Abstract: The method for copying data from a tape onto a storage medium comprises the steps of scanning the tape in a fast winding operation, counting control pulses present on the tape during the fast winding operation in a counter, defining a compression rate in dependency of the number of control pulses and the capacity of the optical medium, reading the data from the tape and writing the data onto the storage medium by using said compression rate. The appliance comprises a media recorder, a tape recorder and a micro-controller for performing the method. The appliance allows in particular, copying in an automated procedure all information being recorded on the tape onto the storage medium via a one touch copy operation, by making optimum use of the capacity of the storage medium.