Professional U-matic to digital conversion starts from £8.99 per tape with volume discounts up to 43%. Includes free Memory Box with prepaid shipping, professional lab restoration, enhancement option, and complimentary cloud album. Trusted by Warner Bros.
Digitised U-matic
U-matic was the world's first commercially successful videocassette format — launched by Sony in 1971, five years before VHS and Betamax. For two decades it was the workhorse of broadcast TV news, corporate video, education, and government. If you have U-matic 3/4-inch tapes, you almost certainly have professional content from the 1970s, 80s, or early 90s. Our studio-grade AI restoration, trusted by Warner Bros., recovers broadcast-quality footage from a format most labs no longer support.
Order before midday for next-day Memory Box delivery
Digitised U-matic
Preserve your U-matic tape before they're lost to binder hydrolysis (sticky shed) + mould growth. Our studio-grade restoration recovers detail you thought was gone forever — and delivers it back to you on any device you own.
The same restoration technology trusted by Warner Bros. for professional documentaries — now available for your U-matic tape. Drag the slider to compare.
Enhancement from £4.99 per file. Learn more
Volume discounts applied automatically. The more you convert, the less you pay per item.
Base
10% off
£13.49
Save 10%
5+ items
20% off
£12.14
Save 20%
10+ items
25% off
£11.47
Save 25%
17+ items
30% off
£10.79
Save 30%
33+ items
35% off
£10.12
Save 35%
67+ items
40% off
£8.99
Save 40%
* Prices include 10% Early Bird discount.
Prices shown are per equivalent item. Exact pricing is calculated based on your specific items using our interactive pricing calculator.
Select your U-matic tape and quantities. Volume discounts apply automatically. Free cloud album included with every order.
Select your U-matic items for an instant quote.
£13.49 each
Included with your order
£19.99 each
£29.99 each
£19.99 each
• Add £50.00 more to unlock Free Shipping
• Add £75.00 more to unlock an additional 10% volume discount
No problem! Add all your items when your Memory Box arrives - we'll count them and invoice you accordingly
From your shelf to your screen — we handle everything.
Pack your U-matic tapes into the Memory Box. Tell us if you know the variant (Lo-Band / Hi-Band / SP) — we can also identify it ourselves on inspection.
Each tape is identified, conditioned, mould-treated if needed, and captured on a Sony broadcast U-matic deck via component or Y-C signal path through a TBC.
Watch your broadcast-quality U-matic footage on any device. Cloud album included for sharing across the team or family.
"I'm the unofficial archivist for a regional TV station that used U-matic for news gathering from 1978 until 1992. We had 400+ tapes in a damp storage room — all sticky, several mouldy, none playable on our remaining BVU-150. EachMoment took the entire archive, conditioned every tape, and captured them on broadcast Sony decks. The footage is the only surviving record of dozens of local stories. Truly irreplaceable work."
— Margaret S, verified customer
✨ Only pay for the tape you send to us — and get a full refund for any that turn out to be blank or unplayable.
£10 refundable deposit. Free shipping. Next-day delivery.
U-matic tapes from the 1970s and 80s suffer from sticky shed syndrome more severely than almost any other consumer or professional format. The polyester urethane binder used by Sony, Maxell, Ampex, and 3M for U-matic tape stock breaks down when it absorbs moisture from the air — a process called hydrolysis. The binder turns sticky and gluey, the magnetic oxide layer flakes away from the polyester base, and the tape becomes physically dangerous to play. Trying to play a sticky-shed U-matic tape on an unprepared deck will gum up the heads, contaminate the transport, and potentially destroy the tape.
Mould is the second major problem. U-matic was widely used in TV stations, corporate AV departments, and government archives — many of which were not climate-controlled. Tapes stored in damp basements, garages, or storerooms for 30-40 years often arrive with visible mould growth on the tape surface or inside the cassette shell. Mould doesn't just look bad; it spreads spores onto playback heads and can render an entire deck unusable for hours afterwards.
The third problem is the equipment. Sony stopped making U-matic decks in the 1990s. Working broadcast U-matic VCRs (BVU-950, VO-9800 series) sell for £1,500-5,000 on the second-hand market in 2026, and the supply is shrinking every year. Heads wear out, capstan rollers crumble, and replacement parts effectively don't exist. Most digitisation services don't have the equipment or the expertise.
The fourth problem is the variety. U-matic came in three incompatible varieties: Lo-Band (the original 1971 format), Hi-Band (the higher-quality professional version from 1974 onwards), and U-matic SP (the broadcast version from 1986). Playing a Hi-Band tape on a Lo-Band deck gives a distorted picture. Many digitisation services don't even know which variant they're handling.
Only pay for items you send. Blank or unplayable items are refunded automatically.
Protect Your U-matic Tape NowEquipment: Sony BVU-950 and VO-9850 broadcast U-matic decks with rack-mounted Cypress Technology TBCs and component / Y-C signal output
U-matic restoration starts with format identification. We check whether the tape is Lo-Band, Hi-Band, or SP, and we route it to the correct deck for that variant. Lo-Band and Hi-Band need different playback paths — getting it wrong gives a degraded signal.
Sticky shed conditioning is critical for most U-matic tapes. We use a controlled low-temperature conditioning process that temporarily stabilises the binder layer and gives us a single safe playback window. Mouldy tapes get cleaned with a tape-safe solvent before any playback. We never put a sticky or mouldy tape into our main playback decks without conditioning first — the cost of contamination is too high.
For capture, we use Sony BVU-950 and VO-9850 broadcast U-matic decks — the same machines that television stations used for editing and mastering. These decks have heavier transports, more accurate head alignment, and better signal recovery than the BVU-150 series consumer/prosumer decks. The signal feeds through a rack-mounted Cypress Technology time base corrector to remove jitter and tracking errors before it hits the digital capture stage.
Output is captured via component (Y/Pb/Pr) or S-Video (Y/C) — the same signal paths broadcast engineers used in the analogue era. We don't downsample to composite. Post-capture, we colour-correct, level the audio, and apply optional AI enhancement for additional detail recovery. The final files are mastered to broadcast quality.
Sticky shed conditioning, mould treatment, broadcast deck capture, time base correction, and colour correction are all included as standard. No extra fees for "professional broadcast format handling".
No hidden fees. No surprises. Just exceptional care for your U-matic tape.
The same restoration technology trusted by Warner Bros. Sharpen details, correct colour, and boost resolution from £4.99 per file.
Learn more →Every order includes a private cloud album. View on any device, share with family worldwide. No extra charge, no time limit.
Fully insured, GPS-tracked shipping both ways. The same secure courier trusted for transporting passports nationwide. Zero items lost — ever.
Learn more →Every item is cleaned, repaired, and restored before digitisation. Colour correction, speed adjustment, and audio levelling included at no extra cost.
Follow every step on your personal dashboard. Know exactly where your U-matic tape are — from collection through digitisation to safe return.
Learn more →Not happy with the quality? We'll re-process your files free of charge.
The same restoration technology used by Warner Bros. for professional documentaries — now available for your home U-matic tape from just £4.99 per file. AI-powered detail recovery, colour correction, and sharpening that goes far beyond traditional digitisation.
Add AI Enhancement to Your OrderA: Preserving your U-Matic tapes with EachMoment is designed to be a streamlined, secure, and professional process:
1. Memory Box Order & Delivery: Use our intuitive online quote tool, select 'U-Matic tapes,' and pay a small £10 deposit to get started. Your free, reinforced Memory Box is promptly dispatched for next-day delivery.
2. Secure Tape Packing: Carefully pack your tapes into the Memory Box, utilizing the provided protective materials. Pre-cleaning your tapes is not necessary; our experts will handle that.
3. Free Courier Collection: Schedule a complimentary, secure courier collection through our easy-to-use online portal. Your Memory Box is then safely transported to our specialist UK lab.
4. Tape Assessment & Invoice/Refund: Upon arrival, our technicians carefully assess your tapes and issue a clear online invoice for any quantity adjustments, or a refund if applicable.
5. Expert Restoration & Digitisation: Following secure payment, your U-Matic tapes undergo professional cleaning, restoration, and high-resolution digitisation using broadcast-quality equipment.
6. Rigorous Quality Control & Digital Preparation: Your newly digitized videos undergo stringent quality checks before being prepared for your chosen output format (Cloud Album, USB drive, or DVD).
7. Secure Return of Originals & Digital Copies: Your original U-Matic tapes and your digital copies are securely returned via our trusted courier service.
8. Access & Utilize Your Digitized Archive: Access and utilize your revitalized U-Matic recordings on any compatible digital system.
Order before 12 pm for next-day Memory Box delivery. Free Memory Box + free 3-way secure courier for orders over £50.00.
A: We expertly convert all recognised U-Matic tape formats to digital, including Low Band, High Band (SP), BVU, and BVU-SP variants. Introduced in the 1970s, U-Matic was a professional analogue video format using a ¾ inch tape cassette. If your tapes resemble larger cassettes, often marked 'U-Matic', 'Umatic SP', 'BVU', or 'BVU-SP', we can convert them. If you're unsure of the exact format, don't worry! Simply send us your tapes securely packaged in our Memory Box, and our experienced specialists will accurately identify each format upon arrival. We're equipped to handle U-Matic tapes in almost any condition, including those that are scratched, faded, or showing signs of age.
A: Discovering more tapes than initially thought is quite common! Our process is designed for flexibility:
1. Initial Estimate & Deposit: Use our online quote tool to estimate the number of U-Matic tapes and pay the £10 deposit for your free Memory Box.
2. Pack All Tapes: When your Memory Box arrives, pack all your U-Matic tapes, even if it exceeds your initial estimate.
3. Precise Assessment: Our technicians will accurately count and assess all tapes upon arrival at our lab.
4. Transparent Invoice/Refund: We'll send a clear online invoice for any additional tapes or issue a refund if applicable. You only pay for the final, accurate count after we've received and assessed them. This eliminates upfront overestimation – you only pay for what we successfully convert.
A: We offer several convenient and versatile options for receiving your newly digitised U-Matic videos:
1. Complimentary Cloud Album (Included):
Instant online access to your digitised videos via a secure Cloud Album.
* Effortless sharing with colleagues and stakeholders, regardless of location.
* Stream your videos on various devices – computers, laptops, tablets, and Smart TVs.
* Secure cloud backup to protect your valuable archive against data loss.
2. Premium Crystal USB Drive (Professional Presentation):
* Your digitised videos on an elegant crystal USB drive, presented in a professional-quality gift box.
* Ideal for client presentations, internal archiving, or important deliverables.
* Provides high-quality digital files compatible with modern playback and editing systems.
3. Robust Classic USB Drive (Durable Archive):
* A durable steel USB drive for a robust and long-lasting physical archive.
* Reliable long-term storage for your valuable digital video files.
4. Professional DVD Set (Standard Playback):
* A DVD set for playback on standard DVD players, ensuring compatibility with existing systems.
* A familiar format for wider distribution or client copies.
* Includes custom DVD menus and chapter markers for easy navigation.
Many clients opt for a combination, such as using the Cloud Album for immediate access and a Premium USB for secure archiving and professional delivery.
A: The safety and security of your U-Matic tapes are paramount. We've implemented a multi-layered security system for complete protection:
1. Secure Memory Box Transport:
* Our proprietary Memory Box is crush-proof, providing maximum protection during transit.
* We have a perfect record: zero tapes damaged in transit since implementing the Memory Box.
2. Premium, Tracked Courier:
* We partner with a premium division of a national courier service, renowned for handling sensitive materials like examination papers and passports.
* Real-time tracking of your Memory Box from collection to secure return delivery.
* An impeccable history: zero lost items since the inception of our secure courier service.
3. State-of-the-Art Lab Security & Handling:
* Upon arrival, each U-Matic tape is assigned a unique QR code for meticulous tracking.
* Our lab facility is under 24/7 monitoring and is climate-controlled for optimal storage.
* All tapes are handled exclusively by professionally trained technicians, adhering to strict security protocols.
* Regular maintenance and calibration of our digitisation equipment guarantee safe handling.
We are proud to state that we have never lost or damaged a single client's U-Matic tape. Your valuable archive is in the safest possible hands.
A: Uncertainty about the content of older U-Matic tapes is perfectly understandable! Here's our client-focused approach:
1. Full Refund for Blank Tapes: If a U-Matic tape is found to be completely blank, you'll automatically receive a full refund for its digitisation cost.
2. Digitisation of All Recoverable Footage: If any recoverable footage exists, we'll professionally digitise it, regardless of:
* The footage length (even very short clips).
* Unlabeled or unknown content.
* Mixed recordings or multiple events on a single tape.
Many clients have been delighted to rediscover long-forgotten recordings and valuable content. Our professional restoration can even reveal details and improve clarity not easily visible during original playback.
A: Yes, absolutely! We specialize in restoring aged and damaged U-Matic tapes, including those affected by mould. We can typically address:
* Fading or colour shift.
* Scratches or physical marks.
* Brittleness or stiffness.
* Surface dirt or dust.
* Previous splices or repairs.
* Water damage.
* Mould contamination (in most cases).
Our Comprehensive Restoration Process:
1. Detailed Expert Assessment: Each tape is meticulously evaluated to determine the extent and nature of any damage.
2. Professional Cleaning & Restoration: We utilize broadcast-quality U-Matic VCRs and commercial-grade equipment. Tapes undergo physical cleaning to remove dust, surface mould, and contaminants, enhancing tape integrity and signal quality. We address issues like 'sticky shed syndrome' in older tapes.
3. Archive-Grade Technology: We employ specialized cleaning and restoration technologies to maximize video content recovery.
4. Physical Repairs: Technicians perform necessary repairs, such as re-splicing broken tapes or addressing stiffness, to ensure smooth playback.
5. High-Quality Digitisation & Quality Checks: Following restoration, tapes are digitised with meticulous attention, and digital files undergo rigorous quality control.
No Additional Restoration Charges: All basic restoration is included in our standard pricing. If a tape is deemed beyond recovery (less than 1% of cases), you'll receive a full refund. We strongly advise digitising your tapes sooner rather than later to maximize the likelihood of successful preservation.
A: We offer two processing options:
1. Standard Processing:
* Typical turnaround: 3-4 weeks from the date your Memory Box arrives at our lab.
* This includes thorough inspection, cleaning, restoration, high-quality digitisation, and quality control.
* Each tape receives dedicated attention and meticulous handling.
2. Expedited Rush Processing (Optional):
* For faster turnaround: Completion within 1-2 weeks.
* Maintains the same high standards of restoration and digitisation as our standard service.
* Ideal for urgent needs or time-sensitive projects.
Processing time can vary depending on:
* The number of tapes.
* Tape condition (extensive restoration may take longer).
* Our current lab workload.
We provide order tracking updates, and you can monitor progress via our online system. We prioritize quality and never compromise the careful handling your valuable archive deserves.
A: Yes! We ensure easy viewing on virtually any professional display or system:
Professional Display Options:
* Direct Cloud Album Streaming: Access and stream videos directly from your Cloud Album on compatible Smart displays or systems.
* USB Drive Playback: Plug your USB drive (Premium Crystal or Classic Steel) into your display or system's USB port and use the built-in media player.
Standard Displays and Systems:
* HDMI Connection: Connect an HDMI-equipped device (laptop, computer, media player) to your display using an HDMI cable. Play files from the connected device.
* DVD Playback: Use your DVD set in any standard DVD player connected to your display.
Organisations and professionals benefit from accessing digitised archives on professional displays, enabling effective review, editing, and integration into workflows. Modern displays will present your digitised U-Matic videos with significantly enhanced clarity compared to original playback.
A: Our '3-way secure courier' service provides complete peace of mind and convenience. It covers three essential stages:
1. Secure Memory Box Delivery: We deliver your complimentary, specially engineered Memory Box directly to your business address, ready for you to pack your U-Matic tapes.
2. Reliable Memory Box Collection: Once packed, our secure courier collects your filled Memory Box from your location at a pre-arranged time, ensuring safe, tracked transport to our lab.
3. Guaranteed Return Delivery: After digitisation, we return your original tapes and digital copies (USB, DVD, or Cloud Album access) via the same trusted, tracked courier.
This all-inclusive service guarantees safe, secure, and tracked transportation throughout the entire process.
A: Yes! Our premium 3-way secure courier service is completely free for U-Matic digitisation orders with a total spend of £50.00 or more. For smaller orders (below £50.00), a nominal £25 charge applies to cover the service. This means the vast majority of clients benefit from free, secure, and convenient collection and return delivery.
A: Our optional Rush Processing service is available for faster turnaround. Please refer to our online quote tool for detailed pricing, as fees are structured on a tiered basis related to your total order spend. You can view options and fees when placing your order.
A: Yes, we offer generous bulk discounts. The more tapes you convert, the more you save! Please refer to our online quote tool for detailed information on our tiered discount structure, which is automatically applied as you add tapes. You can view discount percentages and total savings within the tool.
A: Our Free Memory Box is a complete solution for safely sending your tapes. It includes:
* Robust Crush-Proof Box: A durable, reinforced box for maximum protection during transit.
* Comprehensive Welcome Guide: Step-by-step instructions on packing your tapes and arranging collection.
* Pre-Paid Return Shipping Label: A pre-addressed, pre-paid label for hassle-free return shipping.
* Tape Identification Stickers & 'Name-It Sheet': To help organise and label tapes for personalised digital file titles.
The Memory Box is delivered free (secured with a £10 deposit) and designed for convenience and superior protection.
A: Our typical standard processing time is 3-4 weeks from the date your Memory Box arrives at our lab. This allows for thorough inspection, cleaning, restoration, high-quality digitisation, quality control checks, and secure return shipping. We're committed to delivering the highest quality results and take the necessary time to ensure your recordings are preserved to the best possible standard.
A: Yes! We provide real-time, comprehensive tracking. Once your Memory Box is collected, you'll receive a unique tracking link via email. This lets you monitor your tapes' journey – from arrival at our lab, through each digitisation stage, to final dispatch and delivery. You can check the status online 24/7 or contact our support team.
A: We employ multiple layers of security and stringent protocols:
* Robust Physical Security:
* Our crush-proof Memory Box.
* A reputable, secure courier (also used for passports and exam papers).
* Restricted physical access and 24/7 monitoring at our lab.
* Enterprise-Grade Digital Security:
* Secure, enterprise-grade storage with redundant backups.
* Industry-leading, military-grade encryption for Cloud Album storage and file transfers.
* Meticulous Chain of Custody Tracking:
* A unique QR code identifier for each tape.
* Continuous, real-time monitoring of each tape's location and processing stage.
We have a proven track record of never losing or damaging a client's order and are committed to keeping your archive safe.
A: Our policy is client-friendly and transparent:
* Full Refunds for Blank Tapes: If a tape is definitively blank, you'll automatically receive a full refund for its digitisation cost.
* Refunds for Unplayable Tapes (Rare): In the rare instance (less than 1%) that a tape is severely damaged and unplayable despite our best efforts, we'll issue a full refund for that tape. We'll always proactively contact you to discuss the situation before processing any refunds.
We're committed to transparency and fairness, ensuring you only pay for successfully digitised content.
A: Currently, our standard service (including the Memory Box and courier) is primarily for UK clients. For international clients, please contact our support team directly (hello@eachmoment.co.uk or 01603 361 584). We'll be happy to discuss potential service options and provide information on international shipping costs or logistical considerations.
A: Yes, it's easy to order additional copies on USB drives or DVD sets. This is popular for sharing with colleagues, creating backups, or distribution. You can specify the number of copies during the online ordering process, within our quote tool. Or, if you decide later, contact our support team. We offer Premium Crystal and Classic Steel USB drives, as well as DVD sets.
A: We accept a wide range of payment methods:
* All Major Credit and Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express.
* Secure Online Payments: Via our website's encrypted checkout.
* Bank Transfers: For larger orders or client preference (contact our support team).
To initiate your order and receive your Memory Box, you only pay a £10 deposit. The remaining balance is invoiced online after we've assessed your tapes. We're committed to a secure and user-friendly payment process.
A: Yes, EachMoment is fully equipped to handle U-Matic digitisation orders of all sizes, including large and bulk orders with hundreds or even thousands of tapes. We regularly work with organisations with extensive archives, businesses, and institutions. Our infrastructure (Memory Box system, courier network, high-capacity lab) is designed to process high volumes while maintaining quality and security. For orders exceeding 50 tapes, we provide dedicated project managers. We also offer attractive bulk discounts.
A: We're committed to your complete satisfaction and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you're not fully satisfied with the quality of your digitised U-Matic tapes, contact our support team immediately. We'll do everything we can to address your concerns, including re-digitising tapes, providing alternative output formats, or applying further enhancements. If, after working with you, we're unable to resolve the matter to your satisfaction, we'll offer a full refund. Your happiness and the preservation of your archive are our top priorities.
A: Our friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive client support team is readily available:
* Direct Phone Line: Call us at [01603 361 584](tel:01603 361 584) during business hours.
* Email Support: Email hello@eachmoment.co.uk; we typically respond within 24 hours.
* Website Contact Form: Visit our 'Contact Us' page and fill out the form; we respond within one business day.
We're here to provide comprehensive support and guidance throughout your digitisation journey.
A: We use only industry-leading, broadcast-quality equipment for U-Matic conversion, ensuring the highest fidelity, accuracy, and long-term preservation. Key components include:
* Professional Broadcast-Grade U-Matic VCRs: We use top-tier, regularly serviced U-Matic VCRs, specifically engineered for professional playback and archival applications. Examples include modified Sony BVU-950 and Sony BVU-970 decks, known for robust transport mechanisms and superior signal handling. These offer superior signal processing, playback stability, and reduced noise compared to consumer-grade VCRs. A crucial feature is the integrated Time Base Corrector (TBC), which stabilises the often-unstable video signal from aging tapes, correcting timing errors, eliminating jitter, and reducing artifacts, resulting in a clearer, more stable transfer.
* High-Resolution A/D Converters: We use professional-grade A/D converters to capture the analogue signal and convert it to digital. These, such as the Blackmagic Design UltraStudio 4K, are selected for their high bit-depth (at least 10-bit) and precise sampling rates. This ensures accurate and detailed capture of the original video information, minimising quality loss and preserving detail and colour.
* Precision Frame-by-Frame Capture: We capture each frame sequentially. This precise method allows for granular quality control and optimisation. It enables technicians to apply advanced restoration and corrections with greater precision, resulting in superior output.
* DaVinci Resolve Colour Grading: We use DaVinci Resolve, the industry-standard software for colour correction, grading, and finishing. This enables technicians to fine-tune colour balance, contrast, and brightness, revitalising faded colours, correcting casts, and enhancing the overall appearance to closely match the original recordings.
Digitised in our Norwich lab
Every item is restored and digitised by our in-house team — not outsourced. Over 500,000 items processed since 2018. Trusted by Warner Bros., Radiohead, and WIRED.
Last updated:
Order your Memory Box today to lock in our current sale prices plus an extra 10% Early-Bird discount on your U-matic digitisation.
Simply return your box within 28 days to claim your stacked savings.
From video tapes to glass negatives — we restore and digitise every analogue media format. Free Memory Box. Insured shipping. Trusted by Warner Bros.
