PCM Encoded VHS and Beta Digital Audio Tapes

We can transfer the audio from PCM VHS and Beta tapes to stereo audio files.

Before DAT machines and DAT tapes, Pulse code modulation or PCM encoder/decoders (sometimes called PCM adapters) were used to deliver the digital master tapes for CD duplication. This technology existed between 1979 and 1987, just before DAT tapes were invented. PCM encoders would encode audio as a video signal to video tape at 16 or 14 bits, by recording the video to the input of a VHS VCR or Betamax machine. The video signal could then be played back from tape, into the PCM decoder (usually the same machine) to get digital quality audio playback from the analog outputs. Many professional and home studios used this medium for their two track masters. They also saw heavy use in TV and radio stations. In the days before CDRs and DATs and the waning days of test pressings, the PCM tapes were sometimes distributed to radio stations by labels before the single’s commercial release, as the sound quality would be better than cassette, ¼ inch analog 2 track, or cart. After DAT machines were first released in 1987, the manufacturers such as Sony discontinued the PCM encoder units, but at the same time they were seen as a cheaper alternative to DAT machines for home studio owners. VCRs and VHS tapes were ubiquitous and affordable.

If you have a VHS or Betamax tapes that displays this image on a TV screen during playback, you have a PCM encoded audio tape. We can only decode tapes that used the "proumer" encoders such as PCM-1, PCM-F1, PCM-100, PCM-501ES, PCM-601 and PCM-701. We cannot decode Sony PCM-1630 or 1600 tapes at this time. Send us your tape and allow us to transfer it to stereo wav files (at this time serving customers with tapes that originated from North America only).