Presenter surrounded by early video recorders and televisions in an old TV programme

The VHS Tape Was On Its Way Out, They Predicted in 1980!

October 25, 2026

In 1980, Tomorrow’s World said video discs would replace VHS. Here’s why LaserVision, CED and VHD failed, and why tape won the battle of the 1980s.

Stacks of old cine film reels in metal cans

Is Your Cine Film Deteriorating?

October 20, 2026

Old cine film smells of vinegar or looks pink? Four signs your Super 8 or 8mm home movies are decaying, and what to do before it’s too late.

An early home video recorder being demonstrated next to a television, black and white photo

The Video Player Can Be Traced Back To 1968

October 1, 2026

In 1968 the BBC’s Tomorrow’s World showed a machine that played films on your TV. Here’s how it led to VHS, DVD and streaming, and why old tapes need saving.

Hands examining a strip of cine film unwound from metal film reels

Standard 8, Super 8 or 16mm? How to Tell What’s in the Box

September 24, 2026

Found a box of old film reels? How to tell Standard 8, Super 8, 16mm and 9.5mm apart in minutes, with no projector needed.

A collection of different types of USB sticks.

USB Sticks Explained: Which Type and Format Do You Need?

September 18, 2026

USB-A, USB-C, FAT32 or exFAT? A plain-English guide to choosing a USB stick that works on your computer, TV and phone for photos and videos.

Illustration of cloud storage syncing folders of family photos and videos

Cloud Storage for Family Photos and Videos: What to Know Before You Rely on It

September 10, 2026

Thinking of keeping your digitised family photos and videos in the cloud? What to check about access, accounts and backups before you rely on it.

VHS, VHS-C, Hi8 and MiniDV video tapes lined up by size in front of old tape boxes

How Long Do Video Tapes Last? VHS and Camcorder Tapes Explained

September 5, 2026

Find out how long VHS and camcorder tapes last, what causes deterioration and how to store and digitise old family video recordings.

Two old cassette tapes, one black and one clear, showing the magnetic tape inside.

Do Cassette Tapes Deteriorate Like VHS Tapes?

September 1, 2026

Yes, cassette tapes deteriorate just like VHS. Learn the warning signs, how to store old audio tapes, and why digitising family recordings keeps them safe.

Why You Shouldn’t Send Important Photos and Videos by WhatsApp?

August 27, 2026

Find out why WhatsApp can reduce the quality of important family photos and videos, and how to share the original files instead.

Box of old 35mm slides in card and plastic mounts

What Are 35mm Slides?

August 14, 2026

What are 35mm slides and how are they different from negatives? Learn how old slides were used and why digitising them makes family photos easy to view again.

Strips of 35mm negatives beside a red photo wallet of printed photographs

Should You Scan Photos or Negatives If You Have a Choice?

August 10, 2026

Should you scan old photos or negatives? Learn when negatives provide better quality and when scanning your original prints may be the better choice.

Stack of VHS and smaller camcorder tapes ready to be transferred to digital

Do VHS and Camcorder Tapes Deteriorate Even When Not in Use?

August 6, 2026

Learn why VHS and camcorder tapes continue to deteriorate even when stored away. Discover the risks of ageing magnetic tape and how to protect valuable family recordings.

Help & Advice

Help & Advice on Old Tapes, Film & Photos | Photo Revivals