8mm Tape to Digital Service
Your 8mm camcorder tapes—including Video8, Hi8, and Digital8—hold irreplaceable moments, but aging magnetic tape can become fragile or unplayable over time. Heirloom converts 8mm tapes to high-quality digital files you can stream, download, and share, offering free repairs and advanced recovery efforts for tapes others refuse, then delivering everything securely to the cloud.
How do I know if my tape is Video8, Hi8, or Digital8?
You don’t need to know. 8mm-family tapes often look identical, and labeling is inconsistent. Heirloom specialists identify whether your tape is Video8, Hi8, or Digital8 upon arrival and use the correct professional playback equipment automatically.
What does Heirloom convert my 8mm tapes into?
Heirloom converts each 8mm camcorder tape—Video8, Hi8, or Digital8—into a high-quality MP4 digital video file. MP4 files are easy to stream, download, and share across phones, computers, and smart TVs, with blank footage removed.
Can Heirloom repair broken or damaged 8mm tapes?
Yes. Free basic repairs are included. This covers broken shells, damaged leaders, stuck reels, tension issues, and other common age-related failures. Heirloom has a strong recovery rate and routinely works on tapes other services refuse to touch. However, because some 8mm tapes are permanently degraded, recovery may occasionally be partial—preserving as much viewable video as the tape will safely allow.
Can Heirloom digitize 8mm tapes with "sticky shed"?
Sticky shed syndrome occurs when aging magnetic tape becomes gummy and unplayable—causing many companies to refuse the tape outright. Heirloom uses specialized stabilization techniques to carefully attempt playback and recovery whenever possible, at no additional cost.
What if my 8mm tape turns out to be blank?
If an 8mm tape is confirmed to be completely blank after professional playback attempts, it is automatically credited back. You only pay for tapes that actually contain recoverable video—no estimates, no wasted charges.
Can I send 8mm tapes mixed with other media?
Absolutely. You can ship 8mm tapes together with VHS, VHS-C, MiniDV, photos, film reels, audio cassettes, and more. Heirloom identifies everything upon arrival and provides a clear, itemized quote before you approve any work.
How are my digitized 8mm videos delivered?
Your converted videos are delivered to your online Heirloom digital vault, where you can stream or download them anytime. Optional USB flash drives are also available. Heirloom does not deliver 8mm conversions on DVD because durable digital files are safer, easier to back up, and future-proof.
How It Works
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Deliver Your Old Media
Buy a secure shipping box or label.
Drop it off at any UPS Store. -
Review & Approve
We count and classify everything using our published prices. You approve before we digitize.
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Relive & Share
Enjoy your memories securely in the cloud. Download anytime. USB available if you want it.
Choose How to Deliver
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Buy a Labeled Box
Put everything into one of our secure boxes. Drop off at any UPS Store. Starts at only $25 and includes the return of your old media.
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Use Your Own Box
Add this label to any box and ship it today! Drop off at any UPS Store. Only $20 for any size box and includes the return of your old media.
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Self Ship to Heirloom
Already have a preferred shipper? Go ahead and self ship. This is a great option if you're not very concerned about the return of your old media.
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Deliver In Person
No appointment needed. Get expert help from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday from our facility at 11 eWall Street in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
