Convert Hi8 Tapes to Digital to Save Your Memories
As video formats go, it was easy to use and delivered reasonable quality. Hi8 tapes held so many of our favourite family memories over the years.
Convert your Hi8 tapes to digital formats in a few simple steps and watch those fantastic moments all over again with your family by your side.
Take a trip to our Hi8 to DVD and Camcorder to Digital pages for other output and format options to convert Hi8 tapes to USB as well.
Or call us now for some friendly advice
Freephone 0800 690 6160
Ask About Bulk Discounts too.
About Our Service - The Supaphoto© Way
Thousands of Families Have Trusted Supaphoto
Our customers span from private individuals to institutions and TV production companies
How our Hi8 Tapes to Digital Conversion Service Works
The best thing you could ever do for your family in three simple steps.
1. Package Up Your Memories
Simply pack your beloved memories and send the Hi8 tapes to us. Use either our courier collection and return service or send it to us directly. Ask for your step by step welcome pack now.
2. Lovingly Converted
We love what we do. Our dedicated team will digitise your old Hi8 tapes to digital. We’ve saved millions of memories over 20 years. And don’t worry, you’ll get regular updates along the way.
3. Share & Enjoy With Your Family
This is where the magic begins, We’ll return your original media. Once the videos in digital format are ready, you’ll be able to relax and let those memories flood in.
From start to finish, we track your video tapes carefully so you always know their status and when they’ll be ready for return.
What's Included?
You’ll receive everything needed to safeguard your memories.
Yes, where collection is applicable, we’ll organise for an easy to understand pre-paid address label to be sent to you. Could not be more simple. There’s also a section in there for you to add notes.
We know how precious your memories are. It can feel like a big decision. The Supaphoto Welcome Guide explains the process in step by step simple terms. It will also include useful contact details for peace of mind.
We loe what we do. Our dedcated team will digitise every item by hand. We’ve saved millions of memories over 20 years. And don’t worry, you’ll get regular updates along the way.
This is where the magic begins. We’ll return all of your original media. Once preserved, you can access your files via our easy cloud download service, on a memory stick or a lovely DVD. Finally, just relax and let those memories flood in!.
How to Choose the Best Conversion for your Old Hi8 Tapes
Choose what you get back. Sit back and soak it in!
We take your video tapes and convert your Hi8 tapes to DVD. It’s so easy to play it on any DVD player or other disc drive.
Your converted Hi8 Tapes on a memory stick. Just Plug into your computer (or TV) and play, save or copy them.
Hi8 tapes converted to Digital and uploaded to the cloud for easy access by you and your family.
What you‘ll get: Your tapes transferred to DVD.
What to order: Just ask for the DVD option to get all your conversions.
Ideal for: Watching on your telly or a computer with disc drive.
What you’ll get: All of your videos on one or more memory sticks.
What to Order: One USB stick is normally enough or upgrade to a safer SSD version.
Ideal For: Watching on a computer or most TVs (with USB slots).
What you’ll Get: Conversions as computer files.
What to Order: Just order a cloud download option. It’s simple.
Ideal For: Quick access and sharing with the family.
How to Choose the Best Conversion for your Old Hi8 Tapes
Choose what you get back. Sit back and soak it in!
Hi8 Tapes to Digital
Hi8 Tapes converted to Digital and uploaded to the cloud for easy access by you and your family.
What you‘ll get: Conversions as computer files.
What to order: Just order a cloud download option. It’s simple.
Ideal for: Quick access and sharing with the family.
Your converted Hi8 Tapes on a memory stick. Just Plug into your computer (or TV) and play, save or copy them.
What you’ll get: All of your videos on one or more memory sticks.
What to Order: One USB stick is normally enough or upgrade to a safer SSD version.
Ideal For: Watching on a computer or most TVs (with USB slots).
Transfer Hi8 Tapes to DVD
We take your video tapes and convert your Hi8 Tapes to DVD. It’s so easy to play it on any DVD player or other disc drive.
What you’ll get: Your tapes transferred to DVD.
What to Order: Just ask for the DVD option to get all your conversions.
Ideal For: Watching on your television or a computer with disc drive.
The UK’s Favourite Video to DVD Converter
The video to the left shows how our Hi8 tape to digital transfer service works, with examples of the results you can expect when we carefully convert your recordings. It gives you a useful insight into how we handle your tapes and the quality we aim to achieve.
Your Hi8 tapes are processed in our fully equipped professional-grade studio, using well-maintained equipment designed to achieve the best possible transfer quality. Before any work begins, we carry out a pre-assessment and inspection of your tapes, checking their condition and identifying anything that could affect playback.
We can test and play tapes using a multitude of decks, allowing our experienced technicians to select the equipment and playback method that gives the best results from each tape. This is particularly important with older or well-used recordings, where playback quality can vary.
Quality control is built into the process, with multiple checks before and after transfer to help ensure your digital files accurately reflect the original recording. Approximately 96% of tapes are successfully digitalised, while almost 100% of tapes are successfully transferred irrespective of their condition.
If you have other home video formats to preserve, our camcorder tape transfer service provides another way to safeguard older recordings in a convenient digital format. If you are unsure whether an older tape can still be played, our guide on whether a Hi8 camcorder can play 8mm tapes explains an important distinction between these formats.
You can also find practical advice about older recordings in our video transfer learning zone, covering different tape formats, playback and preservation.
See also our Prices and FAQs further below.
What you can Expect From Us & Advantages
When you choose Supaphoto to convert Hi8 tapes to digital, you are choosing an experienced UK-based team that understands how important your recordings can be. With more than 20 years of trusted experience, our experienced video technicians handle your tapes with care from arrival through to their return.
We have over 600 genuine five-star customer service reviews and are proud to work with multiple TV broadcast companies and programmes, including the BBC’s The Repair Shop, as well as museums and other institutions preserving original recordings.
Your Hi8 tapes are handled here in the UK, giving you peace of mind that your precious originals are not sent overseas. We offer a straightforward, no-fuss process, with updates and order tracking so you can keep track of your order. Our customer service team is also available the good old-fashioned way – you can speak to a real person when you need help.
We do not charge for blank or untransferrable items, and your original Hi8 tapes are returned to you. Our turnaround is fast, while optional advanced services are available when you want to achieve a superior outcome. You can also choose optional cloud hosting for convenient access and storage, without being tied to an expensive yearly cloud storage subscription.
If you have other camcorder tapes alongside your Hi8 recordings, our camcorder tape transfer service covers another popular format.
If you are unsure about the differences between tape formats, our guide explains whether a Hi8 camcorder can play 8mm tapes.
For more practical advice about looking after older video recordings, explore our video transfer learning zone, with useful information about video formats, playback and preservation.
We are really proud to be an ongoing technical partner to the TV Production Company behind for the BBC’s Repair Shop and have worked on multiple programmes.
See more examples of references below.
Digitised in the UK
Your VHS Tapes are hand digitised right here in the UK for your peace of mind.
Advanced Service
Studio grade equipment and AI software to enhance and even recover mould affected tapes.
Free Blanks
Free tape inspection & no charge for blanks or tapes that begin with TV when requested.
Originals Returned
For peace of mind, we’ll return your VHS tapes.
Security & Updates
We take security very seriously at Supaphoto with updates along the way and tracking.
Professional Studio Grade Technology
We use professional-grade VHS decks and high end capture hardware for faithful, accurate transfers.
Nothing beats reliving old memories but remade for today
We take technical quality seriously at Supaphoto. We deliver great results with our video capture process as you can see from the example frame below an old video from over 25 years ago. This enhancement technology can sharpen film. remove excess harsh noise while recovering true authentic detail, stabilise the film & more.
Now with our REVIVAL AI process and treatment, we can now super charge the quality of your VHS Tape prior to converting to DVD if this appeals.
VHS tapes can deteriorate over time, with picture quality fading, sound weakening, and the tape becoming damaged or difficult to play. Transferring them to DVD helps protect your memories in a more convenient format before the original tape wears out.
For more information, watch our video transfer service and examples video
Before
Pre Treatment
After
Post Treatment
Don’t Just Take our Word For it...
Photo for illustration purposes only.
Sir Richard Attenborough – Just One of Our Proudest Moments
We were so proud to be chosen by the University of Sussex to preserve some of film director Sir Richard Attenborough’s photographs.
Over the years, we’ve also scanned thousands of photo from prestigious photo albums going back to the 1900’s for British politicians to thousands of everyday family photo collections for families throughout the UK.
We were chosen to undertake cine film conversion work for the TV Production Company behind the BBC’s Repair Shop!
Other projects include digitalising Sir Richard Attenborough’s personal collection of images, converting early footage of Virgin Airways promotional films and digitalisation work relating to Windsor Castle, The Mary Rose and the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Our Hi8 Tapes Transfer Prices
At Supaphoto we take pleasure in doing things in the right way and growing our business slowly through referrals.
Hi8 Transfer Prices to MP4 Digital Files or DVD(s)
1 Tape: £34.99
2 – 5 Tapes: £29.99 each
6 Tapes Onwards: £26.99 each
Prices typical Hi8 Tapes include for 2 hour of capture, plenty for most tapes! – If you have videos that exceed 2 hour, costs are limited to just £9.99 extra per hour, per item.
What Do I Want Back? – Choose from one of the following options:
i) Mp4 Digital Files as Download from Supaphoto Cloud for easy viewing & sharing with family £29.99
ii) Mp4 Digital Files on a Master USB Stick £29.99
iii) Conversion to a new DVD in a nice presentation case £29.99
Optional Extras:
– Back-up Version on Master USB Memory Stick: £24.99
– Back-up Version of DVD in Presentation Case: £19.99
– Extra copy of DVD in Presentation Case: £19.99
Free Doorstep Collection & Safe Return & Signed-For Delivery
We’re easy to deal with at Supaphoto. Contact Us Now to receive your free welcome pack. We’ll liaise with you to collect your package free of charge. We safely return items with signed-for delivery for extra peace of mind too.
Want to Order? – How Can I contact You?
Simple! Just Call us on freephone 0800 690 6160 or drop us a line.
More Questions?
See FAQs directly below
All Prices are Inclusive of VAT
FAQs
We’ve made life easy for you by compiling the the most commonly asked questions that we’ve been asked over the years in one place!
How can I view my films?
Could not be easier! Either plug a simple USB into your TV and view as a slideshow or watch on PC, laptop, ipad or mobile phone.
Is it easy to share with my family?
It’s so easy. Just forward the link we’ll send you or share your USB memory stick.
Which media output is best?
Digital files are easy to play and share on PCs, laptops, ipads and phones. Start your own home movie editing projects too. A back-up DVD also makes sense.
No Upfront Payment? – When do I pay?
We never charge upfront unlike other companies. Why? Because there’s always a small chance that you may have non-chargeable blank tapes.
Would I be charged for blank tapes?
Don’t worry. We NEVER charge for blank tapes!
How long does it take?
Typically 5-10 working days or less.
Do you offer an advanced service?
Yes. It delivers more vivid colours, better contrast, sharper pictures and image stabilisation. It takes longer but and costs relatively little more.
My video looks very poor in places. Can it still be transferred?
Yes definitely! We’ll always review and advise you first though.
New! AI Cinematic Video Restoration Service
Our new AI REVIVAL restoration system leverages intelligent temporal data to deliver cleaner, more faithful videos. Whether you have tapes, DVDs or video files, we’ll can transform them into beautiful HD even higher resolution videos.
Do you collect / Can we visit your studio?
Yes we collect throughout the whole of the UK! Alternatively, you may visit us too so that we can go through the variables together. Just call or email us in advance to make an appointment at a suitable time please.
Do you send the originals back?
Yes indeed – It’s important that you always keep your originals safe.
Can You Upscale to HD/4K High Definition?
Yes! We can optional offer this service. Just ask!
Can I view and save them on a Free Online Cloud Gallery?
Yes indeed and you can share them with your family thereafter.
Where can I read reviews about your service?
We always treat tapes as if they were our own. Read our reviews for yourself
Why should I do it?
All videos slowly deteriorate over time. The sooner you do it – the better.
My tape has mould on it. Can you still transfer it?
Yes. We have a dedicated service for such tapes.
I also have a DVD that is scratched and does not play. Can you still help?
Yes. we also have a disc repair and recovery service. Just let us know.
What’s your security like?
Rest assured that we take security of handling very seriously and have an insurance policy to match.
I have a lot of videos – Can I get a bulk discount?
Just contact us to see how we can help.
What delivery service do you recommend?
We always advise sending by Royal Mail Special Delivery which is still the safest option in UK today.
I still have questions – How Can I contact You?
Call us for some friendly help on freephone 0800 690 6160 or drop us a line.
Where can i learn more about video conversion options?
If you’re still unsure which Video Transfer service is best for you, read our comprehensive guide to video tape formats and conversion options.
Bulk Discount?
Got a large order? We’ll always do our best to help you. Just give us a call and we’ll see what we can do.!
More Help & Guidance
Benefits of Choosing This Service
Choosing a professional service to convert Hi8 tapes to digital means your recordings can be handled using equipment and processes designed specifically for older video formats. Hi8 tapes can contain irreplaceable family memories, so careful handling matters from the moment they arrive through to the finished transfer.
Supaphoto has more than 20 years of experience working with video and other historic media. Your tapes are digitally transferred in the UK by experienced technicians, with your original tapes returned to you afterwards. There is no charge for blank or untransferrable items, helping to remove some of the uncertainty when dealing with older recordings.
You can also choose from different ways to receive and access your digital files, including USB and digital download options. For additional convenience, optional cloud hosting is available, while an advanced service can be selected where a superior outcome is required.
How to Place an Order
Ordering your Hi8 tape transfer is designed to be straightforward. Select the service you require and provide the details requested when placing your order. You can then send your Hi8 tapes to Supaphoto for processing.
Once your tapes arrive, the team can assess them before beginning the transfer. This is particularly useful with older recordings, where the condition of the cassette or tape may not be immediately apparent.
Updates and order tracking help you keep informed during the process, providing reassurance while your original recordings are being handled. Once the work is complete, your digital files are supplied in the format selected and your original Hi8 tapes are returned.
If you have other types of videotape as well, you can also explore the wider range of videotape conversion services, covering a variety of older video formats.
Ease of Process
The aim is to make converting Hi8 tapes to digital as uncomplicated as possible. You do not need to understand the technical side of video capture or have specialist playback equipment yourself. The transfer is carried out by experienced video technicians using professional-grade equipment.
Supaphoto also offers the reassurance of speaking to a real person if you have a question about your order or your tapes. This can be especially helpful when you are unsure about a tape’s condition, format or what output would be most suitable.
From sending your tapes through to receiving your completed digital files, the process is designed to minimise unnecessary complication. Your originals are returned after the transfer, allowing you to retain the physical tapes as well as the new digital copies.
Digital Download or USB – What’s Best?
Both digital downloads and USB storage can be useful ways to receive your converted Hi8 videos, and the best choice depends on how you intend to use them.
A digital download provides convenient access to your files without waiting for physical media. It can be particularly useful if you want to store copies on your computer or other compatible devices, or share the videos with family members.
A USB gives you a physical copy of your digital videos that you can keep, back up and move between compatible devices. It can be a useful choice if you prefer having something tangible to store with your other important media.
The important point is that digitising your Hi8 tapes gives you a modern copy that is easier to access than relying on ageing tape and obsolete playback equipment.
Pricing Guidance
The cost of converting Hi8 tapes depends on the service and output you choose. Rather than looking only at the initial transfer price, it is worth considering what you actually need from your finished files.
For example, you may simply want digital files, or you may prefer a USB copy for convenient physical storage. Optional services can also be considered if you want additional processing or cloud access.
It is also worth checking what happens if a tape contains no recording or cannot be transferred. Supaphoto does not charge for blank or untransferrable items, which can provide useful reassurance when sending older tapes that may not have been viewed for many years.
For related information about digital preservation and making the most of converted media, you can also explore Supaphoto’s digital conversion guidance.
Understanding Hi8: How Does It Compare?
Hi8 belongs to the family of small camcorder videotape formats that became popular for recording home videos. Understanding the differences between related formats can be useful if you have several old tapes and are not certain what you have.
| Format | General characteristics | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Hi8 | Analogue camcorder tape format with improved picture quality compared with Video8 | Home movies, holidays, family events |
| Video8 | Earlier compact analogue camcorder format | Personal and family recordings |
| Digital8 | Digital recording format using an 8mm/Hi8-sized cassette | Later-generation digital camcorder recordings |
| VHS-C | Compact version of VHS designed for camcorders | Home video and family recordings |
| Mini DV | Small digital videotape format | Digital camcorders and higher-quality home video |
If you are unsure whether your tapes are Hi8, Video8 or another format, identifying them correctly before ordering can help ensure you select the appropriate service. Supaphoto also provides information about different types of photos and media as part of its wider preservation guidance.
Video Learning Zone: Questions People Ask
What is the best way to convert old videos?
For important family recordings, professional digitisation can provide a practical alternative to relying on ageing camcorders, tape decks or inexpensive capture equipment. The condition of the tape and the equipment used can both affect the resulting digital file.
Can old Hi8 tapes still be converted?
Age does not automatically mean a Hi8 tape cannot be transferred. Each tape should be assessed individually, particularly where its condition is uncertain.
What should I do with my original Hi8 tapes after conversion?
Keep them if you have sufficient storage space. A digital copy provides convenient access, but retaining the original recording gives you an additional preservation option.
For broader questions about transferring and preserving older media, the Supaphoto Frequently Asked Questions section provides further guidance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Leaving tapes untouched for too long – older tapes can become increasingly difficult to play as equipment and media age.
Assuming every small camcorder tape is the same format – Hi8, Video8 and Digital8 are related but are not identical formats.
Choosing an output without considering how you will use it – think about whether you primarily want convenient access, physical storage or both.
Throwing away the originals after digitisation – your original tapes can still be valuable as an additional copy of the recording.
Trying to assess a tape solely from its appearance – a cassette that looks acceptable externally may still require careful assessment before transfer.
If you have questions about your particular tapes or want to discuss what would be most suitable, you can also speak to us about your Hi8 transfer requirements.
More Questions
A:
Our cine film to DVD conversion process involves several stages:
Inspection – assessing and cleaning your film for optimal results.
Scanning – digitising each frame using high-end scanners.
Editing – removing blank sections, correcting colour, and enhancing quality.
Transcoding – converting to a DVD-ready format while retaining detail.
Authoring – creating custom menus and chapters for navigation.
Burning & Quality Control – writing the DVD and performing final checks.
Packaging – printing custom labels and delivering your finished discs.
The result is a professionally finished DVD presentation — perfect for sharing with family.
A: DVDs are a great way to enjoy and share your digitised cine films. They’re easy to play on most devices, and their physical format makes them ideal for gifting. However, DVDs have lower resolution limits compared to digital files. That’s why Supaphoto offers both DVD and high-resolution digital copies, so you can choose the option that suits you best.
A: Yes, our DVD authoring service includes creating interactive menus and chapter points for easy navigation. This professional touch is especially useful when we combine multiple cine reels onto one disc, giving you an intuitive, high-quality viewing experience.
A: Supaphoto’s film transfer service can digitise all major formats — including 8mm, Super 8, 9.5mm, and 16mm — converting them to digital files, USBs, or DVDs. Whatever your reel type, we’ll preserve your home movies and family memories with care and precision.
A: The original audio from your cine reels, if present, can be enhanced using professional sound restoration tools. We remove hiss, reduce background noise, and balance levels for a clean, clear result that complements your restored visuals.
A: Film degradation, flicker, and colour fading are common issues, but our skilled technicians can correct them using restoration and colour grading tools. Supaphoto’s expertise ensures your digitised films look vibrant, stable, and as true to the original as possible.
A: When converting cine film, copyright law should always be respected. However, most home movies are not commercially copyrighted, so this is rarely a concern. If you believe your footage may contain copyrighted content, Supaphoto can guide you on best practices before conversion.
A: Absolutely — in addition to DVD, we can also provide high-resolution digital versions of your cine film for download or cloud storage. This is perfect for archiving or sharing online. Please see our Cine to Digital page for details on this convenient add-on service.
A: Supaphoto can convert your cine films to DVD from only £9.99 per reel.
Our cine film to DVD conversion service is simple, affordable, and professional. Just start your order online, choose your preferred quality level, and select DVD as your storage option. You can also add optional extras such as colour correction and contrast enhancement for an even better result. Once we receive your cine reels, our technicians will digitise them using high-quality frame-by-frame scanning equipment. We’ll then return your DVDs along with your original films so you can relive your treasured memories whenever you like.
A:
Supaphoto converts cine films to DVD starting from £9.99 per reel.
Here’s an overview of our pricing for cine film to DVD transfers:
Up to 18m / 59ft (4 minutes): £9.99
Up to 45m / 148ft (10 minutes): £14.99
Up to 67.5m / 221ft (15 minutes): £19.99
Up to 99m / 325ft (22 minutes): £24.99
Up to 144m / 472ft (32 minutes): £27.99
A: Still not sure what to do with your old cine films?
Don’t let them fade away with time! The best way to preserve your cine reels is to convert them to DVD, USB, or digital files. With over 12 years of experience, Supaphoto specialises in cine film digitisation using professional-grade scanning equipment. Our expert technicians handle your precious films with care, delivering clear, vibrant results that capture every detail.
A: Here’s how to digitise cine films step by step.
If you want to do it yourself, you’ll need a film projector or scanner, a suitable capture device, and editing software to correct brightness, colour, and frame rate. However, the process can be lengthy and technically demanding. The easiest and most reliable method is to use a professional cine film to DVD service like Supaphoto. We’ll check your reels for damage, scan them frame by frame, enhance the footage if requested, and deliver your digitised cine films on your chosen format — DVD, USB, or hard drive.
A: At Supaphoto, you can choose between three quality levels for your cine film conversion.
Budget (PAL 720×576): Ideal for smaller screens and supplied on DVD.
Standard+ (HD 960×720): Perfect for TVs, monitors, or HD projectors; delivered as MP4 files on USB.
Premium (Full HD 1440×1080): Best for large screens, offering enhanced clarity and definition; supplied as MP4 files on USB.
If you’re unsure which option to choose, we recommend Standard+ (HD) for everyday viewing, while Premium (Full HD) provides the ultimate in sharpness and colour accuracy for your most precious footage.
