Memory Lab

First Tapes For Memory Lab
No, not to improve my memory, although that would be a good thing. Wait, did I already post that?
Today was my first session at the Broward County Library’s Memory Lab where one can transfer VHS 📼 tapes to digital. After an orientation class on Saturday, I was good to go. I just grabbed a bunch of old tapes and started in. Five hours later (2 2-hour sessions back to back with a little overage), and I’d pretty much saved what I wanted and wore myself out.

In a way, it was fun looking at random filming from the 1980's when not everyone had a recorder. It was still new and exciting. On the other hand, 30 minutes of friends, my ex and me learning to windsurf definitely needs editing to a minute or two. Can't loose it all: I did look good in a bikini back in the day.

I’m having my doubts whether it’s worth my time, however, I’ve signed up for another session next week. I might have to consider Grant's suggestion to triage tapes at home.

The library also has a professional grade scanner. I spoke to the 2 women who were using it to digitize slides. They’d only gotten about 50 slides done in their 2-hour session, but they said they spent 1.5 hours figuring what to do. At that rate, I’d be there forever. They said they were rethinking how valuable their slides were. I’m rethinking my idea to do it myself. Maybe sending them to a professional digitizer is worth the money.

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