Technology is advancing every day, rendering old media equipment useless. Your family memories are especially vulnerable to these changes in technology as digital recording has taken over, which means your old video tapes and viewing equipment are fast becoming obsolete. The professionals at Disc Hounds are skilled at converting your old videos into new digital or DVD formats that allow you to reminisce while utilizing today’s modern equipment. Read on to learn the differences between some of the most popular types of video tapes.

VHS and VHS-C

VHS (Video Home System) tapes are viewed with a VCR (Video Cassette Recorder). VHS-C tapes are a more compact version of a VHS and were created to facilitate the design of smaller camcorders and can be inserted inside VHS shell-adapter tapes to allow for VCR compatibility. VHS tapes record up to 200 minutes in SP mode (or 600 minutes in EP mode) while VHS-C tapes can record 40 minutes in SP mode (or 120 minutes in EP mode).

Hi-8/8mm

8mm and Hi-8 tapes share the same dimensions and come in the same cassette casing. The recording length of 8mm tapes is 120 minutes in SP mode and 240 minutes in LP mode while Hi-8 tapes display both their running time (a range from 30, 60, or 120 minutes of video in SP mode) and digital running time (60m). Both 8mm and Hi-8 tapes are compatible with Hi-8 or Digital-8 cameras, with the assistance of a wire connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR, or can be transferred to a VHS tape for VCR compatibility.

MiniDVs

The first digital format available to customers, this has become the most popular type of videotape format. MiniDV tapes can record 80 minutes in SP mode or 120 minutes in LP mode. Play these tapes on the camcorder and connected by wire to a TV or computer.

Still Wondering What Type of Video Tape You Have?

These are only a few types of the most popular videotape formats. Contact Disc Hounds at 610-696-8668 for help determining your type of videotape. We’re excited to help you convert your memories into a modern format you’ll enjoy for years!