R.i.p. Vhs

[Dave Mc]

Tracking problems, fuzzy pictures, tape wrinkles, what's to miss? Especially considering how the LCD and Plasma TV's display composite analog video. I'm not always one to hop on the newest and latest thing, but this is one case where the replacement technology (DVD) was just leaps and bounds better than what it was replacing.

[JPkempo]

Tracking problems, fuzzy pictures, tape wrinkles, what's to miss?

How about when the machine just plain eats the tape. You pull the caset out the the tape it self is still stuck inside.

[The Toyroom]

I've been slowly converting my taped VHS stuff to DVD...emphasis on the word "slowly"

[Earth 2 Chris]

In the last few years, I've really only used the VCR to record shows when I'm out. I don't record for "posterity" anymore, since everything will eventually be out on DVD. I've thought about getting Tivo or a similar system/service, but I can't justify the price for how little I would use it.

My camcorder is mini-vhs though. Uh-oh.

Chris

[cjefferys]

I started transferring mine to DVD using a computer. I find it a slow and tedious process, especially when I try to make menus and chapter stops. I'm thinking of picking up a standalone DVD recorder (maybe one with a hard drive), perhaps that will be a bit less labour intensive.

[Hotfoot]

I'm still trying to figure out my Betamax!

Anybody remember the record size Laser Disks? They didn't last long at all.

[JPkempo]

Anybody remember the record size Laser Disks? They didn't last long at all.

I have a couple hundred of them

[tay666]

In the last few years, I've really only used the VCR to record shows when I'm out. I don't record for "posterity" anymore, since everything will eventually be out on DVD. I've thought about getting Tivo or a similar system/service, but I can't justify the price for how little I would use it.

My camcorder is mini-vhs though. Uh-oh.

Chris

I use mine several times a week for that.
Either for shows that conflict with other shows I watch, or for shows that are on after I leave for work at night.
Right now, I just can't justify paying for a DVR.
I already have several VCRs and a pile of blank tapes, so, mine still gets used a lot.

[Mikey]

For archiving, one of the things VHS tape has over DVD is they CAN be repaired if there's a problem (including an eaten tape).
At least to the extent where everything isn't lost.

On the other hand if your DVD goes or there's a problem, the player, computer or burner wont even read it.

Also, DVD-R's degrade over time.
I have a few DVD-R's made about 5 years ago and some wont even play anymore - or they skip or freeze
VHS tapes (home burned ones) last 20+ years.

DVD is great ....... but it's not THAT great.

VHS had a lot of good qualities DVD don't have

[JPkempo]

Looking at my cabinet I still have a VCR, Laser Disc, and a HD-DVD player in there.
Also seldom used DVD recorder and a dual deck CD player recorder.

Things in there I use all the time PS3, cable box (with DVR) and AV unit.

Yes I have more obsolete and semi obsolete items than useful.

[toys2cool]

The Only 3 things I watch on VHS any More is the Spider-man 90's series ( the Boy & I have a Bunch of them) , G.I.JOE The Movie, & Porn.

lmao

[cjefferys]

Anybody remember the record size Laser Disks? They didn't last long at all.

Actually, they lasted about 20 years. They were always a niche format though, so many don't think they lasted as long as they actually did. I still have a bunch in my collection.

[cjefferys]

Looking at my cabinet I still have a VCR, Laser Disc, and a HD-DVD player in there.
Also seldom used DVD recorder and a dual deck CD player recorder.

Things in there I use all the time PS3, cable box (with DVR) and AV unit.

Yes I have more obsolete and semi obsolete items than useful.

Wow, that sounds exactly like my cabinet, except for the CD and DVD recorders (although I'll probably add a DVD recorder). I like dead formats, you can pick up HD DVDs and LDs for cheap, so that's cool.

[UnderdogDJLSW]

have a few DVD-R's made about 5 years ago and some wont even play anymore - or they skip or freeze

Mike, when they went bad, was their anyway to get the data off of them? I converted a ton of my home movies over on a burner and would hate to think that I'd have to do it all over again in a few years

Steve

[Mikey]

Mike, when they went bad, was their anyway to get the data off of them? I converted a ton of my home movies over on a burner and would hate to think that I'd have to do it all over again in a few years

Steve

I never tried to get the data off them because at the time I had no way to reburn them so I just threw them out.
That was a few years ago.
I got them around 2001-ish from my nephew.
He burned them for me with his burner at the time.
By like 2005, they really started to degrade where some you couldn't even watch.
He used a few differnt brands of DVD-R including Memorex, Maxell and Staples brand.
There was even a few old Sony's in there that started to degrade too.

I just hope it was an early DVD-R tech thing that's been fixed now.
I have of ton of DVD-R's now and i'd hate to see them all end up as coasters in the near future.