The world we live in today is one of fast-paced change and constant innovation. New technologies are being developed and implemented at an ever-increasing pace, and there is no area where this is more evident than in the digital transformation of everyday items, objects, and services.
For example, once bulky desktop computers have been replaced by sleek laptops and mobile devices; once cumbersome VHS tapes have been replaced by high-resolution digital video files, and smartphones with built-in cameras have replaced analog cameras.
In so many ways, the digitization of everyday items has made our lives easier. As a result, we’ve grown accustomed to these new benefits as standard features rather than novel luxuries.
But what if you still own some items (VHS tapes, film reels, photo prints) that haven’t caught up with the digital revolution? What if you still have some old analog media that could be updated for a more streamlined experience?
Below, we will explore why digitizing that collection of home movies and photos is so important, what methods are available to achieve this end result, and how it will benefit you long term.
Why You Should Convert Your Home Movies to Digital
If you have been holding on to boxes filled with old home movies and other analog media covered with dust, you may have wondered how and why you should digitize these items.
Most importantly, there’s the fact that you can preserve these family memories for future generations before they fade away.
As we’ve discussed, the world of technology is constantly evolving; what was state-of-the-art not that long ago is largely obsolete today. As such, there is a risk that your old VHS tapes and movie film reels will become too degraded to view in the near future.
Digitizing your old home movies will help you preserve them in their current state. Even as the technology required to play your video tapes becomes lost to the ages (VCRs), you will still be able to view the digital copies of them in the future as technology continues to evolve.
What Can You Do With Digitized Home Movies?
Once you’ve digitized your old home videos, you can do a lot more with them. For starters, you’ll be able to watch them on any modern digital device, such as laptops, phones, and even tablets.
Converting your home movies into a digital format also allows you to edit them. This means that, if your younger self said something embarrassing or your older self had a haircut you really regret, you can remove this content from the finished product.
Digitizing your home movies and photos will also make them easier to share with family and friends.
If you want to show a child or grandchild a particular home movie, you no longer have to dig through that collection of unlabeled VHS tapes. Instead, you can simply load the digital file onto your computer, phone, or smart television and press “play” in a fraction of the time!
Additionally, it’s much easier to find and organize digital photos compared to printed ones. There’s no need to print pictures for every person who wants one. You can send them directly over email or upload them to social media for easy viewing.
Furthermore, digitizing your pictures helps prevent fading. You can view them whenever and wherever you like, and you don’t have to worry about them fading in the sun.
Options For Digitizing Home Movies
There are several different ways you can go about having your home movies digitized.
You might decide to send them to a company that specializes in home video transfer services. Alternatively, for the more tech-savvy, you might choose to digitize them yourself at home.
If you decide to go down the more tedious do-it-yourself route, you can use a computer hooked up to a TV or VCR, a dedicated video capture device, or even a smartphone (not recommended) to capture your videos digitally.
If you decide to send your home movies to a company specializing in this service, then you will have to decide which one to use, based on factors such as experience and previous customer reviews. You can search for companies online or ask relatives and friends for recommendations.
Who Can Help You Digitize Your Home Movies?
If you decide to do it yourself, you can use one of the aforementioned methods to digitize your home movies and other analog media. You can also ask a friend or family member who has the necessary skills and equipment to do it for you.
More conveniently, if you decide to hire a service, there are none as safe and experienced in preserving home videos and photos as Nostalgic Media.
Over the last 30+ years, we have helped thousands of families all across the United States safely preserve aging family video tapes, film reels, photos, and audio cassettes.
We do all work in-house at our lab located in Atlanta, GA. Nothing ever leaves our secure facility. You can actually pick up the phone and talk to one of our experienced technicians who are available to answer your questions.
When you work with us, you can be sure that your memories will be kept safe and are in the hands of true professionals in the industry. You can count on your family’s most important moments being properly preserved for future generations to cherish and enjoy.
Preserve Your Memories For Future Generations
When it comes to digitizing that large collection of old home movies, most people think “why bother?” They think of the potential time commitment and put off the project for weeks, months, or even years.
The unfortunate truth is that home movies degrade over time. If you continue to store your tapes, film reels, and photo albums in a dusty attic or damp basement, the memories they hold will continue to fade away and could be lost forever.
Whether you’re just curious about the process, or if you’re ready to preserve and digitize your home movies, Nostalgic Media can help. Contact us today to learn how we can help you safely preserve your family’s irreplaceable memories before it’s too late.
