Video Tape Identification

This visual guide helps you identify the different video formats in your collection. The presentations are subdivided into open reel (reel-to-reel) and cassette systems. Details for every format include brand names, measurements, usage, information on equipment, and an indication of risks of deterioration and obsolescence. Risks are visually marked by a little square that may be:

Red: these tapes should be placed on the high priority list for digitising and/or restoration: they are at risk of becoming inaccessible, as they are likely to be deteriorating and/or well-functioning equipment is hard to find.

Yellow: these tapes are probably not yet seriously threatened by deterioration, and some working equipment is still available.

Green: these tapes can be expected to be in a relatively stable condition, and playback equipment is not too difficult to acquire, or it may even still be being produced.