A long time ago in a land far, far away… okay, so it was only a little over twenty years ago when the majority of home photos and videos were recorded on film. It does, however, seem like film’s wide popularity thrived over an eon ago. Film, remember that thin strip of plastic, has a limited shelf life of only 10-20 years before it fades and eventually breaks down into worthless attic clutter. It wasn’t until I stumbled upon Walmart’s Transfer to DVD service that I realized my childhood memories were degrading as I type.
Ten years ago my parents purchased a top-notch computer that showcased its ability to retrieve VHS footage and burn it to a DVD. The technology was impressive and we quickly began discussing our plans to transfer our VHS collections, including the professionally filmed video of my wedding, to DVD. As of today, we have never created a single DVD from a VHS (including the deteriorating video of my wedding). Transferring film to a digital format is tedious and time consuming, and folks just don’t have the time to do it.
Walmart’s Transfer to DVD service is not a new technology or anything we can’t do ourselves, but it is a convenient service at a fair price averaging $19.00 for each type of digital format. So if you’re stumped on a gift idea (jinx the family member who seems to have everything) here you go! For $20 bucks you can preserve memories in a digital format forever, or at least until the next media innovation anyway.
Brooke, Bob. “A Brief History of Digital Photography” Bob Brooke. Bob Brookes Digital Studio, n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2012.