Abstract: According to the present invention a universal storage device is provided comprising a memory (1), at least one format converter (3, 4), a controller (2) and interface unit (5, 6, 7, 8). The controller (2) thereby controls the communication between the memory (1), the at least one format converter (3, 4) and the interface unit (5, 6,7, 8). The at least one format converter (3, 4) converts data to be stored in the memory (1) from a predetermined first format to a fixed second format. The fixed second format preferably is a fixed binary code. The at least one format converter (3, 4) furthermore converts data read out from the memory (1) and to be output by the interface unit (5, 6, 7, 8) from said second format (binary code format) to a predetermined third format. The predetermined third format is selected according to the recording medium, on which the data stored in the universal storage device are to be recorded.