What Type Of Tape?

Here are the tapes that we transfer, together with a general description and approximate cassette dimensions.

We transfer – VHS, VHS-C, Video 8, Hi8, Digital 8, Mini DV, Mini HDV, SVHS-C, Micro MV, SVHS, & Betamax.

When searching for your tape please ignore ‘Brand Names’ such as Sony, Panasonic, JVC, TDK etc.

VHS Tape (Or SVHS)

First launched in 1977 by JVC. This type of tape was mostly for home use to record television programs. Most of the VHS tapes we transfer are copies of camcorder tapes copied onto VHS tapes. VHS tapes were also popular for professional use such as video recordings of weddings and special events etc.

Various brands & markings – All major electronics manufacturers such as JVC, Sony, Panasonic, TDK etc. and also many high street shop names.

Approximate cassette size – 7 ½ “ x 4” x 1” (19cm x 10cm x 25cm)

VHS-C Tape (Or SVHS-C)

This is the compact camcorder version of the regular VHS tape. The VHS-C camcorder first launched in 1984 was one of the first regularly available camcorders. Superseded by the SVHS Camcorder in 1987.

Various brands & markings – Including JVC, Panasonic, TDK, Sony etc.

Approximate cassette size – 3 ½ “ x 2 ¼ “ x 1” (9cm x 6cm x 2cm)

Video 8 Tape (Or just ‘8’)

The Video 8 camcorder first launched in 1985 was one of the first types of commonly used camcorders.

Various brands & markings – Including Sony, JVC, Panasonic, TDK, etc.

Approximate cassette size – 3 ¾“ x 2 ½“x 1/2” (9.5cm x 6cm x 1.5cm)

Hi8 Tape

This was the next generation of the 8mm (Video 8) tape launched in 1988

Various brands & markings – Including Sony, JVC, Panasonic, TDK, etc.

Approximate cassette size – 3 ¾“ x 2 ½“x 1/2” (9.5cm x 6cm x 1.5cm)

Digital 8 Tape

This was the last generation of the 8mm tape launched in 1999. A move from analogue to digital format recordings.

Various brands & markings – Including Sony, JVC, Panasonic, TDK, etc.

Approximate cassette size – 3 ¾“ x 2 ½“x 1/2” (9.5cm x 6cm x 1.5cm)

Mini DV Tape

This is a digital recording tape first launched in 1996.

Various brands & markings – Including Sony, JVC, Panasonic, TDK, etc.

Approximate cassette size – 2 ½” x 2” x ½” (6.5cm x 5cm x 1.2cm)

Mini HDV Tape

This was the next generation of the Mini DV launched in 2004, now 1080 high definition.

Various brands & markings – Including Sony, JVC, Panasonic, TDK, etc.

Approximate cassette size – 2 ½” x 2” x ½” (6.5cm x 5cm x 1.2cm)

Sony Micro MV Tape

The baby of them all. Launched by Sony in 2001.

Brand – Sony

Approximate cassette size – 1 ¾” x 1 ¼” x 3/8” (4.5cm x 3cm x .8cm)

Betamax Tape.

First introduced by Sony 1975, approximately the same era as the VHS system from JVC.

A battle in the early days for supremacy of home video recording systems between Betamax & VHS for general consumer use was eventually won by the VHS system.

Various brands & markings – Including Sony, JVC, Panasonic, TDK, etc.

Approximate cassette size – 6” x 3 ¾” x 1” (15.5cm x 9.5cm x 2cm)

If you have any queries about the type of tape you have please feel free to email a photograph to us.

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