Comeau Computing Tech Magazine 2024
The old tapes we have are full of memories and important moments from our life. As technology advances, old ways of developing or transferring those types of tapes become far more difficult. Thankfully, there are certain software and simple conversions that can help our old media work just like they are new. However, there are still mistakes that can occur. That’s why we are looking into mistakes to avoid when converting.
What are Video 8 tapes and their specifics?
Video 8 is a type of recording that utilizes 8 mm tapes. The tapes of Video 8 are not the only ones utilizing this tape but it is a defining characteristic of it. Sometimes, it is equated to 8mm which is obviously not the same. We should learn what 8 mm tape itself is.
With the different types of videocassette tapes, it can be difficult to qualify and classify them. Additionally, the danger of screwing up the tapes can be even more problematic. The film inside will likely be ruined beyond repair if we ever screw up the conversion of the tape itself.
The 8mm tapes are very much a product of its time. They are found on almost all analog cassette tapes that can be found across the world. The ubiquitous nature doesn’t make them less prone to issues. This 80s and 90s music recording tool can likely get mangled if not utilized properly during conversion. Because of this, the usual conversion methods run into certain problems. Thankfully, we can mitigate and sometimes even prevent those by utilizing the appropriate knowledge.
1. Not configuring the format right
The utility of transferring our materials from old tapes to the newer technology is mostly because we don’t want to end up losing the ability to play the media. This can happen due to discontinued products, breaking of our own devices, and potential for older tapes to eventually wear off or get damaged.
However, just because you have problems that could occur with the material if it isn’t configured and transferred, so can you run into troublesome problems if the media isn’t being converted into correct formats.
At times, this could spell disaster not just for the copy but the original cassette too. That’s why it’s best to check whether you have the correct format before actually engaging in any form of conversion.
If you need extra information on how to convert Video8 to Digital, we suggest checking https://tapestodigital.co.uk/video8-hi8-digital8-tapes-to-digital-conversion-service.
There will be important information for you to get educated with.
Even if something like Hi8 to digital conversion is your concern, it’s very possible to find such info on the site. Additionally, this type of conversion benefits from most of the concerns tied to Video8 too so don’t get caught lacking.
In some cases, converting Hi8 to mp4 can come into play. It could be either because of specific purpose we have in mind or because it doesn’t fit the currently acceptable file formats that certain software we possess requires.
The formats utilized need to be flexible in both conversion of files and number of devices they can be played on. That’s why the most used format is MPEG-4. Its quality is pretty good yet it allows our storage to breathe easy due to its small file sizes.
2. Burning the tapes directly
There is a constant rush when converting things which can leave us in a pretty dissatisfied mood. One of the most frequent dissatisfying approaches stems from the direct burning to DVD. This is because DVDs are also physical media that have a lifespan of about 5 years before they start to decay. When decay starts, it’s possible to lose materials on them. The more time passes the bigger this issue becomes.
While burning DVDs was a very effective way to copy and share them before, the current era provides us with plenty of other options. These options will most frequently result in us digitally uploading the media we wish to preserve and convert. Storing them in this way makes them immediately available and unlikely to endure the decay of time.
Burning to DVD can still be used to share materials to those people who do not possess a computer. For those that do, the best way to share media is through social media. This extra reliance allows us to send either snippets or entire files to other people without even having to meet them in person. Google drive and clouds can also be used as a way to store materials we wish to immediately share with some people without needing much more than a link. In these situations, converting Hi8 to mp4 can also be used due to mp4 being one of the most popular file formats.
The sharing method present here is simply more reliable especially once external drives and clouds are taken into account. Your saved data is way safer in these places than on a DVD.
3. Back files up
Speaking of alternate types of storage that can keep the files safe even during a full computer collapse, we should mention their functionality. Things like Google Drive are perfect ways of storing your files online and then accessing them whenever.
Google Drive gives a rather sizable amount of free space for every new user so do not be worried to make one regardless. However, in the direct application, it can serve as a good backup of old video files. The simplicity with which we are able to enter our old applications, pictures, and converted videos is admirable. All you need to do is login on your google drive on another computer and it will all be available there.
In cases of complete loss of data, the backup recovery plan can help us keep some memories we’ve transferred into the digital form.
As soon as files have been converted, proceed with backup creation. It’s impossible to guess when something will go awry so having a prepared solution is better. It saves us the headaches and makes the awful experience of file loss hurt much less.
