Do You Still Need a VHS Player to Watch Old Tapes?

No. You don't need a VHS player to watch your old tapes again: send them to Tapes To Digital and you get them back as digital files that play on your TV, laptop, tablet or phone. No video recorder, no cables and nothing to set up.

Can I watch VHS tapes without a VHS player?

Yes, once they've been converted to digital. A converted tape becomes an MP4, the most widely supported video format there is. Plug in a USB, open a download or copy the files to your computer, and press play.

That also makes your memories far easier to share. Instead of one tape in one cupboard, the whole family can have a copy, and clips can be sent to relatives in seconds.

Should I use a professional service to convert my VHS tapes?

Yes: we do a better job. Every tape we receive is played on professional converters, so you get the best picture and sound your tapes still hold, and your originals always come back. VHS to digital conversion with Tapes To Digital starts from £13 a tape.

Older tapes, especially ones kept in lofts or garages, can be fragile or mouldy. Mould cleaning and tape repair are available from £13 per tape, and we always quote before starting.

What devices can play converted VHS tapes?

Almost anything with a screen. MP4 files play on smart TVs, Windows and Mac computers, iPhones, Android phones and tablets. If you want an extra copy for the long term, ask for the archival AVI/MOV master and we'll supply it alongside your MP4 at the same price.

Prefer discs? We can add DVD copies for £6 per disc. A disc holds up to two hours, so a longer recording is split across more than one disc rather than compressed to fit.

How much does it cost to convert VHS tapes in the UK?

From £13 a tape, with the price falling as you send more. VHS, VHS-C, Hi8, MiniDV and other everyday formats count together in a mixed order:

• 1 to 4 tapes: £15 a tape
• 5 to 10 tapes: £14.50 a tape
• 11 to 20 tapes: £14 a tape
• 21 to 30 tapes: £13.50 a tape
• 31 or more: £13 a tape

Each tape includes up to three hours of footage, then it's £6 per extra hour. You only pay for footage we actually recover, with no charge for blank tapes. Send one tape first at £15 if you'd like to see the result, and the rest of your order is priced at the bulk rate with the difference credited. See all our tape conversion prices.

How will I receive my digital files?

• An MP4 of every tape, ready for your TV, laptop or phone
• The archival AVI/MOV master alongside your MP4 on request, at the same price
• Your files on a USB we supply, as a download (from £7), on a USB you bring us, or on an external hard drive
• DVD copies if you want them, for £6 per disc
• Your original tapes back, every time

Most orders are ready in 7 to 10 working days from the day we receive your tapes, and sooner on request depending on quantity. Tell us when you book if you need them by a particular date.

Is it worth converting old tapes now?

Yes, and sooner is better than later. Tapes get older every year, and ones stored somewhere damp or warm can develop mould that makes them harder to recover. Converting now means your footage is safe in digital form, easy to back up and ready to share, whatever happens to the tapes themselves. It also means the whole family can finally see what is on those unlabelled cassettes.

What about camcorder tapes?

Those don't need a player either. We convert VHS-C to digital, Hi8 to digital and MiniDV to digital at the same per-tape price as VHS. If you're not sure which tapes you have, send them as they are and we'll sort them out.

Where can I drop off my tapes?

At any of our four UK drop-off locations in Brixton, Watford, Southall or Farnborough, or by post from anywhere in the UK. Drop-offs are by appointment, and your booking confirmation includes the exact address. Posting costs exactly the same per tape.