1-inch videotape digitisation Type C
We digitise 1-inch Type C videotapes, the open reels used by broadcasters in the 1970s and 1980s, in our lab in Barcelona on a 1-inch VCR with a time base corrector (TBC). We deliver in ProRes, MXF, MOV or MP4, with quality control and a report for every tape, and we collect material from anywhere in Spain.
How to recognise a 1-inch tape
- Open reel, no cassette
- The tape is wound on a reel of about 25 cm or more, usually in a plastic or cardboard box. It is 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide.
- Type C
- The most widespread 1-inch standard in television before Betacam SP. Analogue broadcast quality.
- Material from the 1970s and 1980s
- Programme masters, broadcasts, commercials and music videos. Often the only good-quality copy in existence.
If your tape is 1-inch but you are not sure it is Type C, send us a photo of the reel and label and we will confirm.
How we do it
- 1
Inventory and physical check
Every tape gets a QR label and is checked before playback: shell condition, mould or damaged tape. If it needs treatment, we tell you and quote it before touching it.
- 2
Broadcast playback
On professional VCRs with time base correctors (TBC): a stable picture with no jumps or jitter.
- 3
Capture in the format you need
At native resolution or in HD with Blackmagic Design equipment, in the codec your archive or production company requires.
- 4
Quality control for every tape
Picture, sound and sync checked from start to finish. For professional projects the per-tape report is always delivered.
- 5
Organised delivery
On hard drive or by download, with file names following your inventory.
- 6
Originals returned
The tapes come back as they arrived, with their identification label.
Delivery formats
ProRes, MXF, MOV, MP4 (H.264 or H.265) or MKV, at native resolution or in HD. If your archive has its own specification, we follow it.
Price
Professional formats are quoted by number of tapes, running time and delivery format. We send you a fixed quote within 24 working hours, with no obligation.
Quality control for every tape
We check every tape in full — picture, sound and sync — and your job is documented in a report with one page per tape.
Who it is for
Broadcasters and production companies
Programme and broadcast masters from the 1970s and 1980s.
Archives and institutions
Complete audiovisual collections, with inventory and a report per tape.
Advertising and music
Commercials, music videos and performances recorded on 1-inch.
The same lab that works for
- TV3-CCMA12,500 tapes, 39,000 hours
- La Ligaover 12,000 tapes
- UNED16,000 reels
Frequently asked questions
Do you digitise 1-inch Type C tapes?
Yes, on a 1-inch VCR with a time base corrector (TBC), in our lab in Barcelona.
What about 1-inch Type B?
Send us a photo of the reel and label and we will tell you whether we can handle it.
Which format do you deliver?
Whatever you need: ProRes, MXF, MOV, MP4 (H.264 or H.265) or MKV, at native resolution or in HD. If your archive has its own specification, we follow it.
What if the tapes have mould or are in poor condition?
We inspect them before playback. If they need treatment, we tell you and quote it before touching them.
How much does it cost to digitise a 1-inch tape?
It depends on the number of reels, their running time and the delivery format. We send a fixed quote within 24 working hours.
Your professional archive in safe hands
Tell us how many tapes you have and the format you need: we'll send you a quote within 24 working hours.