DIGIRAW Help & FAQs

Disc-to-digital questions, answered clearly.

Straight answers about home video DVD conversion, Films & Shows disc conversion, CD ripping, corporate digitisation, formats, postage, payment, delivery and private-use guidance.

Before you send anything

Most questions come down to three things: what you have, how you want it converted, and how you want to watch it.

You do not need to know the technical details before contacting us. If you have found old family discs, a film collection, music CDs or an archive box of media, we can help you work out the right route.

DIGIRAW has been helping customers preserve and modernise disc-based media since 2012, serving customers across the UK and internationally.

Useful starting points

Jump straight to the FAQ section that best matches what you have found.

Home Video DVD Conversion

Family memories, wedding discs and home-recorded DVDs.

These answers cover home video DVDs, camcorder discs, Mini DVDs, wedding discs and family memories converted to MP4 for modern playback.

What home video discs can DIGIRAW convert?

DIGIRAW converts home-recorded DVDs, camcorder DVDs, Mini DVDs and some Blu-ray home video discs into high-quality MP4 files for playback on modern TVs, computers, phones and tablets.

Typical projects include weddings, birthdays, family events, holidays, school performances, pet and animal memories, and personal recordings stored on disc.

For the main service page, see Home Video DVD Conversion.

Do you convert VHS, tapes or analogue formats?

No. DIGIRAW specialises in disc-to-digital conversion. We do not currently convert VHS, camcorder tapes, audio cassettes or other analogue formats.

My camcorder DVD will not play. Can it still be converted?

Often, yes. Many camcorder DVDs were never properly finalised after recording, which means they may not play in normal DVD players today.

In many cases, the video data is still present and can be recovered using specialist equipment. Even if a disc appears blank or unplayable at home, we can often still access and convert the footage.

We only charge for successful conversions.

What format do you provide for home video DVDs?

Home video DVDs are normally converted to MP4. MP4 is the most practical format for family videos because it works well across TVs, computers, phones, tablets and cloud storage services.

Will my original home video discs be returned?

Yes. Original home video discs are returned after conversion unless another arrangement is agreed in advance.

Can I upload my family videos to YouTube or social media?

Yes, if you hold the rights to the content, such as your own family recordings.

If you want to share family videos privately without making them public, this guide may help: How to share family videos on YouTube without making them public.

Do home video conversions include cloud access?

Home video conversions can include secure download access and optional USB delivery. Home Video conversions include 12 months of complimentary cloud access unless you prefer download-only.

DIGIRAW also retains a secure working backup for 30 days after completion. You are responsible for your own long-term backups after that period.

Films & Shows Disc Conversion

DVD, Blu-ray and 4K UHD collections for private digital libraries.

These answers cover retail film and TV collections, MP4, MKV, home cinema, media servers, private libraries and larger disc collections.

Do you convert DVD, Blu-ray and 4K UHD film collections?

Yes. DIGIRAW converts DVD, Blu-ray and 4K UHD film and TV collections into digital files for private use, home cinema systems, media servers and modern playback setups.

You can start from the main service page here: Films & Shows Disc Conversion.

Do you supply films or TV programmes?

DIGIRAW does not distribute digital films or shows. We work with media supplied by clients, or we may source genuine retail discs on a client’s behalf where agreed and charged separately.

If we source discs for a client, payment is required before those discs are ordered.

What formats do you provide for Films & Shows?

DIGIRAW can provide MP4, MKV, or both, depending on how you want to watch and manage your collection.

MP4 is usually best for practical everyday playback, smaller file sizes and broad compatibility. MKV is usually best for higher-quality private libraries where disc-presented options, subtitles, audio tracks and lossless surround sound matter.

For a deeper explanation, see MKV vs MP4: Which Is Best for Your Digital Movie Collection?

Will quality be reduced?

MKV is the quality-first option because it preserves the feature from the disc source without additional video or audio compression.

MP4 files are optimised for compatibility and practical playback while maintaining excellent visual and audio quality. The right choice depends on the equipment, storage and viewing expectations.

Do you include surround sound, Dolby TrueHD Atmos or DTS:X?

Where present on the original disc, surround sound can be retained depending on the chosen format and playback setup.

Disc-based Dolby TrueHD Atmos and DTS:X are MKV-only considerations. They also require compatible playback equipment, a suitable AV receiver or processor, and a system that can pass the audio through correctly.

For more detail, see our MKV vs MP4 guide.

Are bonus features included?

Bonus features are not included as standard. Main feature films and episodic content are included. Special features can be discussed separately where required.

Can you prepare files for Plex, Infuse, Emby, Jellyfin or Kodi?

Yes. We can prepare files and folder structures with private media libraries and media server systems in mind, including Plex, Infuse, Emby, Jellyfin, Kodi, NAS storage and home cinema setups.

For help choosing a platform, see Which Media Server Is Best for a Digital Movie Collection?

Do you help with home cinema libraries?

Yes. DIGIRAW prepares private digital film and TV libraries for home cinemas, home theatres, media rooms, private screening rooms and whole-home entertainment systems.

See Home Cinema Disc Conversion.

Can you prepare yacht or inflight entertainment libraries?

Yes. DIGIRAW supports specialist private media library projects for yachts, superyachts, private aircraft and owner-managed entertainment setups.

See Yacht Film & TV Libraries and Inflight Entertainment Libraries.

Will my original Films & Shows discs be returned?

Yes. Original DVD, Blu-ray and 4K UHD discs are returned after conversion unless another arrangement is agreed in advance.

CD Ripping Service

Music CDs converted to organised digital libraries.

These answers cover MP3, Apple Lossless ALAC, metadata, artwork, music libraries, classical collections and CD order handling.

Can DIGIRAW convert my CDs to MP3 or Apple Lossless ALAC?

Yes. DIGIRAW converts commercially produced music CDs to high-quality 320kbps MP3, Apple Lossless ALAC, or both.

See CD Ripping Service.

Which CD ripping format should I choose?

MP3 is the most compatible option for everyday playback across phones, tablets, computers, cars, smart speakers and general devices.

Apple Lossless ALAC is the better choice if you want lossless CD-quality preservation for local playback, media servers and Apple-friendly music setups.

The combo option gives you both a convenient MP3 library and a lossless ALAC archive.

Can you prepare music for Apple Music, iTunes, Plex, Sonos or a NAS?

Yes. We prepare organised music files that can be used with Apple Music, iTunes-style libraries, Plex, Emby, Jellyfin, Kodi, Sonos, DLNA-compatible systems, NAS libraries and other suitable local music setups.

Will every album have artwork and metadata?

We include metadata and album artwork where available. Most commercial CDs can be matched cleanly, but obscure, rare, private or unusual discs may have limited online metadata.

For specialist collections, especially classical and jazz, we prepare files as cleanly and consistently as possible using available metadata and sensible organisation.

Can you handle classical music CDs?

Yes. Classical music often needs more care because composer, conductor, orchestra, soloist, recording edition and album structure can all matter.

We cannot promise perfect online metadata for every obscure or specialist disc, but we treat organisation as part of the service, not an afterthought.

Are original CDs returned?

Yes. Original CDs are returned after conversion unless another arrangement is agreed in advance.

Do you convert recordable data discs or MP3 discs?

The CD ripping service is for commercially produced music CDs. Recordable data discs, MP3 discs and mixed computer data discs are not suitable for the standard CD ripping service.

Why convert CDs when streaming exists?

Streaming is convenient, but not every album, artist, label, edition or recording is available. Music can also be removed, replaced or changed.

Converting your CDs gives you a digital music library you control, built from the albums and recordings you chose to keep.

Corporate Digitisation

Archive discs, institutional media and project-based handling.

These answers cover corporate, institutional, estate, archive and specialist disc digitisation projects.

Do you handle corporate or institutional digitisation projects?

Yes. DIGIRAW supports organisations, estates, institutions, production teams, AV partners, hospitality groups, charities and archive custodians with disc-based media conversion projects.

See Corporate Digitisation.

What corporate media can you convert?

Typical corporate projects include DVD archives, Blu-ray discs, CD collections, training media, event recordings, production discs, showreels, internal communication discs and mixed disc archives.

Can you sign a confidentiality agreement?

Confidentiality can be discussed before media is sent. For sensitive projects, include the requirement in your enquiry so we can confirm what is appropriate before anything is shipped.

How are corporate projects priced?

Corporate and institutional projects are usually scoped before pricing is confirmed. Volumes, formats, handling requirements, delivery method, confidentiality needs and turnaround expectations are reviewed first.

You can start here: Corporate Digitisation Enquiry.

Are original corporate discs returned?

Yes. Original discs remain your organisation’s property and are returned after the agreed conversion work is complete unless another arrangement is agreed in writing.

Orders, Payment, Postage & Backups

How orders move from enquiry to completed files.

These answers cover ordering, payment timing, postage, courier options, turnaround, delivery, original media return and backups.

How do I place an order?

Choose the order form that best matches your media. Complete the form, wait for confirmation, then package your discs securely and send them to DIGIRAW.

Useful order pages: Home Video Order, Films & Shows Order, and CD Ripping Order.

Do you send packaging?

No. Customers package their discs securely and choose their preferred postal or courier method. This keeps the process simple, avoids packaging delays, keeps costs lower and gives customers control over tracking and insurance.

Do you offer collection?

We do not operate a nationwide courier collection model. Customers normally package and send media to us, which keeps the process efficient, controlled and cost-effective.

Many customers use Royal Mail tracked services or courier comparison sites such as Interparcel, where you can enter the parcel size, weight, collection address and DIGIRAW delivery address, then choose a courier based on price, speed, collection or drop-off preference.

Is my media insured?

Media is handled carefully and stored securely while on-site at DIGIRAW. We recommend using a tracked and insured postal or courier service when sending media to us.

How long does conversion take?

Small home video orders are typically completed within 7-10 working days from receipt. Larger batches, Films & Shows collections, CD libraries and corporate projects may take longer.

Timescales are confirmed once discs arrive and the job has been reviewed.

How will I receive my converted files?

Completed files can usually be supplied by secure download, USB storage, hard drive or another agreed delivery method, depending on the service and project size.

Original discs are returned unless another arrangement has been agreed.

What if a disc does not work?

If a disc is damaged, unreadable or unsuitable, DIGIRAW will let you know. We do not charge for discs that cannot be successfully processed.

Do I pay before work starts for Films & Shows orders?

For Films & Shows orders, payment is requested after your discs have arrived, been counted, checked and confirmed, but before conversion work begins.

Larger collections often need proper intake first. We count the discs, separate DVD, Blu-ray and 4K UHD titles, check for obvious duplicates where possible, identify damaged or unreadable discs, and confirm the final billable quantity before invoicing.

Once the final details are agreed, payment secures studio time for the conversion work. This avoids charging for discs that cannot be processed and helps keep larger collection projects organised from the start.

Do I pay before sending my CDs?

No payment is taken at checkout for CD ripping orders.

Payment is requested after your CDs have arrived, been counted and confirmed, but before conversion work begins. We check the quantity, confirm the selected output format, identify anything unsuitable where possible, then invoice based on the confirmed job.

Do I pay before sending home video DVDs?

For home video DVD conversion, payment is usually requested once the discs have been checked and the conversion work is complete.

Home video discs often contain irreplaceable family memories, so the priority is to confirm what can be recovered and converted before asking for payment.

Do you keep copies of my files?

DIGIRAW retains a secure working backup for 30 days after completion. Clients are responsible for their own long-term backups after that period.

Home Video conversions include 12 months of complimentary cloud access unless the client prefers download-only.

Do you accept international orders?

Yes. Customers send media to DIGIRAW from the UK and internationally. International postage, customs requirements and return shipping should be considered before sending media.

Where are you based?

DIGIRAW is based in Beaworthy, Devon, in the South West of England. We serve customers across Devon, Cornwall, the wider UK and internationally.

How long has DIGIRAW been operating?

DIGIRAW has been operating since 2012 and is the UK’s original disc-to-digital specialist.

Private Use & Ownership Guidance

Clear boundaries for private digital files.

These answers explain how DIGIRAW positions private-use disc conversion and why retaining original discs matters.

Can I share, upload or distribute my digital film and TV files?

No. DIGIRAW provides Films & Shows disc-to-digital conversion for private use only.

Digital files are intended for personal viewing within your own private environment and on devices under your control. DIGIRAW does not support, enable or endorse distribution, public streaming, resale or sharing of digital copies.

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

Should I keep my original discs after digitising?

Yes. DIGIRAW recommends retaining your original discs for as long as you keep the corresponding digital files.

This supports the principle that the digital files are a private format-shifted version of media you continue to own, rather than a replacement copy detached from the original discs.

Digital files are supplied for private use only and must not be shared, sold, uploaded publicly or distributed.

Can I sell my discs after digitising?

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

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.

Can I publicly upload home videos that I own?

If the content is your own family recording and you hold the rights to it, you may choose to upload or share it. Many customers prefer private sharing links rather than public posting.

For help with that, see How to share family videos on YouTube without making them public.

Still not sure which route is right?

Tell us what you have found and how you want to watch or preserve it. We will help you choose the right service before anything is sent.

Guides


DIGIRAW - Memory & Media Preservation Specialists

Professional disc-to-digital conversion for family memories and media collections, including DVD to MP4, home video transfer, wedding DVD and Blu-ray conversion, Films & Shows, 4K disc libraries and CD ripping. Based in Beaworthy, Devon, serving customers across Devon, Cornwall, the South West and the UK.


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