You could be sitting on a treasure trove of valuable childhood movies.
Streaming has replaced trips to the video store, but VHS tapes are becoming a hot commodity among collectors.
Classics like Back to the Future and movies with a cult following like the original Fast and the Furious are fetching thousands on eBay.
But before you go sprinting to the garage or rummaging around the attic – proceed with care: the condition of these tapes is key to their sale price.
Sorry, that copy of ‘Aladdin’ you watched 50,000 times as a kid is a dud.
eBay says that around 250,000 VHS tapes are sold on the online selling platform every year.
Additionally, it revealed more than three million dollars has been spent on VHS tapes by eBay buyers.
Ever wonder how long your old VHS tapes last?
Their magnetic particles can degrade over time, causing a picture and sound quality loss. Under ideal conditions, you’re looking at 10 to 25 years.
That’s a big range, so let’s look at the factors that play into it.
● Storage conditions: Tapes stored in cool, dry places away from direct sunlight fare better. Humidity and high temperatures are no good.
● Playback wear: There’s slight wear and tear every time a VHS tape is played. Over time, this can lead to tracking issues and visible ‘lines’ on playback. That’s why your childhood favorites got so messed up.
● Mold is the enemy: If stored in damp conditions, mold can grow on the tapes and damage the video and audio. Once mold sets in, restoring the tape to its original condition is tough.
● Proper rewinding: Believe it or not, using a dedicated tape rewinder rather than the VCR’s rewind function can prolong the tape’s life. It reduces strain on both the VCR and the tape.
VHS tapes aren’t eternal. If you’ve got cherished moments or rare finds on VHS, consider converting them to a digital format to ensure they stand the test of time.
