Open-reel video
Sony Videocorder and CV-series recordings, plus EIAJ and CCIR half-inch systems in monochrome or colour where compatible playback is available.
Rare domestic & early studio video
The tapes other companies cannot play
CVC, Sony Videocorder, half-inch open reel, Philips VCR, Video 2000 and other obsolete systems require the correct machine, recording standard and signal path. Send a clear photograph if the format is uncertain.
PAL or NTSCColour or black-and-whiteCCIR or EIAJRepair assessed individually
Philips cassette systems
Original Philips VCR and later VCR-LP machines, including N1500/N1502 and N1700/N1702 family recordings.
Video 2000
Philips and Grundig V2000 double-sided cassettes, transferred and charged per recorded side.
Compact and unusual carriers
CVC, D-VHS, W-VHS, specialist helical scan, VHD, LaserDisc and other short-lived domestic or industrial systems.
Format identification
Carrier, standard and recording mode all matter
PAL / 625-lineCommon UK and European recordings
NTSC / 525-lineCommon North American and Japanese recordings
Colour or monochromeEarly equipment may be black-and-white only
CCIR / EIAJDifferent half-inch open-reel standards and variants
Please do not run fragile or unknown tapes repeatedly. A label photograph, reel diameter, tape width and any machine model written on the box can help us identify the correct system without risking the recording.
Selected rare formats
Guide pricing and output
Prices apply to straightforward playable material. Damaged tape, mould, broken reels, unusual recording standards or extensive machine preparation may require a separate quotation.
| Format | Notes | Typical output | Guide price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVC / Compact Video Cassette | Compact domestic cassette system | Preservation master plus MP4 | Request a quote |
| Sony Videocorder / CV-series | ½-inch open-reel video; standard confirmed from the tape | Preservation master plus MP4 | Request a quote |
| EIAJ / CCIR ½-inch open reel | PAL or NTSC; colour or monochrome where supported | Preservation master plus access copy | Request a quote |
| Sony V-31E / V-32 helical scan | Specialist early helical-scan system | Preservation master plus access copy | Request a quote |
| Philips VCR / VCR-LP | N1500, N1502, N1700, N1702 and related | MP4; ProRes optional | From £59.99 |
| Philips / Grundig Video 2000 | Double-sided cassette | MP4; ProRes optional | From £24.99 per side |
| D-VHS / D-Theater | Digital VHS and prerecorded D-Theater | Native or preservation file plus MP4 | From £24.99 |
| W-VHS / Hi-Vision | Analogue high-definition video | HD preservation file plus MP4 | From £45.99 |
| VHD videodisc | Grooveless capacitance videodisc | MP4 viewing file | From £24.99 per disc |
| LaserDisc | PAL or NTSC analogue optical disc | MP4; preservation file optional | From £24.99 per disc |
Early studio systems
One-inch IVC helical scan
One-inch IVC recordings are distinct from the later one-inch Type C broadcast format. We handle colour or black-and-white IVC helical-scan tapes at £59.99 per tape, subject to condition and recording compatibility.
Unsure what it is?
Send the box, label and reel in one photograph
Include any manufacturer, machine model, tape width, reel diameter and country of origin. That is often enough to narrow down the format before the tape arrives.
Send a WhatsApp photo →Handling fragile recordings
Assessment before unnecessary playback
Physical inspection
Reels, shells, hubs, tape pack, mould, oxide condition and obvious damage are checked before transfer.
Machine preparation
Obsolete decks may need careful setup and cleaning for a particular carrier rather than repeated casual playback.
Useful digital masters
A preservation file can be supplied alongside a compact MP4 so the recording is both protected and easy to watch.
Found an unidentified tape or reel?
Do not guess from the box alone. Send photographs and we will help identify the format and likely transfer route.
Detailed rare-format guides