Video Cassettes, Floppy Disks, and Mini 8s Oh My!

We're moving to the digitization nation

My trip to Oz began this summer in our entertainment cabinet.  I was looking for the television remote control.  While searching through a yellow basket I came across some old VHS tapes and cassette recordings filled with precious memories of my baby's first cry, dance recitals, birthday parties, and volleyball meets just sitting and collecting dust.  Why? because we can't play them anymore.  Our videotape player was recycled years ago.   Remember the box that played old home movies and Blockbuster videos now replaced with Internet, the "Cloud", DVDs, and Blue Ray players?  The videotape player lost it's popularity in the 90s thanks to the cellphone revolution. Cell phones came complete with built in digital movie cameras and photo editing software rapidly antiquating this technology.  These days, with the touch of a button and in a flash, media is uploaded into the cloud eliminating wasted space and clutter.

So what DO you do with the old technology of yesteryear?  Namely those old VHS tapes and floppy disks now that manufacturers have finally stopped making Videotape Cassette Recorder units.  To add insult to injury an additional dilemma is if the tapes are not converted after time they will become unplayable.  Many a tear has been shed due to improper care of VHS tapes resulting in damaged media which also tend to disintegrate over time if not properly stored.  Never fear, it's not too late to preserve those precious memories, today's technology can help you do just that and it's easier than you think.  
Here is what you'll need:  💾📼📀💻📹
VHS Cassette Tapes, Video Tape Player or recorder, Floppy Disks, Computer/laptop, Internet, and a VCR/VHS video tape converter to computer PC DVD.

Here's what you do:  Purchase a VCR/VHS video tape converter compatible with your computer system.  They are found for reasonable prices as low as $10.99 online.  Download the software follow the directions for hookup.  
If you do not have a video tape player you still have a few options.

• Borrow one for free from an older friend or relative. 
• Take tapes to a big box store photo center 📷video duplication kiosk.
• Call ahead to the store for a working machine, check pricing 💲, and turnaround time.📆
• Buy a used unit ;
• Salvation Army🔔 - Neighborhood thrift store.  Plug in unit at store to see if it works prior to purchasing.  
• Pros - Low prices and various localities.
• EBay - Online Auction Site that sells used equipment.  Read the description carefully for damaged non-working units.  Price usually does not include shipping.  
• Pros - lower prices at auction.  You can usually choose your preferred method of shipping depending on how fast you want it.
• Amazon📕 - Buy now Prices.  
• Pros - Free shipping with Prime Membership. 
• Pawn Shop💍 - They generally have some older technology for sale after the borrower defaults.  
• Pros - Usually require that items accepted are in working condition.

Prior to beginning your project always check the VHS/VCR unit with a test tape.  Take it slow and watch to see if there are any problems while recording. When it's all said and done while sitting on the couch enjoying your handwork you can truly say there's no place like home, videos that is.