Convert U-matic to Digital to Save Your Memories

We can transfer your U-Matic to Digital or USB. We can also output to our Cloud and a download and enhance if required. Simply send those tapes and we’ll take over.

Or call us now for some friendly advice Freephone 0800 690 6160

Ask About Bulk Discounts too.

Join the 1000s of People That Have Entrusted Supaphoto With Their Material

Our customers span from private individuals to institutions and TV production companies

Preserve, Share & Enjoy The Supaphoto Way

The best thing you could ever do for your family in three simple steps.

Supaphoto employee packing customer film in box.

1. Package Up Your Memories

Simply pack your beloved memories and send them to us. Use either our courier collection and return service or send it to us directly. Ask for your step by step welcome pack now.

Supahoto staff carefully handling customer material.

2. Lovingly Converted

We love what we do. Our dedicated team will digitise every item by hand. We’ve saved millions of memories over 20 years. And don’t worry, you’ll get regular updates along the way.

family sitting together watching a Supaphoto transfer

3. Share & Enjoy With Your Family

This is where the magic begins, We’ll return your original media. Once preserved, access them via our easy cloud download service, USB stick or a DVD. Relax and let those memories flood in. 

Preserve, Share & Enjoy The Supaphoto Way

The best thing you could ever do for your family in three simple steps.

Supaphoto Video Transfer Services & Samples Film

Not everyone has the time to read lots of words.

That’s why we’re produced this short & simple film which explains what we do in a simple way. It also includes a few video transfer samples to put your mind at ease.

We hope that you enjoy it!

Our U-matic Transfer Service Advantages

Here are just a few of the reasons why people choose Supaphoto everyday. You won’t be disappointed.

Hand holding two CD cases, on with a disk and a memory stick on it

Output & Viewing

Digital file download via Cloud, USB or DVD. Watch on TV, PC, tablet or mobile

Media Transfer Advantages - Colour Corrections

Colour Corrections

Expert colour correction for faded scenes and frame by frame remastering

video restoration with AI Supaphoto© 2024

AI Video Restoration

Optional AI upscale and restoration delivers cleaner videos with enhanced sound

Supaphoto Video Conversion Free Services © 2024

Free Services

Free tape inspection and no charge for blank domestic vhs and camcorder tapes

video conversion advantages Supaphoto© 2023

Security of Handling

We take security of handling very seriously at Supaphoto with step by step tracking

Our U-matic Transfer Service Advantages

Here are just a few of the reasons why people choose Supaphoto everyday. You won’t be disappointed.

Before & After - RAW Capture V AI Enhancement & Upscale

See Enhancement Example

We take technical quality seriously at Supaphoto. We deliver great results with our video capture process as you can see from the example below from an old VHS tape. Now with our REVIVAL AI process and treatment, the quality is even better! We can now optionally use the latest AI to restore your videos. This enhancement technology can sharpen film while recovering accurate detail, remove excess harsh noise while recovering true authentic detail in your film, soften the look of dust and scratches, stabilise the film & more.

For more information, watch our video transfer service and examples video

Supaphoto Video Conversion - Pre AI Enhancement ©Supaphoto 2024

Before

Pre Treatment

Supaphoto Video Conversion - Pre AI Enhancement ©Supaphoto 2024

After

Post Treatment

What's Included?

You’ll receive everything needed to safeguard your memories.

Yes, where collection is applicable, we’ll organise for an easy to understand pre-paid address label to be sent to you. Could not be more simple. There’s also a section in there for you to add notes. 

We know how precious your memories are. It can feel like a big decision. The Supaphoto Welcome Guide explains the process in step by step simple terms. It will also include useful contact details for peace of mind.

We loe what we do. Our dedcated team will digitise every item by hand. We’ve saved millions of memories over 20 years. And don’t worry, you’ll get regular updates along the way.

This is where the magic begins. We’ll return all of your original media. Once preserved, you can access your files via our easy cloud download service, on a memory stick or a lovely DVD. Finally, just relax and let those memories flood in!.

Customer surrounded by video tapes, photographs and audio tapes while looking at the films that Supaphoto have transferred

Sir Richard Attenborough – One of Supaphoto’s Proudest Moments

We were so proud to be chosen by the University of Sussex to preserve some of film director Sir Richard Attenborough’s photographs.

Over the years, we’ve also scanned thousands of photo from prestigious photo albums going back to the 1900’s for British politicians to thousands of everyday family photo collections for families throughout the UK.

Proud staff member having completed some work at his desk.

Our U Matic Tape Transfer Prices

At Supaphoto we take pleasure in doing things in the right way and growing our business slowly through referrals.

Video Transfer Prices to MP4 Digital Files or DVD(s)
1 Tape: £34.99 
2 – 5 Tapes: £29.99 each
6 Tapes Onwards: £26.99 each

Prices typical VHS tapes include for 2 hour of capture, plenty for most tapes! – If you have videos that exceed 2 hour, costs are limited to just £9.99 extra per hour, per item.

What Do I Want Back? – Choose from one of the following options:
i) Mp4 Digital Files as Download from Supaphoto Cloud for easy viewing & sharing with family £19.99
ii) Mp4 Digital Files on a Master USB Stick £19.99
iii) Conversion to a new DVD in a nice presentation case £19.99 

Optional Extras:
– Back-up Version on Master USB Memory Stick: £19.99
– Back-up Version of DVD in Presentation Case: £19.99
– Extra copy of DVD in Presentation Case: £9.99

Free Doorstep Collection & Safe Return & Signed-For Delivery
We’re easy to deal with at Supaphoto. Contact Us Now to receive your free welcome pack. We’ll liaise with you to collect your package free of charge. We safely return items with signed-for delivery for extra peace of mind too.

Want to Order? – How Can I contact You?
Simple! Just Call us on freephone 0800 690 6160 or drop us a line.

More Questions?
See FAQs directly below

All Prices are Inclusive of VAT

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FAQs

We’ve made life easy for you by compiling the the most commonly asked questions that we’ve been asked over the years in one place!

How can I view my films?
Could not be easier! Either plug a simple USB into your TV and view as a slideshow or watch on PC, laptop, ipad or mobile phone. 

Is it easy to share with my family?
It’s so easy. Just forward the link we’ll send you or share your USB memory stick.

Which media output is best?
Digital files are easy to play and share on PCs, laptops, ipads and phones. Start your own home movie editing projects too. A back-up DVD also makes sense. 

No Upfront Payment? – When do I pay?
We never charge upfront unlike other companies. Why? Because there’s always a small chance that you may have non-chargeable blank tapes.   

Would I be charged for blank tapes?
Don’t worry. We NEVER charge for blank tapes!

How long does it take?
Typically 5-10 working days or less. 

Do you offer an advanced service?
Yes. It delivers more vivid colours, better contrast, sharper pictures and image stabilisation. It takes longer but and costs relatively little more.

My video looks very poor in places. Can it still be transferred?
Yes definitely! We’ll always review and advise you first though. 

New! AI Cinematic Video Restoration Service
Our new AI REVIVAL restoration system leverages intelligent temporal data to deliver cleaner, more faithful videos. Whether you have tapes, DVDs or video files, we’ll can transform them into beautiful HD even higher resolution videos. 

Do you send the originals back?
Yes indeed – It’s important that you always keep your originals somewhere safe.

Can You Upscale to HD/4K High Definition?
Yes! Go for that true magical cinematic experience! It also has features such as picture stabilisation, colour correction, frame rate correction and more besides. 

Can I view and save them on a Free Online Cloud Gallery?
Yes indeed and you can share them with your family thereafter.

Where can I read reviews about your service?
We always treat tapes as if they were our own. Read our reviews for yourself

Why should I do it?
All videos slowly deteriorate over time. The sooner you do it – the better. 

My tape has mould on it. Can you still transfer it?
Yes. We have a dedicated service for such tapes.

I also have a DVD that is scratched and does not play. Can you still help?
Yes. we also have a disc repair and recovery service. Just let us know.

What’s your security like?
Rest assured that we take security of handling very seriously and have an insurance policy to match. 

I have a lot of videos – Can I get a bulk discount?
Just contact us to see how we can help. We also offer a buy now pay later option.

I still have questions – How Can I contact You?
Call us for some friendly help on freephone 0800 690 6160 or drop us a line

Converted, Preserved and Ready to Enjoy

Choose what you’ll get back. Sit back and soak it in!

Mobile phone showing transferred photo.

Digital Download

This is a memory stick holding transferred media.

USB Memory Stick

Customer DVD in presentation case

DVD in Case

Converted, Preserved and Ready to Enjoy

Choose what you’ll get back. Sit back and soak it in!

Bulk Discounts

Got a large order? We’ll do our best to help you. Just give us a call and we’ll see what we can do.

What is U-matic Tape?

The U-matic is a type of analogue video recording cassette frequently used in industrial and professional sectors during the 1970s. Although the U-matic was first designed for consumer markets, the high cost of VCR recorders during the 1970s meant there was little consumer demand. Despite this, the U-matic found its home in professional television production and is still used for some specific uses to this day.

The wide usage of U-matic tape recordings in professional sectors means that there is a large quantity of tapes still in existence. The large size of the u-matic video cassettes and recorders means that it is now increasingly difficult to use these historical formats. 

Major Limitations of the Format

One of the major limitations of the U-matic cassette format was damage caused to the videotape when the cassettes were played. The problem lies in the fact that the spinning drum inside the cassette would rub against the film. This would lead to friction wearing away at the u matic tape that would eventually make it unplayable.

This poses a continuing danger to U-matic tapes and means that playing them will likely lead to irreparable damage.

At Supaphoto we believe that the limitations of older technology shouldn’t mean that we lose the important recordings held on formats like the U-matic. We think that the best answer to this problem lies in the conversion of u-matic to digital video formats.

The digitisation process will then provide you with a master copy of your footage in the original format alongside digital copies for archival purposes. We think that digitisation allows you to future-proof your collections of historical video recordings so that they can be enjoyed in years to come. 

U-matic to Digital Transfer

Our team of expert technicians have over 18 years of experience with digital transfers. We pride ourselves on our high quality video transfers that will safeguard your analogue recordings against potential damage or loss.

When considering to convert u-matic to digital then – rest assured that once your film cassettes arrive with us we will perform a pre-transfer treatment process to assess the quality of the film and clean any accumulated dust on the film. We will then process your film using our digitisation software to produce high definition transfers. We take a frame-by-frame scan of the original tape footage that will give you the best quality duplicate of the original recording. We will then hand over the newly scanned digital files to our video editing team who will selectively edit your footage. They will sympathetically correct any faded colours or exposure issues that the film may affect the film. Once our u-matic transfers are complete you will then have a digital copy alongside your master umatic tapes. 

Enhance and Digitalise U-Matic Tapes

When the digital scanning and restoration of your footage is complete you will then be able to choose from a number of digital formats and storage methods. Alongside regular MP4 files we also offer editable file types if required. Popular choices include:

U-matic to DVD or Blue Ray: We will burn your transferred video recording onto a DVD or Blue Ray that is compatible with most home media players.

U-matic to digital external storage: We will transfer your video files onto an external hard drive or usb stick. These are compatible with most modern TVs, PCs and Mac computers.

Whatever you’re needs we’re confident that our friendly team can help you with your U-matic tape transfers.

Did You Know?:

The U-matic gets its name from the way that the film is fed into the drum which resembles the letter U.

Unlike most cassette formats the U-matic’s film reels turn in opposite directions during playback, fast-forward and rewind. 

 

Transfer Examples & Customers

Rest assured that we take the issue of quality very seriously.

Why not check out the quality of our Our Video Services?

We’ve spent 000’s on our video tape to digital equipment and have been in this business for over twenty years.

We were chosen to undertake cine film conversion work for the TV Production Company behind the BBC’s Repair Shop!

Other projects include digitalising Sir Richard Attenborough’s personal collection of images, converting early footage of Virgin Airways promotional films and digitalisation work relating to Windsor Castle, The Mary Rose and the late Queen Elizabeth II.

More Questions About this Format

A: U-matic was a professional broadcast video format developed by Sony in the early 1970s. It was widely used by TV studios, production houses, and universities before digital formats became standard. Because U-matic players are now almost impossible to find, converting these tapes to digital is the only way to preserve their content for the future.

A: We use carefully maintained professional Sony U-matic decks to play your tapes in real time, capturing them through broadcast-grade digital converters. The footage is then saved as MP4, MOV, or AVI files, which can be delivered on USB, external hard drive, or via secure download.

A: Yes, in most cases. We can clean mould, repair broken casing, and carefully splice minor tape breaks. Severe damage may limit what can be recovered, but our team will always discuss options before continuing.

A: Most customers choose MP4 for compatibility, but we also offer MOV or ProRes for professional use. We’ll advise on the best format based on your intended playback or editing system.

A: Conversion typically starts from around £25 per tape, depending on length and condition. Larger projects or institutional archives may qualify for volume discounts. Every quote includes cleaning, conversion, and secure return of your original media.

A: On average, two to four weeks, depending on the number of tapes and their condition. We also offer a priority service if you need your project completed sooner.