Newer ways are not automatically better ways.
 

Sometimes they are just a dead end, somehow.


https://www.bbc.com/news/world-47277608



When I am serious about something I want to be personal, I still write handwritten letters. Although my handwriting is, in the word of a former teacher, "a declaration of war against the schooling system of Western civilization". :D


I still have THREE VHS recorders in reserve, two of them packed and factory-sealed. No, I do not accept any offers. My gems of VHS recordings include my father performing live with the German Symphony Orchestra Berlin, and some old TV films that cannot be had on DVd until today, and the complete series of Spenser which is not available with its ingenious German dub.

And the tapes could be digitized and preserved in more than one fashion. Better to do that sooner than later as the tapes could perish and your coveted memories lost.

In the news article the part entitled "Friends to this day" is the bit that got me: as a parent of an autistic son myself, I can attest how much he looks forward to getting the smallest things (Lego figures & suchlike) through the mail and at Christmas & birthdays. He never asks for much and still delights in his toys, even at the age of 17 although he's very much younger mentally

Those extra figures that guy sent to this mother with such kindness... they would have given her son absolute joy

I've had my wedding and various school concerts my kids participated in converted to DVD but rather embarrassingly, I only recall watching them once thus far :oops:

I would take the cover off and if there are any rubber belts I would remove them or they will stretch and perish.:hmmm: Store them in talcum powder.

Hell, im finding old DVDs & CDs (ones I burned myself) from 10-15 years ago are not playing ball, i think they have even less longevity than VHS.

Yes but the file can be stored on HDD and backup HDD.

That's pretty cool, Sky.

yeah, providing you remember /get around to it.

I have sad news my mates Betamax has finally died after 40 odd years. It could have been the very last one in the world...maybe.

My VHS is still working but I don't use it much.

Then you run the risk of HD failure :doh:

Good idea.


I did not buy three for reserve, btw, just one, the other two added due to - well, it has been a long and somewhat twisted story...

Unless you're a rich sod who and can afford a load of SSDs :)
My problem is that with London prices I have to choose between Beer or Hardware most of the time.
:P

In fact, if stored correctly magnetic tape has EXCELLENT storage potential, only beaten by - paper. The risk of tape lies in actually running it in a player, every usage slightly degrades the the informaiton-holding layer on the tape, slightly, but if spekaing about 100 and then 200 times running it, it adds up and makes a difference.


Good storage is key.


The problem wioth new data careriers is not only that their longevity is unkinown or not proven, but also that the technology standards to use them dies faster than the carriers themselves. Central libraries can sing a song of this problem, I recall that many years ago i once posted a long article and video about it. We indeed continously loose parts of our cultural heritage by digitizing it.



I compare it to a GPS navigation screen, and a paper map and compass. The firts is the better choice for everyday routine, its fast and comfortable. But for real reliabiliuty even if devices break down and satellite die, paper maps and compass is a must-have back-up. And the ability to use them correctly for position marking and course plotting. Not difficult, but should be practiced two or three times before betting your life on it.

Me being a humble pensioner these days I choose the beer :03: