VHS

The Video Home System (VHS) cassette format dominated the domestic video tape market globally, from when it was launched in 1976 to its decline around 1996. Consequently there is a huge range of content stored on VHS tapes that is at risk of loss.

At Greatbear, we digitise VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C and D-VHS video tape recordings, in PAL, NTSC, and SECAM, at standard play (SP), long play (LP) and extra long play (ELP) speeds, where appropriate.

While VHS isn't as threatened by machine obsolescence as some formats, due to its worldwide popularity: not all machines were made equal. VHS video tape recorders were designed and built for all markets and prices - choosing the appropriate machines can make a significant difference to the stability and image quality for this format.

We use a combination of professional and domestic models chosen for their features, replay quality, ability to replay a range of recording variations and their ability to be repaired and serviced in the long term.

• Mitsubishi BV-2000 x 2
• Panasonic AG-MD835 x 4
• Panasonic AG-4700 x 2
• Panasonic AG-7150
• Panasonic AG-7750 x 2
• Panasonic AG-8700
• Panasonic NV-V8000 x 3
• Panasonic AG-TL350 time lapse CCTV VTRs x 5
• JVC BR-S522 with TBC / DNR options installed
• JVC SR-VS20 x 2
• JVC HR-DVS3 EK x 2
• JVC HR-S7600 x 2
• JVC HM-DR10000 D-VHS
• Sony SVO-5800P x 2

We also hold a range of spares and backup machines for the future.

VHS tapes can suffer from problems that affect other video tapes, but being a very common domestic format, they do tend to be mistreated in unusual ways more often.

Most domestic brands of VHS tape tend to not suffer from binder hydrolysis or sticky shed syndrome, so rarely need baking. Some brands aimed at the professional market, especially S-VHS types, have back-coating so can suffer, but this isn't that common in our experience.

Broken, smashed, mould-infested and water-damaged tapes are more common though, and careful re-shelling, cleaning and sometimes unsticking of the tape layers is necessary before replay can be attempted.

We have the VHS model of RTI Tapechek machine that's designed to clean and burnish the tape surface while also checking for damage. This can be useful occasionally but it's not appropriate for all tape problems and can, in some instances, cause more damage.

Given the worldwide popularity of the VHS format we can also replay and digitise TV standards less common in the UK and the slower recording speeds sometimes used too.

A common issue with VHS recordings is the soundtrack used. As the format evolved, a higher-quality, stereo soundtrack was possible in addition to the mono, linear soundtrack. Sometimes the HiFi soundtrack can suffer with noticeable audio dropouts. We can preserve both soundtracks in these cases so the linear soundtrack is still available and in sync when the HiFi soundtrack becomes problematic. Domestic VTRs will constantly switch between soundtracks which sounds odd and usually don't allow separated soundtracks.