Frequently Asked Questions

We convert home-recorded DVDs to high-quality MP4 files for modern playback on TVs, tablets, phones and computers.

We do not convert VHS, tapes or other analogue formats.

Complete the online order form and wait for our confirmation email.

You package your discs securely and post them to us.
We return your original discs free of charge with your completed digital files.

No.

Some services charge upfront and send branded packaging with prepaid labels. That cost is built into the price.

We keep the process simple:
• You package your discs securely
• You choose your preferred postal method
• You only pay postage once
• We return your originals free of charge

This keeps costs lower and turnaround faster.

Small home video orders are typically completed within 7-10 working days from receipt.

Larger batches may take longer; we confirm timescales when your discs arrive.

You can choose:

• Secure cloud download (included)
• USB drive (optional)

MP4 files are compatible with phones, tablets, computers and smart TVs.

We retain a secure backup for 30 days after completion.

Yes. Always.

All original media is returned unless you specifically instruct otherwise.

If a disc is damaged or unreadable, we will inform you.

We do not charge for discs that cannot be successfully processed.

Your media is handled with care and stored securely while on-site. We recommend using a tracked and insured postal service when sending to us.

Yes, if you hold the rights to the content (such as family recordings).

Yes - and this is very common.

Many camcorder DVDs were never properly finalised after recording, which means they may not play on standard DVD players today.

In many cases, the video data is still present and can be recovered using specialist equipment.

Even if your disc appears blank or unplayable at home, we can often still access and convert the footage.

We only charge for successful conversions.

We specialise in home video recordings stored on disc, including:

• Wedding videos
• Family events and celebrations
• Holidays and everyday footage
• School performances

We regularly convert:

• Standard DVDs
• Camcorder DVDs
• Mini DVDs (8cm)
• Blu-ray discs

If your video is stored on a disc, we can usually convert it to digital.

No. For home video DVD orders, payment is normally requested once your discs have been received, checked, and the conversion work is complete. This means you do not pay upfront before we have confirmed your order can be processed.

Yes, often.

Many camcorder DVDs were never properly finalised after recording, which means they may not play in standard DVD players today. In many cases, the video data is still present and can be recovered using specialist software and disc-reading equipment.

Unfinalised discs usually require extra checking and recovery time, so a small successful recovery surcharge of £5 per disc may apply. This is only charged where we are able to recover and convert usable footage.

We only charge for successful conversions.

Yes. DIGIRAW can convert many 8cm MiniDVD camcorder discs to MP4 digital files, provided the disc can still be read successfully. These small discs were commonly used in early DVD camcorders and can be difficult to play on modern equipment.

If a damaged or difficult disc can only be partially read, we will let you know what has been recovered.

Where usable footage can be recovered and converted, the normal disc conversion charge applies. In many cases, partial recovery requires more time and care than a standard conversion.

If a disc cannot be successfully processed at all, we do not charge for that disc.

In most cases, yes. MP4 is widely supported by modern smart TVs, computers, phones and tablets. You can also play MP4 files from a USB drive, media server, cloud storage, or devices such as Apple TV, NVIDIA Shield, Fire TV and similar streaming systems.

Secure download is included and is usually the quickest way to receive your converted files.

A USB drive is useful if you prefer a physical copy, want something easy to keep with your original discs, plan to give the converted videos as a gift, or want to play your videos through a computer, media player, smart TV or other device.

Please note that not all TVs handle USB drives in the same way. DIGIRAW normally supplies USB drives in exFAT format, which works well across many modern Mac and Windows systems, but some TVs may prefer FAT32 or NTFS. FAT32 can also be unsuitable for larger video files because of its file-size limit.

If you intend to plug the USB drive directly into a TV, please tell us your preferred format when ordering. If you are unsure, share your TV brand and model, and we will check the most suitable option where possible.

Yes. Multiple converted DVDs can be supplied together on one USB drive, organised clearly so each video is easy to find and play.

Standard conversion preserves the quality available on the original disc. It does not artificially restore or upscale the footage. However, once converted to MP4, many modern TVs and media players may improve the viewing appearance through their own upscaling features.

Yes, you can send discs without their original cases, provided they are properly protected.

Please do not stack loose discs together or bunch them up in the same sleeve without protection. During transport, discs can rub against each other and become scratched.

Ideally, place each disc in its own paper sleeve, plastic wallet, or protective disc envelope. If you do not have individual sleeves, separate each disc with soft, clean paper and pack them tightly enough that they cannot move around inside the parcel.

We recommend using padded packaging and a tracked postal service.

No. DIGIRAW specialises in disc-to-digital conversion. We convert DVDs, camcorder DVDs, MiniDVDs, Blu-ray discs and CDs, but we do not currently convert VHS, Video8, Hi8, MiniDV tapes or other analogue tape formats.

We do not distribute digital films or shows.

We work with media supplied by clients or source genuine retail discs on their behalf, where agreed and charged.

• MP4 (high-quality playback format)
• MKV (lossless preservation)

We can advise on the format that suits your intended use.

Lossless MKV preserves the original video and audio exactly (feature/episodes, disc dependent).

MP4 files are optimised for compatibility while maintaining excellent visual and audio quality.

Where present on the original disc, surround formats are preserved. Atmos and DTS:X are reserved for MKV only.

Not as standard.

Main feature films and episodic content are included. Special features can be discussed separately.

DIGIRAW provides disc-to-digital conversion for private use only.

Your digital files are intended for personal viewing within your own private environment and on devices under your control.

We do not support, enable or endorse the distribution, public streaming, resale or sharing of digital copies.

Clients are responsible for ensuring their use of digital files complies with applicable copyright laws.

We recommend retaining ownership of your original discs if you intend to keep the corresponding digital files.

DIGIRAW provides disc-to-digital preparation within a private-use framework. If you transfer ownership of the original discs, you should consider whether retaining digital copies remains appropriate.

Clients are responsible for ensuring their use of digital files complies with applicable copyright laws.

Yes. Clients send media to us from the UK and internationally.

Yes - DIGIRAW provides a UK-wide service.

Most customers send their DVDs by post using tracked delivery, and we also offer local drop-off or collection by appointment in Devon.

DIGIRAW operates from Devon in the South West of England and serves clients nationwide and internationally.

We do not operate a nationwide courier collection model.

Clients package and send media to us. This keeps the process efficient and controlled.

Since 2012.

DIGIRAW is one of the UK’s longest-established disc-to-digital specialists.

We retain a secure working backup for 30 days after completion.
Clients are responsible for their own long-term backups.
Home Video conversions include 12 months of complimentary cloud access (unless you prefer download-only).