The short answer: transferring a video tape to a USB drive takes two steps: first the tape is converted to a digital file (with us — 75 ILS per tape, 63/55 ILS from ten tapes up, VAT included), then the files are copied to a USB drive — or you simply receive a download link and store it wherever you like. The tape itself cannot "go onto" a USB drive — it must be digitized first, and that step decides the quality for life.
"Put it on a USB stick for me" is our most common request — and a sensible one: nobody has a VCR anymore, but every TV has a USB port. Here is how it really works, what you can do yourself, and where people stumble.
Step 1: from tape to file — the heart of the matter
A tape is analog magnetic film; a USB drive holds digital files. The bridge is the conversion: a healthy professional deck plays the tape, and a capture card turns the signal into a file. This is where quality is decided — a deck with worn heads or a cheap USB dongle produces a smeared, flickering file that no software can fix afterwards. With us every tape is inspected, cleaned if needed, and converted on professional equipment — all formats: VHS, VHS-C, Video8, Hi8, MiniDV and more.
Step 2: from file to USB — or straight to the cloud
After conversion you receive an organized download link valid for a month — every tape as a separate, clearly named MP4 file. If you want a USB drive, the files come loaded on it, ready to plug into a TV; an external disk or cloud upload also works. Our recommendation: both — a file stored in only one place is not a backup.
What does it cost?
75 ILS per single tape; from ten tapes up — 63 ILS for large tapes (VHS, Hi8, Video8) and 55 ILS for small ones (MiniDV, VHS-C, audio), VAT included. Over 20 tapes, shipping to us is free. The USB drive — by required capacity; we will tell you exactly what size you need in the quote.
Can I do it myself?
Technically yes — if you own a working VCR (the hard part), a capture card and a computer, plus the patience for real-time conversion: a three-hour tape means three hours of converting, per tape. The traps: a worn-headed deck that chews your only copy, cheap USB converters that produce poor quality, and tapes with mold or sticky film that need treatment before playing at all. For one unimportant tape — experiment away; for the family memory box — this is not the place to save money. And by the same principle, 8mm film reels go to USB too — only there the scan is frame by frame.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to transfer a video tape to USB?
75 ILS for a single tape, 63/55 ILS per tape from ten tapes up (large/small formats), VAT included — plus a USB drive by required capacity, or without one if the download link is enough.
How much space do I need on the USB drive?
It depends on how many tapes and how long they run. Your quote will state exactly what capacity is needed — and we can supply a suitable drive.
My tapes are very old — is it still possible?
In most cases yes. Tapes with mold, torn film or jams go through our repair lab first, then to conversion. The first minute is free — you see a result before committing.
Which is better — USB drive or download link?
Both: the link is ideal for instant family sharing, and the USB drive plugs straight into a TV. The real principle is double backup — one copy is never enough for irreplaceable memories.
A box of tapes waiting in the attic? Tell us how many or call +972-3-5610368 — over 20 tapes, courier pickup is on us. More in English: Studio HanaBi.
