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Convert Hi8 to Digital

Some of our best memories are stored on old video tape formats such as Hi8.

Convert your Hi8 tapes to digital formats in two simple steps and you can relive those wonderful moments like they were yesterday - forever.

Please see Hi8 to DVD and Camcorder to Digital pages to see the other formats you can convert Hi8 tapes to.

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  • Discount iconBulk order discounts
  • Discount iconUK courier collection available
  • Discount iconOriginal media returned

How Hi8 to Digital transfer works.

Our Hi8 digitisation process is simple, reliable,
and trusted by thousands of happy customers

Step 1

Send them

After you place your order, we’ll help you arrange a courier collection or you can post your Hi8 tapes to us.

Step 1

Save them

We’ll let you know as soon as we receive your order. Our specialists will carefully begin work to preserve and digitise your memories.

Step 1

Savour them

Your digital versions (as well as your original Hi8 tapes) are sent safely back to you. After that, it’s over to you to enjoy your old memories made new!

You’ll always know where your original Hi8 tapes are, when we’re working on them,
and when you can expect to get them back.

What type
of conversion
should you
order?

How to choose the right
conversion for your Hi8 tapes.

Your original Hi8 tapes, converted and written onto a DVD. You’ll be able to play it on any DVD player or other disc drive.


What you get
Each of your videos on a separate DVD
What to order
You only need to order one DVD set to get all your conversions
Perfect for…
Watching on the telly

Your converted Hi8 tapes(s) on a USB memory stick. Plug in to your computer (or any other device with a USB port) and you can play, save, and copy your files.


What you get
All your videos on one USB
What to order
You only need to order one USB to get all your conversions
Perfect for…
Watching on the computer or Smart TV
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Hi8 to Digital

Your Hi8 conversions, stored safely online. We’ll upload your files to the cloud and send you a private access link, so you can watch and download your videos instantly, from anywhere.


What you get
Your conversions as digital files
What to order
You only need to order one cloud backup link to get all your conversions
Perfect for…
Sharing with friends and family

What you can expect from us.

Your memories are irreplaceable - this is how we’ll take care of them

Free blanks

Free blanks

You’ll never have to pay for sending blank Hi8 tapes. If we find any blanks in your order, we’ll refund them ASAP.
Free return

Free return

Your originals are priceless. We’ll send them back to you free of charge along with your conversions.
Free repairs

Free repairs

Our technicians can fix most problems and will always try their best to repair any damaged media you send us.
Bulk discounts

Bulk discounts

More conversions, more savings! You can get up to 30% off, depending on how many tapes you’re converting.
Quality equipment

Quality equipment

The best conversions are made using the best equipment. What else would you expect us to use for your memories?
Real-time updates

Real-time updates

You’ll be updated via email when your order arrives and again when it is sent back to you. You can check on the status of your order at any time using our real-time order tracker.

What do Digital Converters
customers think?

Thousands of people have trusted us with their memories already.
This is what they made of the experience...

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Turn Hi8 tapes
into digital formats fit for the 21st Century.

Gathering round to watch home videos at a family get-together, enjoying (or “enjoying”) clips from friends’ holidays, reminiscing about weddings and parties…

Safe to say, old video formats like Hi8 tapes hold some of life’s best memories.

But, as technology has moved on, fewer people than ever have anything to play them on, and these old tapes are gradually breaking down and deteriorating.

Converting Hi8 tapes to digital formats is the perfect way to preserve and relive those precious memories.

Tapes like Hi8s are the media we convert most often, digitising hundreds of thousands of hours since we started Digital Converters. We’ve got the best equipment, highly-trained technicians, and a shameless love for nostalgia.

Your tapes couldn’t be in safer hands!

Examples of our video tape conversions.

Nothing beats seeing old memories remade for today

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FAQs

Q. What is the Hi8 video format?
Hi8 is a video format that was introduced by Sony in the late 1980s as an improvement over the earlier Video8 format. It utilises 8mm magnetic tapes to record analog video and audio signals. The 'Hi' in Hi8 stands for 'high-band,' indicating its enhanced video quality compared to Video8. Hi8 tapes have a higher resolution and better colour fidelity, making them popular for recording home videos, amateur filmmaking, and professional applications like event coverage. The format gained popularity during the 1990s but has since been superseded by digital formats.
Q. How to play hi8 tapes without a camcorder?
To play Hi8 tapes without an original Hi8 camcorder, there are several options. Firstly, you could try to find an original Hi8 VCR or Playback Deck, which were of course specifically designed for playing Hi8 tapes. However, these devices are rare, and can typically now only be found in specialty collectors electronics stores or online marketplaces.

Another option is to use an Analog-to-Digital Converter to convert the Hi8 tape to a digital video format. However, this is a very technical process and you will still need a Hi8 player, which you will then need to connect to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

This device will convert the analog signal from the Hi8 tapes into a digital format that can be played on modern devices. You will then need a computer to play it back. Connect the ADC to your computer or digital device using a USB or FireWire cable. Make sure your computer or device has the necessary ports to receive the digital signal from the ADC. Finally, you could use video capture software on your computer to turn it into a playable video file. There are several options available, both free and paid, such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or Windows Movie Maker.

Finally, to save time, money and effort, you could use a professional service specialising in digital conversion, such as Digital Converters. With our expertise and equipment, we can handle the entire process for you. Simply send your Hi8 tapes, and we will convert them to a digital format of your choice, allowing you to easily play and enjoy them without the need for a camcorder, Hi8 player or any technical know-how.
Q. How do you convert Hi8 to digital?
To digitise Hi8 tapes, there are various methods available. One option is to connect a Hi8 VCR or playback deck to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), which can be linked to a computer or digital device. By utilising video capture software, the Hi8 tape can be played on the VCR or deck while the software captures and saves the video and audio as a digital file.

At Digital Converters, we offer a specialised service for Hi8 tape digitisation. You can trust us to handle the entire process efficiently. Simply provide us with your Hi8 tapes, and our expert team will convert them to a digital format, eliminating the need for a camcorder or technical expertise on your part. We utilise professional equipment and expertise to ensure high-quality results. By choosing our digital conversion service, you can conveniently access and enjoy your Hi8 tape content in a digital format.
Q. How long do hi8 tapes last?
he lifespan of Hi8 tapes can vary depending on various factors. On average, Hi8 tapes were designed to last approximately 10 to 15 years under normal storage conditions. However, factors such as storage conditions, handling, and frequency of playback can impact their longevity.

To maximise the lifespan of Hi8 tapes, it is advisable to store them in a cool, dry, and stable environment away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity. It is also important to handle the tapes with care, avoiding excessive rewinding, fast-forwarding, or exposure to dust and debris.

Despite this, over time, the magnetic particles on the tape deteriorate, resulting in a loss of video and audio quality. Additionally, tape degradation or physical damage can occur, causing playback issues or even rendering the tapes unusable.

If you are concerned about the condition or longevity of your Hi8 tapes, it is advisable to consult a professional digitisation service such as Digital Converters. We can assess the condition of your tapes and convert the content to a digital format while restoring the video and audio quality, ensuring your videos can be played over and over, with no risk of ever losing the content.
Q. What equipment do I need to digitise Hi8 videos?
To digitise Hi8 videos, you'll need a Hi8 camcorder or playback deck, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a computer with video capture and editing software, appropriate cables, and sufficient storage space.
Q. Can I convert Hi8 tapes to digital myself?
Yes, you can convert Hi8 tapes to digital yourself, but it requires technical knowledge of video capture and editing processes, as well as the necessary equipment. It is far easier and more cost effective to pay a small fee to have your Hi8 tapes converted to a professional standard by a company such as ourselves.
Q. What are the steps involved in digitising Hi8 videos?
It is quite complex, but a simple version of the process basically involves connecting your Hi8 camcorder or playback deck to an ADC, capturing the footage onto your computer, editing if necessary, exporting the edited video in a digital format, and finally storing or sharing the digital file.
Q. Which video capture devices are compatible with Hi8 format?
Analog-to-digital converters with composite or S-video inputs are compatible with Hi8 format. These devices bridge the gap between analog and digital signals.
Q. What software can I use to convert Hi8 tapes to digital?
Video editing and capture software like Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or OBS Studio can be used for capturing and editing Hi8 footage during the conversion process. Professional digitising services
Q. How long does it take to convert Hi8 videos to digital?
If you’re attempting a DIY conversion, then it varies depending on factors like the length of the tapes, the speed of your capture equipment, any necessary editing, and the chosen digital format.

If you’re taking the easier option of paying a professional company such as ourselves, then you can expect a 1 week turnaround time for small orders.
Q. Can I convert Hi8 tapes to digital without a computer?
While it's technically possible to convert Hi8 tapes without a computer using certain standalone devices, it is very expensive and technical. Using a professional digitisation service like Digital Converters provides convenience and ensures high-quality results.
Q. How much does it cost to convert Hi8 to digital?
The price depends on the number of Hi8 tapes ordered, but one tape will cost around £14.99, with bulk orders costing £8.39. Then we charge £8 to convert Hi8 tapes to USB, £4 to transfer Hi8 tapes to DVD, and £8 to convert Hi to digital files and store them for you to download.
Q. Are there any specific considerations for damaged Hi8 tapes?
If you have damaged Hi8 tapes, consider seeking professional assistance. You can send your tapes to us and we’ll assess the condition and determine the best approach for recovery. In 95% of cases we can salvage all of the video and audio, and we will always be able to improve upon on the original fidelity, giving you an improved version of your treasured videos to watch whenever you wish.
Q. What storage options are best for digitised Hi8 videos?
To ensure long-term preservation, store your digitised Hi8 videos on dependable external hard drives, cloud storage, or archival-grade discs.
Q. Can I play digitised Hi8 videos on modern devices?
Yes, your digitised Hi8 videos will be sent back to you on either DVD, USB or as digital files, and therefore will be compatible with modern devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs, allowing easy playback and sharing.