Convert Hi8 Tapes to DVD to Save Your Memories
Some of your favourite moments are stored on video tapes called Hi8. It was a great format that offered an increase in quality and image fidelity.
With Supaphoto, it’s so easy to Convert your Hi8 tapes to DVD. Bring those wonderful moments back and share them. Safeguard them too..
Visit too our Hi8 to Digital and Camcorder to Digital pages and peruse the other formats you can convert Hi8 tapes to.
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 DVD 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 DVD. 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 DVD 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 Videos
Choose what you get back. Sit back and soak it in!
We take your video tapes and convert your Hi8 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 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 Videos
Choose what you get back. Sit back and soak it in!
Hi8 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 to DVD
We take your video tapes and convert your Hi8 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 alongside explains how our Hi8 tape transfer service works and shows examples of original recordings alongside completed transfers. It gives you a clearer idea of the type of footage that can be recovered from ageing camcorder tapes and how those recordings can be made easier to watch again on DVD.
Every Hi8 cassette is handled in our fully equipped, professional-grade studio. Before transfer begins, we carry out a pre-assessment and visual inspection to check the tape and identify the most suitable playback approach. If your collection contains a mixture of old camcorder formats, our specialist camcorder-to-DVD transfer service can accommodate a wider range of cassette types.
Older recordings do not always behave identically in different machines. For that reason, we have access to multiple compatible decks and can test tapes on alternative equipment where appropriate. This helps us identify the playback combination most likely to produce the best available picture and sound from the original recording. Our equipment is carefully maintained so that ageing tapes are not being transferred on neglected or poorly performing machines.
Quality control takes place at several stages. We inspect tapes before capture and carry out further checks after transfer, allowing us to identify problems and, where necessary, make another attempt. If you are interested in how ageing recordings behave, our guide to preserving family video footage gives useful background, while our article on camcorders and their tape formats helps explain the range of media found in older family collections.
Approximately 96% of tapes are successfully digitised, while almost 100% can be transferred irrespective of their condition. Careful assessment, equipment choice and repeated quality checks all help give each Hi8 recording the strongest practical chance of a successful transfer to DVD.
See also our Prices and FAQs further below.
What you can Expect From Us & Advantages
When you entrust us with irreplaceable Hi8 recordings, you want the process to feel safe, straightforward and well organised. Supaphoto brings more than 20 years of trusted experience to video transfer, supported by over 600 genuine five-star customer service reviews. We are also proud to work with television broadcasters and programmes including the BBC’s The Repair Shop, as well as museums and other institutions.
Your tapes are digitised by experienced video technicians here in the UK, giving you reassurance about where your originals are being handled. We provide order updates and tracking throughout the process, and if you need help, you can speak to a real person rather than having to rely entirely on automated support.
We aim to make everything as easy and fuss-free as possible. Your original Hi8 tapes are returned with your completed order, we aim for a fast turnaround, and blank or untransferable tapes are not charged for. If you would prefer your recordings in a modern file format rather than on disc, our digital transfer option for Hi8 recordings provides an alternative way to preserve and access your footage.
DVD remains a convenient choice if you prefer a familiar physical format with no costly annual cloud-storage subscription. However, optional cloud hosting is available if you would like online access and storage as well. For recordings that may benefit from additional attention, an optional advanced service can also be selected.
For further advice, our guide to preserving older video recordings explains some of the considerations involved, while the video preservation section contains further practical guidance for looking after family footage.
The result is a simple, well-supported service with careful UK handling, clear communication and flexible delivery options.
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 Tape Transfer Prices
At Supaphoto we take pleasure in doing things in the right way and growing our business slowly through referrals.
Hi8 Tape 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 for 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 a Hi8 to DVD Service
Hi8 tapes contain analogue video that depends on ageing playback equipment. Converting those recordings to DVD gives you a convenient physical copy that can be watched without reconnecting the original camcorder. It is particularly useful for people who still have a DVD player or television setup with a compatible disc player.
A professional transfer also removes the need to buy suitable Hi8 playback equipment, video-capture hardware and DVD-authoring software for what may be a one-off project. Your tapes can be transferred while you retain the originals as part of your family archive.
If you would rather preserve the recordings as computer files, Supaphoto also offers a digital-file option for older Hi8 recordings. Whichever format you choose, the important step is moving treasured footage away from being accessible only through legacy equipment.
How to Place an Order
Start by gathering the Hi8 tapes you want transferred and counting approximately how many cassettes you have. Do not worry if some have faded labels or you are uncertain what is recorded on them. Keeping any handwritten dates, names or event descriptions with the relevant tapes can make the finished collection easier to recognise later.
Choose DVD as your preferred output and package the original cassettes carefully for sending to Supaphoto. Once received, your tapes can be processed and the completed DVDs returned with your original media.
If you are comparing different delivery formats before ordering, the Hi8 transfer-to-USB option provides a useful alternative for watching and copying videos on suitable modern devices.
For practical ordering queries, our general transfer FAQs cover common customer questions, while there are more questions specifically about this service further down this page.
A Straightforward Process from Old Tape to DVD
You do not need to find a working Hi8 camcorder or understand analogue video capture to use the service. Once your tapes arrive, the technical conversion is handled for you.
The important advantage is simplicity: you send the original media, Supaphoto carries out the transfer, and you receive your Hi8 tapes back together with the DVDs you ordered. That avoids having to assemble a home conversion setup or work through unfamiliar capture and disc-authoring software.
Before sending a collection, it can still be helpful to place tapes in an approximate order or add temporary notes identifying important recordings. Avoid changing or removing original labels if they contain useful dates or family information.
If you are organising a much wider archive at the same time, our guide to photographs, slides and albums can help you make sense of other analogue memories stored alongside your videotapes.
Digital Download, USB or DVD – What’s Best?
The best format depends mainly on how you expect to watch, store and share your recordings.
DVD suits people who want a familiar physical disc that can be placed into a compatible DVD player or computer disc drive. It is simple and self-contained, particularly for family members who prefer traditional playback.
USB is better suited to modern computers and many televisions with USB connectivity. Videos stored as digital files are also easier to copy onto other storage devices.
Digital download removes the need for a physical delivery device and can be convenient when access and sharing are priorities.
If long-term preservation matters most, keeping more than one copy is sensible. For example, a DVD can provide your viewing copy while a separate digital version gives you greater flexibility for backup and future devices. Supaphoto’s general video-to-DVD service also covers other videotape formats when a collection extends beyond Hi8.
Hi8 Transfer Pricing Guidance
The total cost of transferring Hi8 tapes depends on the size of your collection and the output and additional options selected. It therefore makes sense to count your tapes before ordering and compare the complete cost rather than looking only at an individual headline price.
Larger batches may be priced differently from individual tapes, while unusually long recordings can involve more capture time. Additional copies or optional treatments can also change the final order value. The pricing section on this page should always be used for the current charges and available options.
Do not automatically discard an unlabelled cassette to reduce the number of tapes in an order. A tape with no writing on the case may still contain important footage.
If you are working through photographs as well, our guide to bulk photo scanning offers useful advice for organising another common part of a family media collection before conversion.
Understanding Hi8 and Other 8mm Video Formats
Hi8 forms part of the 8mm videotape family and is easily confused with Video8 and Digital8 because the cassettes are physically similar.
| Format | Recording system | Typical distinction | Suitable modern outputs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video8 | Analogue | Earlier 8mm video format | DVD, USB or digital file |
| Hi8 | Analogue | Higher-specification development of Video8 | DVD, USB or digital file |
| Digital8 | Digital | Digital recording using the 8mm cassette family | USB or digital file |
| MiniDV | Digital | Different, smaller cassette format | DVD, USB or digital file |
The important point is that similar-looking tapes are not necessarily recorded in the same format. If you have inherited a box containing several cassette types, retaining the original labels and cases can help with identification.
Families often uncover photographs at the same time as video tapes. Our guide to different types of old photographs can help identify these additional items when organising a mixed archive.
Video Learning Zone
What is the best way to convert Hi8 tapes to DVD?
For most people, a professional service is the simplest approach because the process requires compatible Hi8 playback equipment, analogue video capture and DVD creation.
Can I still transfer a Hi8 tape if I no longer own the camcorder?
Yes. You do not need to supply your original camera when using a professional transfer service.
Should I choose DVD or a digital file?
Choose DVD when traditional disc playback is your priority. Choose digital files or USB when copying, backing up and using recordings across newer devices matters more.
Should I keep my original tapes afterwards?
Keeping the originals provides another physical source of the recording rather than relying solely on the converted copy.
For broader preservation planning, our guide to archiving personal memories explains why organising different generations of family media can be worthwhile.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming every 8mm-style cassette is Hi8. Video8, Hi8 and Digital8 look similar, so keep original labels and cases wherever possible.
Buying an old camcorder just to test a few tapes. Ageing second-hand equipment can itself be unreliable, particularly when its condition is unknown.
Choosing DVD without considering future playback. DVD is convenient if you already use compatible equipment, but USB or digital files may provide greater flexibility across newer devices.
Keeping only one converted copy. Important recordings are safer when copies exist in more than one place or storage format.
Removing labels before sending tapes. Handwritten names, dates and events may become extremely useful when you receive several converted recordings back.
Ignoring the rest of the archive. Video tapes are often only one part of a family collection. Photographs, slides, audio and other older media may benefit from being organised at the same time.
More Questions About this Format
A: To convert Hi8 tapes to DVD yourself, you’ll need a Hi8 camcorder or playback deck, an analog-to-digital converter, and a computer equipped with the necessary software. While possible, it’s often expensive and only practical for large projects. The more affordable and efficient option is to use a professional transfer service like Supaphoto. If you do want to try it yourself, connect your Hi8 player to an analog-to-digital converter, capture the footage to your computer with video software, edit as required, and then use DVD authoring software to create menus and chapters before burning to disc. Our professional Hi8-to-DVD service saves you all that hassle — and ensures a better final result.
A: To complete a Hi8-to-DVD conversion at home, you’ll need a Hi8 camcorder or deck, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a computer with video capture and editing software, blank DVDs, a DVD burner, and DVD authoring software. Supaphoto uses all of this equipment professionally — so you can simply send us your tapes and receive high-quality DVDs without investing in expensive gear.
A: Yes, professional companies like Supaphoto specialise in converting Hi8 tapes to DVD. Our experienced technicians and professional-grade equipment ensure your videos are transferred with the best possible picture and sound quality, while preserving every detail of your original recordings.
A: For the best quality results, make sure your Hi8 tapes are clean and undamaged before converting. Use a reliable analog-to-digital converter and match the capture resolution and frame rate to the original recording. However, Supaphoto’s Hi8-to-DVD service removes this burden entirely — we repair damaged tapes when needed and use high-end professional gear to produce stunning, long-lasting results that home setups simply can’t match.
A: Software such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or Sony Vegas is commonly used for video capture and editing, while programs like Nero Burning ROM and Roxio Creator are ideal for DVD authoring. Supaphoto uses professional-grade tools that deliver better clarity, colour balance, and sound fidelity than home software solutions can typically achieve.
A: The time it takes to transfer Hi8 to DVD depends on the tape length, your equipment speed, and whether editing or menus are required. Each tape must be played in real time, so a one-hour tape takes at least an hour to digitise. Supaphoto streamlines this process, completing most orders within one week — even faster for small batches.
A: Transferring your Hi8 tapes to DVD keeps your recordings safe, convenient, and easy to enjoy. DVDs offer simple playback on most standard players, let you create chapters for organisation, and protect your footage from the wear and tear that affects analogue tapes. Supaphoto ensures your digital copies are beautifully presented and made to last.
A: If your Hi8 tapes are damaged or show signs of deterioration, professional help is the safest option. Supaphoto’s experienced engineers can often recover full recordings from degraded tapes and enhance the quality during conversion. We restore both audio and video clarity, ensuring your memories look and sound better than ever.
A: Yes, all DVDs we create are fully compatible with standard DVD players. You’ll be able to watch your newly digitised videos on virtually any device that supports DVD playback, from home systems to portable players.
A: Pricing starts at £14.99 per tape, but larger orders qualify for bulk discounts — bringing the price down to as little as £8.39 per tape. This makes Supaphoto’s Hi8-to-DVD service one of the best-value options available for high-quality conversions.
A: We can create custom menus and chapter selections on your DVDs, making it easy to navigate between scenes or separate clips. If you have specific requests for layout or labelling, just let us know — we’re happy to personalise your discs to your preferences.
A: Yes, Supaphoto also offers Hi8-to-digital and Hi8-to-USB conversions. These options provide more flexibility for playback, storage, and editing, allowing you to view your videos on computers, TVs, and smart devices as well as share them easily online.
A: Keep both your original Hi8 tapes and your new DVDs stored in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight and humidity. Use protective sleeves or cases to prevent scratches or damage. Proper storage will ensure your memories remain safe for years to come.
A: Although the conversion process involves transferring an analogue signal to digital, Supaphoto’s advanced technology and careful calibration mean your new DVDs often look even better than the originals. We enhance colour, sharpness, and stability — results that DIY attempts can rarely match.
