Let’s pay homage to the resilient parents of the 1980s, the heroes of the camcorder era. Your aching arms, burdened shoulders, and that ever-dilated right eye tirelessly capturing soccer matches, deftly zooming in and out – you turned every British household into a mini TV studio. Priceless memories were etched onto those tapes: ballet recitals, school plays, sports days, family vacations, and so much more.

The time and effort invested in preserving these memories on tape were truly well-spent. However, the importance of safeguarding these precious moments cannot be overstated. It’s time to convert those home videos into digital format before they slip away into oblivion. Nowadays, finding a functional VCR that won’t crunch up your old tapes or an adapter for those non-VHS formats can be quite a challenge.

Additionally, the magnetic tape inside video cassette cartridges begins to deteriorate after 15 years, starting with a decline in quality and ultimately affecting the images themselves.

Video tapes deteriorate over time due to a combination of factors, and this degradation can significantly impact the quality of the recorded content. Here are some common ways in which video tapes deteriorate:

1. i) Magnetic Oxide Decay: Most video tapes use a magnetic oxide coating on the tape to store the video and audio information. Over time, this magnetic coating can deteriorate, losing its magnetic properties. This can result in data loss and a decrease in playback quality.
2. ii) Physical Wear and Tear: Video tapes pass through various components of the playback equipment, such as the tape heads and rollers. The friction and contact with these components can cause physical wear on the tape, leading to damage, creases, or stretching of the tape.

iii) Oxidation and Rust: Video tapes may also be susceptible to oxidation, especially if stored in humid or damp conditions. This can lead to rusting of the metal parts within the cassette, affecting playback quality.

1. iv) Mould and Fungus Growth: Mould and fungus can thrive on the organic materials present in the tape’s binders and the dust that accumulates on the tape. Mould growth can cause visible spots on the tape and damage the recording.
   
   Regardless of the tape format, whether it’s something substantial or petite with a cartridge storing information on tape, it’s crucial to transfer them before it’s too late.

We understand that handling memories is a delicate matter, and it’s natural to hold onto your family’s legacy with a firm grip.

At Supaphoto, we would be deeply honoured to have the opportunity to gain your trust through our video-to-DVD (or thumb drive, or digital download) transfer service. Our skilled technicians meticulously digitise over thousands of feet of videotape in our studio each year. Simply let us know, and we’ll dispatch a crushproof Supaphoto box to your doorstep, complete with pre-paid roundtrip shipping and tracking. Once everything has been transformed into digital format, we return all of your original tapes to you. Memories are truly priceless, but in the case of videotapes, they are not eternal. We’re here to assist you!