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Hi8 tapes’ major competition came from
VHS-c tapes. VHS-c were the small tapes that fit into full-size VHS adapters, which was convenient for use in the VCRs most people already owned and 8mm tapes did not. But the higher quality and 120-minute+ capacity of the Hi8 tapes (vs. the 45 minute capacity of the VHS-c tape), helped 8mm tapes become successful. However,
8mm tapes were not relevantly more durable than their VHS counterparts in terms of longevity, which means it’s time to convert your 8mm tapes to DVD or digital so they are preserved before it’s too late. They only have a shelf life of 15 years! While you prepare for this project,
we recommend storing your 8mm tapes vertically, away from sunlight to keep deterioration from accelerating.
Everything you need to know
about 8mm tapes to DVD
Common video transfer questions
How long is an 8mm tape?
All 8mm tapes, whether they are Hi8 or Digital8 hold up to two hours of footage. So when you’re converting your 8mm tapes to DVD, at least one full tape always fits onto a single DVD, but it’s possible to fit more if they are not all full or dual layer DVDs are used. If you choose to transfer to a USB or external hard drive, all your 8mm tapes can fit onto a single drive!
Is my tape Hi8 or Digital8?
Hi8 and Digital8 tapes look almost identical to the average user, but they will say on them which format they are. Some cameras also only took Digital8 tapes, so don’t assume digitizing is impossible if you play a tape at home in your camera and it seems blank or garbled. The camera may not be compatible.
How do I watch my 8mm tape?
You’d need to still have your camcorder to watch an 8mm tape these days. Unlike VCRs, there are not cost-effective 8mm decks to buy, but you can either watch directly on your camera using the playback options, or use cables to connect it to a TV and watch from there. Trust us though, it’s much easier to digitize your 8mm tapes and watch them on your computer or a new DVD!
8mm to DVD – From Our Blog
Understanding 8mm tapes
Didn’t get enough info about Hi8, Digital8 or Video8 tapes above? We have more history and technical information about 8mm tapes to DVD here.
Read more about 8mm tapes…
5 Possible Tape Issues
Your 8mm tapes are probably in great shape to convert to DVD, but there a number of common problems with 8mm tapes that we find when digitizing.
Read more about 8mm tape repairs…
Can you save moldy tapes?
Minor mold is still ok for 8mm to DVD! Serious mold requires chemical treatments & can severely damage the audio/video quality of your 8mm tape to dvd transfer.
Read about preserving moldy tapes…
“Last summer I came across my two boxes of stored video tapes, spanning more than two decades of my family’s life from before kids to college graduations. I worried those memories might degrade in those boxes and be lost forever. Fortunately I found EverPresent Throughout the process, the staff at EverPresent was readily available whenever I called. Each person I spoke with was as pleasant to deal with as the next. They promised to be able to transcribe our recordings from three different (obsolete) video formats to modern digital format. I received another courtesy call when my project was finished and on its way to the drop off in Connecticut. The final result was excellent…what a trip down memory lane! I have used EverPresent five times now, each time as smooth as the first. I would heartily recommend EverPresent to anyone interested in preserving their important memories for posterity.”
Warren M.
Farmington, CT
We’re Local. And the most convenient.
Three easy ways to work with us:
We have over 30 locations in MA, NH, RI, ME, CT, NJ & NY. Our clients almost never have to drive more than 30 minutes to see us.
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If shipping is easiest, we'll send you a box with prepaid shipping labels to save you a trip to the post office. *NOTE: ship kits do not include the cost of digitizing or post-project return shipping*
Add to Cart
Starting at $24.99, choose box at checkout
If you prefer to do the shipping, let us know to reserve space in our schedule for your tapes and we'll be expecting them!
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*Our ship kits do not include the cost of digitizing or return shipping*
If none of these options work for you, we also offer in-home consultations throughout the Northeast.
Standard & custom pricing options
We convert all types of 8mm tapes to DVD or USB. Handwritten or typed labels are digitally captured too.
Digital Only
- Delivered via private website
- High quality transfer to computer
- 3 levels human eye quality control
- Experienced and trained local technicians
Standard
- USB drive or CD/DVDs
- Label transcription
- Experienced and trained local technicians
- Private website included
Archival
- DVD & USB combos
- Ask about archival DVDs for added security
- 80yr, scratch-resistant, silver/gold alloy
- Medical-grade USBs
A $30 service fee applies to all orders. This service fee provides for safe handling procedures including: intake, item coding, physical & digital storage, quality checks by senior technicians and packaging.
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Extras & Details
- Extra DVD or CD: $5 Standard, $10 Archival
- Extra USB: ask your consultant
- Add label transcription to Digital Only: $2/tape
- Private website free for 6 months
Get an estimate on your 8mm tapes to DVD project!
Fill out our form or call to speak to a consultant
617-505-1132
