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The Truth About Transferring Old Video Tapes

by | Sep 20, 2018

The Truth About Transferring Old Video Tapes

Ever wonder what to do with that old box of video tapes you found at the back of the closet? Full of valuable memories like weddings and childhood vacations, these tapes are very fragile and probably already starting to deteriorate. The truth about transferring old video tapes is that it’s better to do it sooner than later. Here’s how to move your collection to a more modern format.

Transferring Old Video Tapes Before It’s Too Late

Over time, the delicate tape material inside the VHS cassette deteriorates. Heat, moisture, dirt, and wear and tear all play a part. Video tapes needed to be handled with care even back when they were new. We all remember a time in the past when the VCR player “ate” a movie. This happens because the delicate ribbon of tape runs rapidly on a metal head, causing wear and tear. The reason you’ll benefit from transferring old video tapes is because digital media requires no contact. So there’s no need to worry about wear and tear. Besides preserving your memories, transferring the tapes helps reduce physical clutter, so you can keep the closet available for clothes instead of clunky old video tapes. Lastly, the devices on which to view VHS tapes are practically extinct.

Do-It-Yourself: Transferring Old Video Tapes

Transferring old video tapes to a digital format requires the right equipment. One way to do it is using an analog-to-digital adapter device or cable which has a USB connector on one end and audio/video inputs on the other. If you still have your old VCR player make sure it’s clean and in good working order before you put a cherished tape in it. Connect the VCR to a computer with the analog-to-digital adapter device. But first, download the companion software for the device and open it on your computer. Once the VHS tape is inserted into the VCR and the software is in capture mode, hit the record button for the software first. Then hit play on the VCR. Once the video plays through in its entirety, you’re ready for the conversion. Using video player software on your computer, review the footage and make any edits as necessary.

Another way to complete the transferring process is to use a VHS-DVD combination player. Insert a tape into the VHS side and a blank DVD into the DVD tray. Press “play” on the VHS controls and “record” for the DVD. Alternatively, there may be a single button that completes the transfer. Play the DVD upon completion to make sure the transfer was a success.

Let Us Help

Transferring old video tapes requires time, patience, and the proper equipment. Let a professional handle your treasured memories. Call Disc Hounds at 610-696-8668, and we’ll preserve what’s precious to you. Once in a digital format, you can easily access them for years to come.

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