ProRes master at the same time if you think you may edit later.

MP4 (H.264) - the everyday choice. Smallest files, plays on phones, tablets, computers and smart TVs. Right for almost every home collection.
ProRes 422, ProRes 4:4:4:4 or DNxHD - full-quality editing masters for anyone cutting the footage in Final Cut, Premiere or DaVinci Resolve, or archiving professional formats.
MOV, AVI or raw DV - for older editing software or when a specific workflow demands it.
DVD - a finalised, chaptered disc for relatives who still use a player. See our VHS to DVD service.
Audio as WAV or MP3, images as JPEG or TIFF for audio cassettes and photos and slides.

MP4 or DVD?

MP4 files are the better long-term archive. They can be copied, backed up to the cloud, emailed to family and played on anything made in the last fifteen years. A DVD is easy to hand to a relative but holds about two hours, can scratch, and fewer new computers and TVs have a drive. Many customers take both: files for safekeeping and a disc for the family.

What resolution will my tapes be?

VHS, VHS-C, Video8, Hi8, Digital8 and MiniDV are all standard definition. PAL tapes are captured at 720 x 576 and NTSC tapes at 720 x 480, which is the full resolution the tape holds. HDV tapes are captured in high definition at 1440 x 1080. We do not upscale to 1080p or 4K by default because it makes the files larger without adding any real detail, but we can supply an upscaled version on request for playback on large screens.

Cine film is different: it is scanned frame by frame in HD or 2K, so it can be delivered at a higher resolution than any video tape. See our cine film transfers page.

File sizes and storage

As a rough guide, one hour of standard-definition tape is around 2 to 4 GB as a good-quality MP4, around 13 GB as DV and around 20 GB as ProRes 422. A typical box of twenty tapes at two to three hours each is therefore 100 to 200 GB as MP4 and well over a terabyte as ProRes. We supply the USB stick or hard drive to suit the collection, or you can send your own drive with the tapes.

Delivered how you like

Small jobs go out by WeTransfer or a download link. Larger collections come back on a USB stick or hard drive, or on DVD if you prefer a disc you can post to relatives. Files are named and dated to match your tape labels so a large collection stays organised. The transfer itself is described on our VHS to digital page.

Call 0207 430 1811 or email CopyMyTapes@gmail.com

Frequently asked questions

What is the best format to convert VHS to?: MP4 (H.264) for everyday use. It plays on almost every device, the files are manageable, and it is easy to back up and share. Choose ProRes as well if you plan to edit the footage.
Can you convert my tapes to a file I can edit?: Yes. We supply ProRes 422, ProRes 4:4:4:4, DNxHD, MOV, AVI or raw DV for editing in Final Cut, Premiere, DaVinci Resolve, iMovie and older software.
Will my old tapes be in HD or 4K?: Analogue and DV tapes are standard definition and are captured at their full native resolution. HDV tapes are captured in HD. Upscaling is available on request but does not add real detail.
How do I receive large files?: Smaller jobs are sent by download link. Larger collections are supplied on a USB stick or hard drive, which we can provide or you can send with your tapes.

Video Tape Formats We Transfer - VHS, VHS-C, Video8, Hi8, MiniDV and More

Not sure what tapes you have found? This guide covers every domestic video tape format, how to recognise each one, and how we transfer it to digital files or DVD. Mixed boxes are quoted and transferred as one job.

VHS to Digital Transfer Service - Convert Video Tapes Across the UK

Convert your VHS tapes to digital, along with every camcorder format - S-VHS, VHS-C, Video8, Hi8, Digital8, MiniDV, HDV, U-matic and Betamax. Delivered as MP4 files on USB, by download or on DVD, for customers anywhere in the UK.

Home Video Editing Service — Turn Old Tapes into Watchable Films

Hours of raw wedding, holiday and family footage cut into a short film people actually want to watch. We edit from your tapes, existing files or our own transfers - with titles, music, chapters and the dull parts removed. UK-wide service from our London W1 studio.

Professional video tape archive service

We specialise in converting almost every professional video tape format. From our London W1 offices, we have a wide range of professional tape machines, all fully serviced and ready to transfer, encode and archive your material. Having worked with major production companies and broadcasters for many years, we are a trusted industry supplier for the transfer and preservation of old video tape formats.

Cine film to digital - Super 8, Standard 8mm, 16mm and 9.5mm transfers

Your old cine reels scanned frame by frame in HD or 2K and delivered as digital files or on DVD. Super 8 and Standard 8mm priced per reel below; 16mm and 9.5mm quoted individually. Post your reels from anywhere in the UK or drop them off in London W1.

Price list

Guide prices for every service. Larger collections and mixed formats are quoted individually.

Send us a message, call 0207 430 1811 or email CopyMyTapes@gmail.com. We usually reply the same working day.