Back in the ‘70s, U-Matic systems were used everywhere for audio-video broadcasting. The technology was introduced to the world as a home video option but as the system was too cumbersome and expensive, it became standard for industrial videos only.
When released, U-Matic tapes were a source of audio-visual content, but now half of them are showing the signs of deterioration. Even if you have not played your U-Matic tapes, they are still prone to organic breakdown due to the passage of time.
Here I am mentioning 5 good reasons to make you feel the importance of converting these old tapes in the form of DVD’s:
1. Finite Life of Magnetic Recordings
Yes, Old is Gold, but that may not be true in the context of technology. The newer technology is introduced to overcome the shortcomings of old technology only. U-Matic tapes lose their quality every year. By converting them into some digital format you can expend the life of the content stored on the tape. By rendering your archives to a professional service provider, you can increase the life of your u-matic tapes exponentially.
2. Shift in Technology
As time changes, technology changes. U-Matic tapes were realised in the mid-’70s and could be played only with the help designated VCRs. With the emergence of new and fast forward technologies, the old huge sized VCRs have lost their way in the middle. Even if you have preserved old tapes, it might be difficult for you to find a player for them. And in near future, it is also possible that you may not find a single player for your tape making them useless.
3. Universal Playability
Old tapes used the analogue technology to record the audio and videos, whereas nowadays digital technology is used. It allows the media content of any type to be stored and played on almost every digital platform. A recorded content on CD or DVD is playable on all the computers worldwide. It doesn’t need any specific device to play. By converting your old tapes using the new technology, you can play them wherever you want in any corner of the world.
4. Space Conservation
This old technology was cumbersome both in terms of space and expense. These huge cassettes use magnetic reels with spinners rotating in opposite directions. The whole mechanism was complex and not dependable at all.
On the other hand, digital technology is much easier and requires less space for storage. If you happen to choose to convert them in a DVD or CD, you can save up to 75% of the space acquired by old tapes.
5. Additional Service
Along with preserving your memories without tape making them useless. With the help of a digital service, you can also avail some additional services from your service provider. However, most of the transferred DVD’s are not editable, but you can ask for editable files for future developments from your service provider. Or by paying a bit extra, you can also keep a copy of DVD as a back up for your media for future use.
Final Thoughts
If you have old U-Matic tapes stored in your archive, wait no further. It is the right time to convert then in some playable media so that you can play, sell or lend them again in the future.
Disc Media Prints 