Saving Old Home Movies, VHS and Cassettes
How to get recordings off old formats, when to use a lab, and what to keep.
Quick answer
Get a digital copy while you can still play them, and keep the originals. VHS without copy protection can be transferred at home with a VCR-to-computer converter. For film or anything damaged, the Library of Congress and US National Archives point toward a professional lab.
At a glance
Things to try now
What to do now
- 1Gather tapes and film in one box, and move it out of any attic or basement
- 2Write down the format and any label for each item
- 3Choose the recordings you most want to save, and set aside any that look damaged
What to say
- “Do you know who is on this tape, or when it was recorded?”
- “Do you transfer this format yourselves, or send the work to another provider?”
- “Can I get a preservation file and an easy-to-play copy, plus the originals back?”
What to practice consistently
- Play each tape as little as possible, ideally just once for the transfer
- Handle cassettes by the shell, and do not touch the spools
- Store played tapes without rewinding, and rewind just before the next play
What to avoid
- Throwing out originals after converting
- Playing damaged tape or film, or using a machine in doubtful condition
- Trying to clean tape yourself rather than leaving it to a specialist
These are common approaches mentioned in sources and by parents. They are informational, not prescriptive.
What parents say
We haven't published parent perspectives on this topic yet.
What this usually involves
- Sorting items by format and labeling what you know
- Deciding what can be done at home and what needs a lab
- Asking a lab for a high-quality copy and an easy-to-play copy
- Backing up the digital files
- Storing originals upright in a cool, stable place
Related questions
The Library of Congress suggests at least two copies of saved video, checked at least once a year.
A Library of Congress guide suggests 300 dpi for typical prints, and around 1900 dpi for slides.
The US National Archives advises against damp basements, garages and hot attics for photographs too.
Related articles on Parent.wiki
Digitizing Old Family Photos
A flatbed scanner at about 300 dpi covers ordinary prints, according to a Library of Congress guide, with higher settings for enlargements and slides. Handle originals gently and keep them afterward. Fragile or valuable pieces may be better left to a conservator.
What to Save After a Family Member Dies
Most decisions about belongings can wait until you feel ready. A few digital things are easier to lose, so it can help to leave phones and accounts as they are while you work out what is there. Children's grief guidance points to clothing, photos and everyday objects as things children may treasure.
Starting Family Traditions That Stick
Research has linked family routines and rituals with child adjustment and parenting competence, though the evidence has real limits and does not show that traditions are the cause. A tradition can be small. It is more likely to feel worthwhile when it suits the family and stays enjoyable.
How to Talk With Your Child About Shared Memories
Researchers call it elaborative reminiscing: chatting about shared events with open questions, added details, talk about feelings and room for the child's own version. It has been linked to stronger memory, language and emotional skills. It can be learned, and it fits into ordinary moments.
Helpful links
Audio-Visual Preservation FAQ
Library of Congress
Transferring Video from Tape, DVD or Camera to Your Computer
Library of Congress
Video Guidance: Playback and Digitization
US National Archives
Motion Picture Film Playback and Digitizing
US National Archives
Care, Handling and Storage of Audio Visual Materials
Library of Congress
Worth remembering?
Parent.wiki helps you figure out what to try. HeyRosie can help you capture what happened, what worked, and the moments you want to keep.
Try HeyRosie