tape formats
Almost certainly! We have been collecting rare machines and building expertise for 20 years.
If you know what you have, or can describe it, please contact us here.
If you are unsure, see our media identification resource: formats we digitise.
We carefully restore and transfer analogue and digital, professional and domestic magnetic audio tape / optical media.
You can find all our audio digitising services outlined on our audio transfer introduction page here >
The full list includes: compact audio cassette; DAT cassette; dictation cassette; 4-track cassette; 8-track cassette; ADAT cassette; PCM audio on video tape; DTRS 8-track cassette (DA-88 & Sony PCM-800); ¼ inch reel-to-reel; ¼ inch multitrack reel-to-reel (Tascam ¼" 4-track, Tascam 388 Studio 8 ¼" 8-track, Fostex R8 ¼" 8-track, Fostex E8 ¼" 8-track); ½ inch 8-track reel-to-reel (Otari / Teac / Tascam) ½ inch 16-track reel-to-reel (Fostex); 1 inch 16-track reel-to-reel; 1 inch 24-track reel-to-reel; 2 inch 24-track reel-to-reel; NAB cartridge; 8-track cartridge; MiniDisc (Standard Play, Long Play - LP2 and LP4, Hi-MD - Hi-LP, Hi-SP, PCM, MD Data2 Multitrack); Compact Disc (audio, CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW); Digital Versatile Disc (audio, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-ROM, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM)...
We carefully restore and transfer analogue and digital, professional and domestic magnetic video tape / optical media.
You can find all our video digitising services outlined on our video transfer introduction page here >
The full list includes:
digital file delivery
Greatbear are happy to provide our customers with any type of digital audio / video file, according to your needs.
We deliver files formatted for both preservation and access.
Preservation files are large, uncompressed files such as WAV (audio) and MOV (video). These are recommended for archives and for those who may wish to edit or broadcast their content. They generally require larger storage media.
Access files, such as MP3 (audio) and MP4 (video) are smaller, and can be delivered and shared more easily online. They are suitable for listening / viewing on a wider range of computers, devices and TVs.
Access files and preservation files are both included in the price, but some customers prefer just to have access files.
We recommend file-based delivery online (we will email you a secure link to download your files), and on good quality physical storage media such as USB stick or hard drive.
We can provide suitable USB sticks and hard drives, or you are welcome to supply your own (please consult with us re. capacity).
sending your tape
We advise using a suitably-sized cardboard box to protect your tapes in transit.
Please enclose a covering note or our customer tape assessment sheet with your parcel.
In the UK:
We recommend using a tracked delivery service such as Royal Mail Tracked 24 or 48. We find this works well without the need for a signature on delivery, but please use the service of your choice
Post to:
Units 25 / 26, The Coach House,
2 Upper York St.
Bristol, BS2 8QN
We advise using a suitably-sized cardboard box to protect your tapes in transit.
Please enclose a covering note or our customer tape assessment sheet with your parcel.
Worldwide:
Customers sending tapes from outside the UK by post (not by courier) must complete and attach a customs declaration form, available from the post office in the country from which the parcel is being sent.
The customs declaration form for tapes sent from outside the UK must state: “CUSTOMER’S OWN PROPERTY FOR REPAIR TO BE RETURNED AFTER REPAIR”
This is essential to avoid unneccessary customs charges, and to enable us to complete the UK CN22 form when returning the tapes to you after digitising, if required.
Post to:
Units 25 / 26, The Coach House,
2 Upper York St.
Bristol, BS2 8QN
Yes! Personal visits are very welcome, but please call us on 0044 (0)117 985 0500 before your intended visit to arrange a time. Appointments can usually be made between 2pm - 8pm Monday to Friday.
Accessibility
We’re sorry that the main Greatbear studios and office are situated up a flight of stairs and there is currently no lift. However we will happily arrange to meet you downstairs at The Coach House.
If you require any form of assistance to visit Greatbear, please let us know before you come. We're keen to make all our services fully accessible to all.