Betamax

Betamax (also known as Beta, as in its logo) is a consumer-level analogue recording and cassette format of magnetic tape for Betamax VCRs. It was developed by Sony and was released in Japan on May 10, 1975.

Batamax tape lengths are not the same as VHS tape lengths. While VHS tapes are sold in time as per minute lengths i.e. E-180, 180 Minutes, 3 hours of standard play, Betamax is sold as the length in feet so the amount of recording time varies between NTSC recording (Std, 1/2 and 1/3 Speed) and PAL (UK) recordings.

Betamax video tape
Tape labelTape lengthRecording time
ftmNTSC βINTSC βIINTSC βIIIPAL (UK) & SECAM
L-1251253815 min30 min45 min32 min
L-1651665120 min40 min60 min (1 h)43 min
L-2502507630 min60 min (1 h)90 min (1:30 h)65 min (1:05 h)
L-37037511445 min90 min (1:30 h)135 (2:15 h)96 min (1:36 h)
L-50050015260 min (1 h)120 min (2 h)180 min (3 h)130 min (2:10 h)
L-75075022990 min (1:30 h)180 min (3 h)270 min (4:30 h)195 min (3:15 h)
L-830833254100 min (1:40 h)200 min (3:20 h)300 min (5 h)216 min (3:36 h)
For NTSC only, βI is standard speed, βII is 1/2 speed, and βIII is 1/3 speed.

Price List for Tape

The cost of the DVD is included in the per tape cost, the MP4 file can be provided in several different ways, digital download, USB Stick, Hard Disc transfer. The MP4 file format is proving more popular now as this can be viewed on many game consoles, smart TV, Computer or transferred to a phone or tablet, rather than having to view a DVD on a player connected to your TV.

Capture Video Tape – up to 90min
Encode to included DVD with single menu play button
£13.00
Capture Video Tape – up to 90min
Produce MP4 Digital file
£13.00

We are happy for you to provide your own blank formatted Hard Disc Drive or your own USB stick drives alternatively we can sell you a USB stick for a charge of £10.00.
You can get more than one tape in MP4 format on the USB Stick, so one is not required for each tape capture.