Convert MiniDV to USB
& save your memories.

We recommend converting your MiniDV tapes to USB rather than to CD. Here are the reasons:

• USB sticks are more flexible and compatible with modern devices: Memory sticks are available with most modern devices like smart TVs and laptops. CDs, on the other hand, are not that flexible, since most PCs don’t have disc drives anymore.
• No loss of quality: By saving your MiniDV tapes on a USB stick, you’ll retain the full video quality if you choose the Standard quality level. If you choose the Premium quality level, we’ll upscale the video to Full HD for an even higher resolution.
• You can share and edit your files: You’ll be able to copy, edit, and share your digitised videos with family and friends.
• CDs are outdated and their storage capacity is limited: CDs have a limited storage capacity. This means that to fit the video onto the CD, you’d need to compress the file heavily. The quality loss will be significant. For the same reasons, we recommend transferring your MiniDV tapes to USB rather than to DVD.

Yes, you can transfer MiniDV tapes to your computer via USB, but it’s not ideal. Most old MiniDV camcorders use a FireWire (IEEE 1394) connection for digital video transfer, not USB. If you have a more modern camcorder, you might be able to transfer your footage directly via USB. Even if it seems like the easier solution, it often results in a significant loss of quality.

If you want to retain the full quality, you’ll need:

• A MiniDV camcorder with FireWire output
• A FireWare cable
• A FireWire-to-USB card or USB adapter, depending on your PC or Mac
• Video capture software installed on your computer

We don’t recommend transferring your MiniDV tapes yourself, since it’s quite time-consuming and, as you can see, you need to buy a lot of equipment. To avoid losing time on technicalities and spending money on equipment you won’t use again, we recommend using a professional digitisation service like MEDIAFIX.

Your MiniDV tapes will be converted either in their original PAL resolution (Standard quality) or upscaled to Full HD. We’ll save your videos as MP4 files on a USB stick or hard drive, depending on the file size. Additionally, you can even get a direct download link to your files after digitisation.

Convert MiniDV to USB starts from just £8.99. Here are the prices in more detail, based on our Standard quality level:

Prices are valid up to a duration of 90 minutes. We charge for the actual length of the recordings including gaps, not for the total capacity of the cassette.
Extra charge for extended lengths:
up to 180 minutes: 0p
up to 240 minutes: 0p

You have two main options to convert your old MiniDV tapes: either you do it yourself at home or you use a professional MiniDV to USB converter like MEDIAFIX. Let’s examine both options.

Converting MiniDV tapes yourself

Before proceeding with the conversion, make sure to have the following equipment:

• A working Mini DV camcorder
• FireWire (IEEE 1394) or USB output, depeding which camcorder model you own
• Video capture software
• A PC with enough storage and a USB port
• USB stick to save the digitised video

Here’s how it works:

1. Connect your MiniDV camcorder to your PC
2. Install a FireWire card
3. Insert the MiniDV into the camcorder
4. Open and set up your video capture software on your PC
5. Play the tape in real-time while recording it
6. Save the digitised video in your chosen output format (e.g. MP4)

Be aware that this process can take even hours, depending on the amount of tapes you want to convert and their length.

Use a professional digitisation service

An experienced digitisation service like MEDIAFIX can convert your MiniDV tapes directly to USB stick and even provide the files as a direct download link. You’ll just have to send an enquiry through the website, pack your old MiniDV tapes and they’ll transfer them to USB. MEDIAFIX is the best choice for converting your old tapes because they have more than 12 years experience in the field of digitisation. Furthermore, they offer a customer service you can rely on. With a high customer satisfaction across different platforms, they’re a top-rated service in the United Kingdom and offer their services in different European countries.

Transfer MiniDV tapes to USB

Yes, at MEDIAFIX you can improve the quality of your old MiniDV tapes. We recommend that you do so to achieve the best results. To get the best out of them, choose the Premium quality during the enquiry process. Your videos will be upscaled to Full HD resolution (1920 × 1080 pixels). You’ll get a sharper and clearer result.

In addition to upscaling, you can even book the post-processing service. This special service enhances the overall quality even further. More specifically:

• The colours are optimised
• Noise and artefacts are reduced

Ready to relive your precious memories?
Convert MiniDV to USB now