We all know that those tapes from your old camcorder are not going to last forever. The best way to preserve your tape-based memories is to have them converted (digitized) into computer files and keep multiple copies in different, safe places...like the cloud.
How tapes are stored before they are converted can make a big difference in the quality of the conversion and improper storage can result in tapes that are too badly damaged to be digitized and are lost forever.
The basic steps to take when storing your video and audio tapes are:
Keep the tape in it's box or case.
Store your tapes upright in a cool, dark and dry place.
Avoid handling your tapes until they can be converted and archived.
Do not store your tapes in the attic or basement.
If you'd like to know more about best practices for video and audio tape, check out these links:
National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
National Archives
Library of Congress
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