Lost?  This page is about the early video cassette format known as VCR.  If this isn't what you are looking for, go to video99.co.uk to find the right kind of tape.

Philips VCR (N1500) and VCR-LP (N1700) to DVD VCR logo

The first really successful video cassettes were of the VCR type, way back in 1972, and the similar VCR-LP format was in use until the early 1980's.  Often these were known by the video recorder model numbers N1500 or N1700, but the early machines may be numbered N1501, N1502 and the later ones N1701 or N1702 or similar numbers.  A further development known as SVR, was marketed for a very short time by ITT and Grundig in 1979, and I now even cover this rare format.  

Philips N1500 video recorder The first successful video cassette recorder from 1972.

These are square cassettes in which the tape starts at the bottom and winds its way to the top.  Sometimes the format is known simply as VCR, and was also marketed by Dynatron, ITT, Grundig, Loewe, Pye and Skantic.  N1500 tapes run for up to one hour and N1700 tapes run for up to three  hours, but neither recording will play in machines intended for the other.   A further development known as SVR (Super Video Recording), was marketed for a very short time by ITT and Grundig in 1979, and video99 is almost certainly the only transfer company also able to carry out these transfers.  Tapes are sometimes marked with both N1500 and N1700 recording times on them.  Tape markings include VC15, VC30, VC60, LVC120, LVC180 or SVC3, SVC4 and are usually branded Philips, Agfa or BASF. 

You have come to the right place for these transfers, www.video99.co.uk is almost the only video transfer service in the world able to handle the very early Philips VCR N1500 and VCR-LP N1700 tapes.  The other UK based company charges £85 - £105 per tape.  Often you can't tell by looking at a tape, which of the three variants it is, anyway www.video99.co.uk is almost certainly the only video to DVD service in the world capable of handling all three variants.

Philips N1700 video cassette  Early Philips VCR N1500 and VCR-LP N1700 tapes can be copied to DVD.

These are large square cassettes.  N1500 tapes run for up to one hour and N1700 tapes run for up to three  hours, and SVR up to 5 hours, but no recording will play in machines intended for the an other.     Tape markings include VC15, VC30, VC60, LVC120 and LVC180.

I offer the one service for VCR (N1500), later VCR-LP (N1700), and Grundig SVR tapes, with basic menus.  Priced at £35 per tape, with extra copies (highly recommended) at just £3.50 each.  Note that N1500 or N1700 tapes which have been badly stored are likely to be very difficult, occasionally impossible, to recover.  I do however "go the extra mile" and have constructed a special tape polishing rig just for working difficult tapes on this format, and I also have a tape baking process.  If a tape requires such restoration, there may sometimes be a small charge to help towards time and materials, but usually I waive this.

The exceptionally rare Grundig SVR format is supported by video99.co.uk

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Great, what do I do next?  How to request a video transfer.  VCR to DVD transfer.  VCR-LP to DVD transfer.  SVR to DVD transfer.

How to request a VCR (N1500/N1700/SVR) video transfer.

We have a new and easy order page, just select what kind of tapes you have and supply your details.

If you prefer, you can instead fill out this form (a Word document).  It should answer all of your questions and provides me with all the important details I need, so complete as much of the form as you can and email it back to me.  I will then confirm the price, or best guess at the price, and let you know the address to send the tapes.  These old recordings sometimes require particular personal attention, just let me know of any particular requirements.  Usually I transfer to video-DVD but options include transfer to computer file, miniDV tape and more, just ask.

If for any reason you get stuck filling out the form, just email me and I'll help you personally.  It's a personal service I offer, not like some of the big video editing houses.  I understand that in many cases you will not be able to tell how much material is on the original recordings.  

If you want your tapes back after you have the DVD copies (recommended):

Not everyone needs their tapes returned once they have the DVDs, but if you do, please remember to include postage costs. For a single video tape in the UK, this is just £3.50. For larger quantities, and tapes from outside the UK, I will let you know.  Ideally can you ensure you send the tapes in a package which is sufficiently large and robust for me to use to send back your original tapes. Usually I will send the DVDs to you ahead of returning your tapes, then when you've confirmed you are happy with the DVDs, I will return your tapes. This way I can help you further if necessary - for example you can now see you want a different part of a tape transferred on its own or you want extra copies.

Please read our Terms and Conditions, which form part of the agreement.

Back to the main www.video99.co.uk page.

Also see the video99.co.uk Questions and Answers (FAQ)

If you have a dead N1500, N1502 or N1512 video recorder that you don't require, please email me because I'm always looking for spares for these.

TESTIMONIALS  

Some previous testimonials for www.video99.co.uk N1500/N1700 video transfers

If you have any questions, just email me and I'll reply promptly.   Also see the video99.co.uk Questions and Answers (FAQ)  All material on this web site is copyright www.video99.co.uk and www.colin99.co.uk though trade marks remain with the manufacturers.

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