In the late 90s and early 2000s, a new kid on the block emerged to kick VHS to the curb. It was shiny and new, smaller and more compact, it was the Digital Versatile Disc, better known as the DVD.

For twenty years, VHS enjoyed a comfortable spot as the most beloved home entertainment system. As well as being able to record home movies and family footage, VHS tapes could be bought pre-recorded with all the latest Hollywood releases. Heading down to Blockbuster to pick out a VHS film to watch with the family became the hottest thing to do on a Friday night. How could such a popular and beloved format have become so obsolete?

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Over the last few decades technology has developed rapidly. Nowadays it feels as if we only cling to the latest model of phone or laptop for mere months before the newest version gets released and makes ours feel obsolete. However, whilst your version of the iPhone from over a year ago might feel like an outdated piece of tech compared to the newest model, it’s nothing compared to the advancements made in the 20th century.

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The tables have turned and turntables are spinning once again in the bedrooms of thousands of people across the country after years of silence. The medium was dead in the dust for mainstream use; digital had taken over, it held a pillow over vinyl’s face as it slept and watched as it took its final breath. But perhaps that pillow should have been held a little longer, vinyl wasn’t dead, it was very much alive and kicking.

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If you’re still clinging on to a pile of old VHS tapes that you haven’t backed up, you should be aware of how long those tapes will still be useable. Even if you take incredibly good care of them, VHS tapes will eventually deteriorate. By the very nature of their components, VHS just wasn’t built to stand the test of time.

So, just how do tapes deteriorate even when left alone in storage? And approximately how long can you expect them to remain intact?

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When it comes to technology, there is no denying that digital has analogue beat every time. Analogue and digital are both signals used to transmit information, such as audio and/or video, that is transformed into electric signals. The main difference is that analogue information is translated into electric pulses of varying amplitude, whereas digital translates information into binary format. Analogue voltages continuously change, whereas digital voltage has defined levels.

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In today’s technological age with DVDs, Blu-Rays, online streaming and catch-up TV, it’s no wonder that the likes of the VHS tape just couldn’t compete. However, when these plucky tapes first cropped up, it was revolutionary. Coupled with the VHS recorder, which allowed people to record live broadcasts to watch whenever they liked, this technology truly paved the way for the incredible achievements made in the realm of home cinema entertainment.

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