The analogue era is fading quickly and the digital era is upon us and evolving very fast.

Unfortunately, as technology progresses, we find that our precious memories and official recordings like audio and videos stored in analogue formats start gathering dust because there is no machine to read them for play back. For example, it is very hard to play VHS videos tapes thus the need to digitize them so that they can easily be played back on modern machines.

At snap Uganda Tours, we digitize, old VHS and Audio Tapes into digital formats that are compatible with today’s playback gadgets like TVs, Mobile Phones, CDs, DVDs, and flash disk readers/players. We can also retrieve data from CDs and DVDs that are spoilt and cannot be read by players and computers. The digitized files can easily be stored, accessed, and shared electronically.

Need to digitize old tapes

Watching films on VHS tape brings a sudden wave of nostalgia. However, like most analog media, VCR players and their VHS video counterparts deteriorate over time because of the following:

1. Magnetic-based audio and video media may be one of the least stable formats in archival storage, depending on age, type of tape, and how it has been stored. In addition to deterioration of the media itself, the proper equipment must be available to playback the media which is becoming more difficult by the day.
2. Magnetic tapes, especially videotapes, are susceptible to dimensional distortions that interfere with playback.
3. Any tape is susceptible to damage in a variety of ways each time it is played.

General benefits of digitizing

• Easier collaboration: It is easier to share digital files than to send, post or ship a tape.
• Enhanced accessibility Digitized files are easy to search, and keep. It’s much easier to click on a file folder than sift through cabinets full of tapes. Instead of wading through countless cabinets, you simply type what you’re looking for into a search bar and find it instantly.
• Increased security: Digital files can be encrypted and become secure. It is hard to access files without a using the right password.
• Ability to free up physical space: By converting physical tapes, images and audio into digital files, you can reduce the need for physical storage space, and free up valuable office space for other uses.
• Better storage capacity: The data on tapes filling a filing cabinet can be stored on a single hard drive after digitizing them.
• Better data recovery: Digital backups can restore your files, even after a catastrophic failure. If you lose, for example a video tape, it is gone forever.
• File longevity: Digital files stay pristine forever while data on analogue storage like tapes can be lost if the tapes get physical damage for various reasons including but not limited to wear and tear.
• Visual and Auditory Glitches on Playback: While watching VHS video, anomalies like streaks, ghosting and green or red hues – might appear, making the video seem distorted. These are signs of tape degradation or VCR playback head issues but can be solved by digitizing the tape.
• Sticky Tape Syndrome: Older VHS tapes can sometimes suffer from “sticky shed syndrome” due to the binder absorbing moisture. Such tapes squeak during playback or stop altogether, risking damage to both the tape and the VCR player. This calls for immediate digital conversion.
• Warping and Physical Damage to Tapes: Old tapes might show signs like warping or mold. Even if they’re still playable, converting these videotapes to a digital file on a hard drive or flash drive is advisable before they are entirely lost.
• Loading or Ejecting Issues: If the VCR faces challenges in loading or ejecting a tape, it hints at mechanical wear and tear. Persistently using a compromised VCR player could further damage the videotape thus the need to digital conversion.
• Unusual Noises from the VCR Player: Any unusual sounds from the VCR, like grinding, point towards internal misalignment or wear, which can harm your old video tapes in the long run.
• Diminished Video and Audio Quality: Repeated playbacks cause video tapes to lose their magnetic signal strength, affecting both video and audio quality. A noticeable quality drop over a short span suggests it’s time for digitization.
• Obsolescence of Replacement Parts: As the Digital Age progresses, finding spare parts or experts to repair older VCR players becomes increasingly difficult thus the need to migrate to a digital format.

Every delay is more degradation. Don’t wait. Send us your old wedding, graduation birthday parties video tapes or audio tapes for digitization.