Hi8 video cassettes
Launched as the high band version of Video 8, Hi8 has a higher bandwidth than Video8 and as such better recording quality.
Using the same tape format as Video 8, Hi8 cameras are backward compatible, ie they will play a Video8 tape whereas Video8 equipment cannot play a Hi8 tape. Hi8 uses metal particle tape as opposed to video 8 using standard tape.
Hi8 tapes are very susceptible to damage from moisture and incorrect storage. Long term exposure to moisture can cause irreversible damage. If there are signs of mold on the tape, consider getting them digitized sooner rather than later. Mold damaged tape can be saved, see our tape repair page.
Standard Play vs Long Play
Long play mode can extend the available record time on a tape by 50%. A tape marked as 60 minutes can be extended to 90 minutes in the LP mode, similarly a 90-minute tape can be extended to 135 minutes.
Approximate tape run times are listed below, times for D8 vary due to differences in Hi8 / D8 tapes.
| Tape model | SP – Standard Play | LP – Long Play |
| MP60 | 60 minutes | 90 minutes |
| MP90 | 90 minutes | 135 minutes |
| MP120 | 120 minutes | 180 minutes |
The use of LP (long play) mode can compromise picture quality due to slower tape speeds.
Standards Conversion
Standards conversion from NTSC 3.58 and NTSC 4.43 to PAL for most of the analogue video formats we support. The NTSC format applies to tapes recorded in countries such as USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Philippines (to name a few).
Moisture and Mould damage
Hi8 Video tapes are very susceptible to damage from moisture and incorrect storage. Long term exposure to moisture can cause irreversible damage. If there are signs of mould on the tape, consider getting them digitized sooner rather than later. Mould damaged tape can be saved, see our tape repair page.
We can transfer Hi8 tapes to digital files for use in archiving or editing applications.
Output file type options include (but are not limited to) the following
- Compressed MP4 – H264
- Uncompressed MOV
- Custom file types – contact us with your requirements.
Contact us for more information on this service.