Tape2USB Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

What does Tape2USB do?

Accepted Answer

Tape2USB digitises a wide range of old video, audio and film media. Supported services include VHS and S-VHS, Betamax, Video8, Hi8, Digital8, MiniDV, home-made DVDs and Mini DVDs, Compact Cassettes, Microcassettes, Reel-to-Reel tapes, MiniDiscs, vinyl records and 8mm cine film.

Question 2

Where is Tape2USB based?

Accepted Answer

Tape2USB is based in Orpington, Kent, UK. Contact Tape2USB for the current trading or drop-off address.

Question 3

How much does Tape2USB cost?

Accepted Answer

Tape2USB services start from £10 per item.

Question 4

Can I provide my own USB stick?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Customers can provide their own USB stick. Tape2USB also offers 32GB SanDisk USB sticks for £9.

Question 5

Do I need to contact Tape2USB before sending my tapes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tape2USB asks customers to contact the business before dropping off or posting irreplaceable family memories.

Question 6

Can VHS tapes be converted to digital?

Accepted Answer

Yes. VHS tapes can be transferred to MP4 digital video files by Tape2USB.

Question 7

Can VHS tapes be put onto USB?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Finished digital video files can be supplied on USB.

Question 8

Can you convert S-VHS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. S-VHS is supported.

Question 9

Can you convert NTSC VHS tapes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tape2USB supports NTSC VHS and S-VHS as well as PAL formats.

Question 10

What format are VHS tapes converted to?

Accepted Answer

VHS and other supported video recordings are converted to MP4 digital video files.

Question 11

Can you convert Betamax?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Betamax is supported.

Question 12

Can you convert Video8?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Video8 is supported and transferred to MP4.

Question 13

Can you convert Hi8?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Hi8 is supported and transferred to MP4.

Question 14

Can you convert Digital8?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Digital8 is supported and transferred to MP4.

Question 15

Can you convert MiniDV?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MiniDV is supported and transferred to MP4.

Question 16

Can you convert DVDs to digital?

Accepted Answer

Tape2USB can convert home-made DVDs and Mini DVDs to MP4 files supplied on USB.

Question 17

Can you convert Mini DVDs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mini DVDs are listed among Tape2USB's supported media.

Question 18

Can cassette tapes be converted to digital?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tape2USB can convert Compact Cassettes to digital audio files.

Question 19

Can Microcassettes be digitised?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Microcassettes are supported.

Question 20

Can Reel-to-Reel tapes be digitised?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tape2USB supports ¼-inch Reel-to-Reel tapes, including quarter-track and half-track formats within the stated specifications.

Question 21

What Reel-to-Reel speeds are supported?

Accepted Answer

Tape2USB supports tape speeds from 1⅞ IPS to 7½ IPS, with higher speeds handled through post-production. 10½-inch NAB spools are supported on half-track tapes only.

Question 22

Can MiniDiscs be converted to digital?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tape2USB can convert standard ATRAC MiniDiscs into digital audio files.

Question 23

Can vinyl records be converted to digital?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tape2USB can convert 33⅓ and 45 RPM vinyl records into digital audio files.

Question 24

What audio formats can I receive?

Accepted Answer

Tape2USB currently lists MP3 stereo at 320 kbps, WAV at 16-bit or 24-bit up to 96 kHz, FLAC and other audio options. Confirm the preferred output format when booking.

Question 25

Can 8mm cine film be converted to digital?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tape2USB can transfer Standard 8 and Super 8 cine film with sound to High Definition MP4 files.

Question 26

Can Super 8 film be digitised?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Super 8 with sound is supported.

Question 27

What format will my cine film become?

Accepted Answer

Tape2USB supplies 8mm cine film transfers as High Definition MP4 files, which can be supplied on USB.

Question 28

Is my media sent to another company?

Accepted Answer

No. Tape2USB states that media is digitised at Tape2USB and is not outsourced.

Question 29

Do you repair damaged tapes?

Accepted Answer

No. Tape2USB does not repair or clean family memories.

Question 30

Will I get my original tapes back?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tape2USB returns original tapes and films by collection or by post at extra cost.

Question 31

How are my digital files organised?

Accepted Answer

Separate items are organised into separate folders and labelled. Where possible, separate parts of video or audio recordings are labelled as separate MP4 or audio files.

Question 32

How do I start a tape transfer?

Accepted Answer

Contact Tape2USB and tell us what type and quantity of media you have. If you're unsure about the format, contact Tape2USB before sending or dropping off your recordings.

Question 33

Where do I drop off my tapes?

Accepted Answer

Tape2USB is based in Orpington, Kent. Contact the business for the current trading or drop-off address before visiting.

Question 34

Can I send my tapes by post?

Accepted Answer

Customers can arrange postage, but Tape2USB recommends direct drop-off for irreplaceable family memories because of the risk of damage or loss during posting. Contact Tape2USB before sending your recordings.

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