Video8
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Identifying marks
Identifying marks
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identifying marks
Format name: Video8 (aka 8mm) and Hi8
Analog or digital: Analog
Date introduced: Video8 - 1984; Hi8 - 1989
Dates in use: Video8 -1984 to present; Hi8 - 1989 to present
Tape width: 5/16" (8mm)
Cassette dimensions: 3 11/16" x 2 3/8" x 9/16" for both Video8 and Hi8
Tape container: Most common tape containers are heavy-duty clear plastic hinged boxes or heavy-duty plastic snap-closure boxes - 4" x 2 5/8" x 3/4". Some tapes (i.e. Fuji) are in a plastic sleeve.
Tape variations and/or identifying features: Tape cassettes are the same size. They are usually labeled in the bottom middle of the cassette (between the two reels) as 8mm or Hi8.
Common manufacturers/brands: Sony, Panasonic, Fuji, and others.
Tape players/recorders: Decks for Video8 and Hi8 formats are still in use, are still being produced and marketed, and are readily available. However, digital formats (such as MiniDV) have overtaken much of the Video8 and Hi8 market, raising questions as to how long these formats will be supported. Hi8 gives a superior picture to Video8, and has other technical advantages. Video8 and Hi8 are referred to as 'upward compatible': Video8 tapes can be played in Hi8 decks, but tapes recorded in Hi8 will not play in standard Video8 decks. Both formats can also be played in Digital 8 decks.
Primary usage: The Video8 format was developed for the consumer market, where it was widely used through the late 1980s and 1990s. Hi8 was geared towards consumer, industrial, and educational markets. Usage of Hi8 in industrial and educational markets has decreased as use of digital formats (such as MiniDV) has increased. However, for much of the 1990s, Hi8 was a popular format for artists, community video centers, the media arts, and colleges/universities. In the consumer market Video8 is the lowest cost format, followed by Hi8, with digital formats priced higher. This may account for the format's continuing popularity.
Risks: Video8 and Hi8 are made from thin tape that is subject to stretching. The shorter tapes - 30 and 60 min. - are more durable than the longer tapes. Users have reported dropout soon after the first recording. Metal Evaporated (ME) tape particularly is reported to have durability problems. Also, market factors suggest that Video8 and Hi8 will be phased out, in favor of digital formats. Unfortunately, due to the size, the decks are not as durable as those of larger formats, are difficult to work on, and thus are more expensive to repair relative to their cost. These factors may affect the availability of decks as these formats are phased out. On the positive side, the recent introduction of Digital 8 decks offers a new playback option. See Risks.
Condition assessment: Since Video8 tapes could be approaching 20 years old, determining the age of the tape will help you judge its condition. ME tapes (see above) should be identified. Newer tapes can be played back for examination of picture and sound quality; however, if dropout or other tape problems are observed, playback should stop until the point of re-mastering. For older tapes, extensive inspection is difficult without playback, and it will be wise to err on the side of caution. See Risks and Condition Assessment.
Conservation actions: Although these formats are relatively new, they are fragile and do not appear to have a very long shelf life. Re-mastering is recommended as soon as possible. Re-housing of the original may be required. See Conservation Actions.
