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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Black and white portrait of a young woman, with photo metadata fields shown in editing software

What Is Metadata and Why Is It Useful for Your Digitised Photos?

June 23, 2026

What is metadata and how can you add it to digitised family photos? Learn how dates, names, locations and descriptions can help preserve the stories behind your photographs.

VHS, VHS-C, Hi8 and MiniDV video tapes lined up by size

Common Videotape Problems and Whether They Can Be Recovered

June 18, 2026

Discover the most common problems affecting old VHS, VHS-C, Video8 and camcorder tapes, and learn how many can still be repaired and digitised.

Help & Advice

Category: Tapes