Best way to rewind VHS, VHS-C, Hi8 tapes?

gloubu · #1 11-14-2021, 03:05 AM

Working through organizing my collection of multiple sized tapes and was looking to have a question verified.

A lot of the tapes have been stored with the tapes only being halfway rewound (or played halfway through). My question is... what is the best way to safely rewind all these different tapes? Also noting, me being very cautious not to possibly damage the tapes further if there is shedding/sticking. I have read the differing opinions of the FF/REW method but regardless I have to get to the beginning of the tape somehow.

Some options:

VHS: Use a VHS tape rewinder or use a second tape deck to rewind?

VHS-C: Use a VHS-C rewinder (Philips) or use VHS-C adapter (JVC) in a second tape deck?

Hi8: Use a Video8 rewinder (Kinyo KV-822) or rewind in camcorder... or get a second camcorder?

I know rewinders can be risky to the tapes but does it out-way putting a shedding tape into a good tape deck?

Thanks in advance!

gloubu · #2 11-14-2021, 04:31 AM

All the info mentioned is to prepare for tape capture.

Diopter_Doctor · #3 11-17-2021, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gloubu

VHS: Use a VHS tape rewinder or use a second tape deck to rewind?

I've seen Lordsmurf post on youtube to rewind with cheaper VCR decks and only use your good deck for capturing.

If you are worried about shedding your old tapes, you can do slow rewind on JVCs but again, it's not recommended to use nice VCRs for RW/FW in general.

Hope this helps

mbassiouny · #4 11-17-2021, 02:24 PM

I personally use a tape rewinder. It does the job efficiently and it is not so expensive nor takes a lot of place like having a second deck up and powered on.

traal · #5 11-17-2021, 04:14 PM

The FF/REW method cannot be used on a tape rewinder because it cannot FF. So if you use that method, your options are narrowed down a little.

mbassiouny · #6 11-17-2021, 05:14 PM

@traal, True, but I never need to FF. only rewind. So... works fine for me

gloubu · #7 11-17-2021, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by traal

The FF/REW method cannot be used on a tape rewinder because it cannot FF. So if you use that method, your options are narrowed down a little.

I actually have rewinders, for VHS and Hi8, that both have a FF feature along with the RR... but thats besides the point.