As the owner of a business that specializes in video to DVD transfer, Gary Stennett frequently receives phone calls from Cleveland, Ohio and Akron, Ohio area residents who are interested in film and video tape conversion. Many people simply store old photos and film in the basement, not realizing until years later that the content has been damaged. Whether or not your VHS tapes, 8MM/Super-8/16MM film, Betamax, Hi-8s, slides, or photos can be salvaged depends on their current condition. If they’re still in fairly good shape, chances are that you can have them transferred to a more up-to-date format. If not, film or photo transfer may not be possible. Since no one relishes the thought of losing precious memories, ARS Video Inc. encourages families throughout Beachwood, Ohio and Solon, Ohio to bring in their old pictures, film, and tapes in order to protect them for future generations.
Why opt for video to DVD transfer? For starters, there’s the simple fact that old forms of media have relatively short shelf lives. Regardless of whether you have VHS tapes, Betamax, or Hi-8s, the life expectancy is typically between 15 to 20 years. And that’s with ideal conditions! Any camcorder tape that was recorded in the 80s or 90s needs to be transferred as well.
The viability of these tapes is based on the condition of the magnetic tape inside. Over time, the chemical breakdown of the glue that holds the magnetic particles to the polyester base of the tape will deteriorate the tape’s quality and in some cases, even make the tape unusable. Screeching sounds and sluggish performance when playing, as well as tearing sounds when rewinding, are symptoms of this breakdown. Proper storage is vital if you want to extend the lifespan of this type of media as much as possible. Extreme temperature and humidity levels are two main factors, and may reduce usability to 15-20 years. Add to that the threat of fire, flooding, and accidental erasure, not to mention the disappearance of machines that can play these tapes, and it becomes crucial that they are copied on to a more reliable and up-to-date format as soon as possible.
“The best option for preserving irreplaceable memories recorded on ‘yesterday’s media’ is having them transferred to DVD as soon as possible,” says Gary Stennett. “A DVD can last much longer if stored properly. Another option which we offer and more and more clients are choosing is transferring them on to hard drive. Customers bring us an external hard drive and we move all their videos to it.”
Though ARS Video Inc. has seen technologies come and go in the 27 years that this Akron/Cleveland area establishment has been in business, they strive to remain as up-to-date on video tape conversion options as possible. In addition to offering film/photo restoration, video to DVD transfer, and hard drive transfer, ARS Video Inc. has begun to look at online storage options and network systems as a way to provide customers with more choices for preserving old mementos. Whether you have a box full of old VHS tapes in your Solon basement, or reels of 8MM/Super-8/16MM film in your Beachwood attic, there is likely a video tape conversion option that will allow you to salvage your family’s memories.
Since not everyone is familiar with the process of video to DVD transfer, ARS Video Inc. encourages Cleveland, Ohio and Akron, Ohio area natives to call if they have any questions. With nearly 30 years of experience, ARS Video’s staff is more than qualified to address any concerns you may have about your VHS tapes or 8MM/Super-8MM/16MM film. You can also find out more information about video tape conversion and film/photo transfer by visiting their website at www.arsvideo.com where they frequently run specials on their services. Plus, you can take the opportunity to “like” their Facebook page before taking the trip from your Beachwood, Ohio or Solon, Ohio home to the shop nearest you.
ARS Video Inc.
www.arsvideo.com
89 West Ave
Tallmadge, Ohio 44278
Ph: 330.633.2255
3439 West Brainard Rd
Woodmere, Ohio 44122
Ph: 216.839.1100