EachMoment

Video tape identifier

What video tape format is this?

Cassette size and label are usually enough to identify any consumer video tape. Answer the questions below and we'll pin down exactly what you have — VHS, Hi8, MiniDV or one of the rarer formats.

Step 1video tape
How big is the cassette compared to your hand?

How big is the cassette compared to your hand?

Pick up one cassette and compare it to common reference objects. Cassette size is the single best clue.

Pick the closest match

Quick size guide

Paperback-sized

~190 × 100 mm

VHS · S-VHS

Slightly smaller than VHS

~156 × 96 mm

Betamax · Betacam

Palm-sized

~92 × 60 mm

VHS-C · Hi8 · Video8 · Digital8

Half a credit card

~66 × 48 mm

MiniDV

Matchbox-sized

~46 × 30 mm

MicroMV

Larger than VHS

~219 × 137 mm

U-matic

Four tips to spot the format

  • Check the spine of the cassette and any printed label. Most consumer formats spell out their name somewhere on the shell.
  • Look at the window on top. Two large reels stacked vertically = VHS family; two small reels side-by-side = Betamax.
  • If you have an old plastic adapter the size of a VHS cassette with a slot in it, you almost certainly have VHS-C tapes.
  • When in doubt, take a clear photo of the front and side of the cassette and send it to us — we identify tapes for free.

Ready to digitise your tapes?

We digitise every major video format — VHS, Hi8, MiniDV, Betamax, U-matic and more — with AI restoration included on every order.

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