Choosing the Right Digital Format: MP4, JPEG, TIFF & More Explained
When digitising your old tapes, photos, or audio, choosing the right file format is key to making sure your memories look and sound their best. At Video Rescue, we convert your media into high-quality digital formats like MP4, JPEG, TIFF, and WAV, so your memories are easy to view, share, and preserve.
Let’s break down the most common digital formats we use and when they’re best used 👇
MP4 – Best for Videos
MP4 is the most popular format for video for a reason. It delivers great quality with smaller file sizes, making it perfect for playing videos on TVs, phones, or computers.
✅ Ideal for: VHS tapes, camcorder footage, home movies
✅ Compatible with: Almost every device
✅ Easy to share and store
JPEG – Great for Everyday Photos
JPEG is the go-to for scanned photos. It offers good quality with small file sizes—perfect if you want to save space or share photos online or by email.
✅ Ideal for: Family photo collections, scrapbooks, social media
✅ Small file sizes, fast to load and easy to store
✅ A bit of quality is lost, but not usually noticeable
TIFF – For Archiving & High-Quality Prints
Want to print or archive photos long-term? TIFF files don’t compress the image, so you keep every bit of detail.
✅ Ideal for: High-resolution scans, printing photos or slides
✅ Larger file sizes, but no quality loss
✅ Perfect for archiving or professional use
WAV – Highest Audio Quality
WAV files give you the purest audio quality. If you’re digitising cassette tapes or other sound recordings, WAV is the best choice for crystal-clear playback.
✅ Ideal for: Music, speeches, personal recordings
✅ Great for restoration and enhancement
✅ Larger file sizes, but worth it for quality
PDF – Best for Documents
If you’re converting booklets, handwritten notes, or printed pages, PDF ensures they look the same on every screen. PDFs preserve layout and are great for sharing.
✅ Ideal for: Instruction booklets, letters, event programs
✅ Easy to print and store
✅ Works on all devices
So, What’s the Right Format for You?
Media TypeBest FormatWhyVideo TapesMP4High quality, easy to play & sharePhotosJPEGSmall, practical, ideal for everyday useSlides & NegativesTIFFNo quality loss, great for archivingAudio CassettesWAVBest sound clarityDocumentsPDFPreserves formatting and style
Tip: Think About…
Purpose – Will you be watching, printing, or storing?
Quality vs. Size – Do you want max detail or smaller files?
Device Compatibility – Will it work across phones, TVs, computers?
Let Video Rescue Help
Not sure which format you need? Don’t worry—we handle it all for you. Our team will recommend the best digital format based on what you're digitising and how you plan to use it.
📍 Drop off your tapes, slides, or audio in Ashgrove, Brisbane
📦 Or mail them in from anywhere in Australia
💾 We return your memories on USB, DVD or hard drive
👉 Contact us today and let’s preserve your memories, the right way. Find our Order form here.
