Betamax, launched by Sony in 1975 and arguably the better domestic format was eventually relegated to the pages of history by VHS and its relatively low cost and long recording times. The consumer format was superior to VHS in many ways, better picture and sound quality but shorter record times. The very popular Betacam broadcast format was based on Betamax.
Easily identified by the Beta logo and slightly smaller than VHS. Tapes vary in duration and were available in lengths up to nearly 4 hours.
This table shows the Betamax identifier / model number and duration for PAL recording
| Tape model number | Duration |
| L-125 | 30 minutes |
| L-250 | 65 minutes |
| L-370 | 95 minutes |
| L-500 | 130 minutes |
| L-750 | 195 minutes |
| L-830 | 215 minutes |
We can transfer Betamax (PAL only) to digital files for use in archiving or editing applications. We can supply the files as compressed MP4 or uncompressed MOV.
Contact us for more information on this service.
Pricing from $50 (NZD) per hour.
Prices include GST.
External USB storage is excluded.