Betacam and DVCAM to Digital and DVD Transfer
Converting Betacam and DVCAM to Digital, DVD, MP4, AVI, MOV, usb and mp3 - San DiegoBetacam SP and DVCAM conversion service
Betacam and Betacam SP are considered a professional tape format mainly used by broadcasters
and television stations for news coverage and programming. Betacam tapes came in 2 sizes, the smaller tape (pictured at right) was more practical for using in cameras used in location videotaping, such as news reporting.This tape could hold up to 30 minutes of video.
The larger betacam tape format could record for up to 90 minutes making it better 
suited for use in the studio.
Betacam is not the same as betamax, which was used for consumer vcrs. They stopped making betacam vcrs years ago and the tapes only had a practical lifespan of about 10-12 years before the image quality may begin to deteriorate.
Keeping betacam vcrs in working condition is becoming more challenging not to mention expensive. The ability to play and transfer betacam and betacam sp to DVD or digital will continue to become more difficult and prices will continue to climb as a result. Now is the time to get the tapes converted.
DVCAM was primarily used by production studios for non-broadcast purposes. It
is a much smaller tape than the betacam and records the video digitally. It is considered the professional version of Mini DV. The tape is very similar but the cartridge is much larger than that of Mini DV.
They discontinued making DVCAM cameras and vcrs years ago as high definition became the standard for video production. With a practical lifespan of about 10-12 years for the tapes and the declining availability of machines to play the tapes, transferring DVCAM to DVD or digital soon would strongly recommended.
What makes our Betacam and DVCAM to Digital and DVD conversion service better?
All Betacam and DVCAM transfers performed in our studio – Faster Service
We never send our clients’ videos overseas or to any other transfer factory. All video transfer orders are done right here in our San Diego studio. This enables us to provide a better quality transfer and faster turnaround than most other companies. Most orders are completed in less than 2 weeks, many within a few days!
Professional VCRs produce better transfers
Professional vcrs have better video heads and circuitry that helps keep the image more stable and consistant. We only use professional VCRs for our transfers.
Transfer pricing based on actual length of the video
Most transfer services will charge you the same price per tape, whether your video is 2 hours or 5 minutes. You’ll save with our flexible pricing that is based on the actual length of each tape. Bring in all of your videos and save even more with our volume packages.
Digital conversion to MP4, AVI and MOV
Sunray was one of the first companies to provide betacam and dvcam to digital conversion service. After converting your video to MP4, AVI or MOV files, they can be put onto a USB flash drive or external hard drive for your convenience.
AVI and MOV files offer the best quality. MP4 files are more compact as they are compressed to 1/10 the size of AVI or MOV. AVI and MOV are also better for editing purposes should you decide to do that.
Many places only offer MP4 versions of your videos. We offer AVI, MOV and MP4 formats for your convenience.
First to transfer video to true Archival Gold DVDs
Your family videos cannot be replaced and it’s important to preserve them as long as possible. That’s the reason we became one of the first companies to transfer DVCAM and betacam to Gold Archival DVDs. Their 100 year lifespan makes it one of the longest lasting media options available for saving your videos.
Volume level adjustment option
In cases where the sound is too quiet on the tape, we can raise the volume during the transfer if you choose that option. Most video transfer companies will leave the volume as it is.
PAL DVCAM to NTSC DVD or Digital
Have any PAL DVCAM videos? PAL is the video format used in most countries outside of North America. We transfer PAL DVCAM tapes to the NTSC video format for use here in the U.S. We also transfer from the American standard (NTSC) to PAL in case you need to send a video overseas.
We do not have the equipement to transfer PAL betacam videos.
These are just a few of the reasons people choose Sunray Video for transferring their videos. We’ve listed more reasons below. Very few video transfer services can match the variety, quality and fast service we provide. Our reviews say it all.
Bring in your videos today to get your FREE estimate! Or give us a call 858-578-4786
Don’t take our word for it, see what our clients had to say.
Read More Reviews
Which format is the best for transferring Betacam and DVCAM?
To answer this we must first determine what you plan to do with your video. Do you plan to watch it on TV only, watch it on a computer or do you plan to edit the video? The following options and descriptions may help with your decision.
Betacam and DVCAM to DVD Conversion
If you think you’re only going to watch your Betacam and DVCAM videos on your TV using a DVD or Blu ray player then a DVD will be sufficient. We recommend putting them on a 24k Gold Archival DVD that will last longer than any other media currently available. DVDs will also play on computers equipped with a DVD drive and appropriate DVD player software.
Betacam and DVCAM to CD Conversion
Due to the limited capacity of the disc, converting Betacam and DVCAM to CD is only practical if you just want the audio portion. DVD is better for transferring both video and audio from the tape. Many people confuse the two formats as they look nearly identical. DVDs hold 4.5 GB of information while CDs hold up to about 700mb. CDs are better suited for audio (i.e. music, etc.) or data. Mini DV to Mp3 is another option for transferring just the audio.
Betacam and DVCAM to Digital File Conversion (Betacam and DVCAM to usb)
If you don’t own a DVD or Blu ray player and plan to watch your video on a computer only or you want to have the video edited, getting a digital file may be a better choice. Editing video from a DVD is not ideal since the video is compressed and may produce a lower quality final product. You’ll also need special software to “rip” the video from the disc into an editable file format. Your Mini DV can then be put onto a usb flash or hard drive.
Betacam and DVCAM to AVI or MOV (Betacam and DVCAM to Mac) Conversion
If you want the best quality digital file, then we recommend converting your Betacam and DVCAM to AVI or MOV format. If you want to edit your videos then either of these should work. Both formats are not compressed like MP4 and can be recognized by most video editing programs. AVI is a native file format for PCs and MOV is native for MACs.
Betacam and DVCAM to MP4 Conversion
If you want to upload your videos to the web or share them with others (without editing) you may want to have them digitized to an MP4 file. This will keep the file size smaller as this is the most compressed file format. It us commonly used by YouTube. Many of the modern TVs have a USB port that will accommodate a flash drive and can play MP4 files.
Betacam and DVCAM to Blu ray Conversion
Blu ray discs hold a lot more data than regular DVDs, making them the sensible choice for high-definition (1920 x 1080) video, but unnecessary for Betacam and DVCAM. The only benefit for transferring Mini DV to blu ray is the ability to combine more tapes together onto a single disc. The major drawback is that blu ray discs will only play in blu ray players and will not play in standard DVD players.
Gold DVDs last longer than a hard drive or flash drive
If you’re thinking about storing your videos on a hard drive, keep in mind that the average lifespan for a traditional-style (spinning platter) hard drive is about 5-7 years before they crash or seize up. For this reason they are not the best option for long-term archival storage of your videos, so you may want to put them on a Gold Archival DVD instead.
For additional information available on this topic refer to our blog article on choosing a format for converting video to DVD or digital.
If you’re still not sure what format to get, give us a call. We’ll make sure you get what you need.
Betacam and DVCAM to DVD & Digital Pricing and Conversion Options
We offer 4 options for transferring your video tapes to digital form:
- Conversion to DVD includes: 1 standard DVD copy.
- Conversion to Archival Gold includes: 1 Archival Gold DVD DVD copy and 1 standard DVD copy.
- Conversion to Digital file only includes: Digitizing to AVI, MOV or MP4 file/s. No DVDs in this package.
- Conversion to Gold DVD & digital file package includes: Put onto 1 Gold 100-year Archival DVD copy, 1 standard DVD copy and digitized to AVI, MOV or MP4 file.
| <30 minutes | <60 minutes | <120 minutes | <180 minutes | |
| to Standard DVD | $24/tape | $30/tape | $38/tape | $44/tape |
| to Gold DVD | $32/tape | $38/tape | $48/tape | $54/tape |
| to AVI/MOV/MP4* | $32/tape | $38/tape | $52/tape | $60/tape |
| to Gold DVD & file* | $46/tape | $54/tape | $72/tape | $90/tape |
Volume discounts for orders over 15 tapes.
*Price does not include Hard drive or Flash drive.
All video transfer orders under $40 will be charged a minimum transfer charge of $40.
Additional Services Available
- Audio (Volume) Level Adjustment: $6 per tape
- Add 2nd digital file format: $ 10.00 per hour of video
- Additional Gold DVD copies: $15.00 per disc / Get 3 Gold copies for $40
(Each gold disc comes with a FREE standard dvd copy) - Additional Standard DVD copies: $ 8.00 per disc / Get 3 copies for $21 / Get 5 for $30
PAL DVCAM Conversion
Videos produced in the United States, Canada and Mexico are usually in a format referred to as NTSC. Videos produced outside of North America may in a foreign video format referred to as PAL. We convert DVCAM video tapes from PAL to the NTSC format. We can also transfer NTSC videos to PAL DVDs when you need to send a DVD to another country.
| <30 minutes | <60 minutes | <120 minutes | <180 minutes | |
| to Standard DVD | $28/tape | $34/tape | $42/tape | $48/tape |
| to Gold DVD | $36/tape | $42/tape | $52/tape | $58/tape |
| to AVI/MOV/MP4* | $36/tape | $42/tape | $56/tape | $64/tape |
| to Gold DVD & file* | $50/tape | $58/tape | $76/tape | $94/tape |
How to Order - Click Here for Instructions
Step 1: Make sure each tape has its own unique label on it. We will use that label for the chapter title on the DVD or the file name for a digital file. Keep the title short, less than 30 characters.
Step 2: Decide what format you want your videos converted to, DVDs or digital files (MP4, AVI or MOV). If you only want DVDs skip to Step 4.
Step 3: DIGITAL FILEs: What file format do you want them in: AVI, MOV or MP4? Will you be providing your own external USB hard drive or flash drive or do you want us to add one to the order? If you’re providing your own, don’t forget to include it with your videos. If you don’t want any DVDs skip to Step 8.
Step 4: DVDs: For transfer to DVDs: If the tapes are less than 2 hours each, do you want us to combine them to fill up each 2 hour DVD? This will conserve space in your media cabinet. Is it okay for us to split any tape over 2 discs if it will not fit?
Step 5: Number the video tapes in the order you want them to appear on the DVDs (if you have a preference).
Step 6: Decide how you want your DVDs to be labeled. How do you want it to read? This is just for your benefit so that one day in the future, when you pull out the DVD you’ll know what’s on it. (Example: Smith Family Videos)
Step 7: Do you want your videos on Gold Archival 100-year DVDs? Will you need any additional DVD copies for anyone else? How many?
Step 8: Do you have any 8mm or 16mm films you need transferred to DVD or digital files? Do you have any photos or slides you need scanned to digital files? This would be a good time to get them together and bring in with your videos.
Step 9: Now you’re ready to bring your videos to Sunray for transfer. Select the option below for dropping them off in person or ordering by mail. If you prefer to ship them to us, we recommend using a courier such as UPS or FedEx for shipping as they have good tracking systems so you’ll know where the package is at all times.
Why choose Sunray Video for your Betacam or DVCAM to DVD or digital transfer?
Before you send your money and irreplaceable memories out to be converted, you’re entitled to know what’s going to happen with them. Most companies say very little about their actual transfer process or how their process compares with others. You shouldn’t have to make such an important decision based solely on price. We think there are some things you should know about our process.
Professional VCR’s make a difference
Converting video tapes to digital form using a professional VCR provides a sharper picture than a typical consumer VCR and better tracking for stabilizing the image. This is particularly helpful with older tapes where dropouts may appear. The transfer warehouses choose to use consumer level VCRs; it’s the only way they can handle the large volume they get.
Experienced Technicians and Editors
Our technicians have over 16 years of experience in converting video. We can help you determine what format you have and what format will best suit your needs. Our editors have over 22 years experience in editing video and can help you edit your video.
True 100 Year Gold Archival DVD
Do not be fooled by imitation archival DVDs. So called 100 year discs are not the same as the true Gold Archival DVD. Gold DVDs will last much longer than standard DVDs.
Transfer rates based on length of video
Our rates are determined by the length of video on each tape. You won’t be charged the full price for shorter videos like most other transfer companies.
Volume Discounts
We offer discounts based on how many tapes you bring in for transfer.
Did you know?
Magnetic video tape was only designed for 7-10 years of optimal use. After that the image quality will begin to deteriorate. As more time goes by, more information is lost in the recording.
Additional Betacam and DVCAM Transfer Info
How many Betacam or DVCAM tapes will fit on a DVD?
That depends on the length of the recording on each tape. A DVD will hold up to 2 hours of video. The smaller Betacam tapes typically hold up to 30 minutes of video and the larger can hold up to 90 minutes. The tape may have a number printed on the shell indicating how many minutes it can have. You can have as many betacam tapes on a DVD that will fit within the 2 hour limit.
DVCAM tapes can hold up to 184 minutes and will have the number of minutes printed on the tape shell. Anything under 124 minutes will fit onto a single DVD. Anything over 124 minutes will have to be split over 2 discs.
How does the quality of the DVD or Digital file compare with the original Betacam or DVCAM tape?
Converting betacam sp or DVCAM to DVD or a digital file (AVI or MOV) does not lose any quality using our transfer process. Transfer to an MP4 file may lose a little due to the compression factor, but it’s usually not noticeable.
Can a broken tape be transferred?
If the betacam tape is broken, we can usually repair it prior to transfer for an additional charge. If there is damage within the shell, we may not be able to fix it. For DVCAM we should be able to handle either case.
Can the video be edited?
If there are any parts of the video that you want to have edited we recommend transferring the betacam or dvcam to a digital file such as AVI or MOV. It is much easier to edit the video in this format. After the conversion, you can edit the video yourself if you have the software and know how to use it or you can have us edit it for you for an additional charge.
How long does it take to convert Betacam or DVCAM to DVD or digital?
Betacam/DVCAM conversion is a “real time” process with no way to do a high speed transfer. Our normal turnaround time can run from a day to a few weeks depending on how much video you have to convert. We’re typically faster than most transfer services.
How does Walgreen’s Betacam or DVCAM to DVD transfer compare?
Walgreens does not converting Betacam or DVCAM at all.
How do Walmart and Costco Betacam or DVCAM to DVD transfers compare?
Neither Walmart nor Costco transfers Betacam or Betacam SP.
For DVCAM, both companies send their transfers out to another company which will add more time to their process. Turnaround time can vary from 3 weeks to 3 months.
Walmart transfer prices are more expensive but don’t necessarily yield better results.
After checking their website it appears Costco does not offer the option of converting DVCAM to digital at all. For DVCAM to DVD they have a limit of no more than 2 tapes per disc.
For additional information on betacam and dvcam to DVD or digital transfers refer to our video transfer tips and FAQs.
Betacam and DVCAM Transfer Tips and FAQs
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