I've been asked to convert an old beta tape to vhs. Knowing nothing about beta formats I'm not sure whether I'm looking for someone with an old consumer beta deck or something more. Anyone familiar with the subject?

David Hurdon

L250 beta tape is a consumer tape like VHS. Beta was recorded in three different speeds, Beta I, II and III. Beta I was very high quality and offered a much better picture than VHS. But the tape to head speed was relatively high and it provided short recording times. Beta I playback decks may be hard to find. Beta II and and III is similar in quality to VHS SP and EP speeds.

Old tapes can have problem on playback. The video signals may have deteriorated and the copies may be of poor quality. Time Base Correctors (TBC) may aid in improving signal quality and playback. Do a short test first to check results.