Guides
Where to start with a large, mixed collection
Most people send a mix: a few full-size VHS tapes of weddings or christenings, a box of Video8 or Hi8 from the late 1980s and 1990s, and some MiniDV from the 2000s. You don’t need to sort them. Count them and, if you can, photograph one of each kind; from the photo we identify the formats and work out the total.
With a big collection, do the most precious tapes first, and those stored worst, in a damp cellar or cold garage. That is where we most often find mould and sticky tape. Damaged cassettes are repaired for €9, and orders above 20 cassettes get 10% off.
Formats compared
| Format | Price | Recording | Resolution | Tape | Launched |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VHS | €15 | analogue | ≈ 240 | 12.65 mm | JVC, 1976 |
| VHS-C | €9 | analogue | ≈ 240 | 12.65 mm | JVC, 1982 |
| S-VHS | €9 | analogue | ≈ 400 | 12.65 mm | JVC, 1987 |
| Video8 | €9 | analogue | ≈ 250 | 8 mm | Sony, 1985 |
| Hi8 | €9 | analogue | ≈ 400 | 8 mm | Sony, 1989 |
| Digital8 | €9 | digital | DV 720×576 | 8 mm | Sony, 1999 |
| MiniDV | €9 | digital | DV 720×576 | 6.35 mm | DV, 1995 |
Recognising a format by size
The quickest way to tell formats apart is the size of the cassette. Still unsure? Attach a photo to your request.
When each format appeared
How tapes reach us from Lithuania
All formats can travel in one parcel. A parcel locker is cheapest: Omniva from €7.49, LP Express €8.99, or DPD Pickup.
Ordering in three steps
- Write to usList the formats and how many cassettes. We answer with exact details, the price and shipping instructions.
- Drop the parcel at a lockerUse Omniva, LP Express or DPD in Lithuania; the receiving locker in Tallinn is in our reply.
- Get your recordings backTypical turnaround is 10–14 working days. Files arrive as MP4 in a cloud folder or on a stick; you settle an invoice afterwards.