Monthly Archives: January 2019

Why ‘Data Rot’ Has Destroyed Your VHS Memories

Posted on January 25, 2019 by

Why content on many VHS videotapes from 30 and 40 years ago are now ruined

‘Data Rot’ has affected your VHS videotape memories

A QUICK READ:

  • Why digitally converting VHS videotape cassettes has ended at ScanMyPhotos.com
  • The content from most magnetic videotape media from the ‘70s and ’80 has disappeared
  • While ScanMyPhotos.com is closing its VHS digital conversion services, the full focus is now on the trove from trillions of pre-digital photos, film negatives and 35mm slides to digitize
  • Magnetic videotape was a giant leap forward in technology, yet today is an obsolete relic

ScanMyPhotos.com today announces the halt of regular digital conversion of VHS cassettes due to the magnetic media’s quality degradation.  This is a purposeful and melancholic declaration that the content of most VCR cassettes is officially dead as ‘data rot’ and time have rendered its content nearly erased and all gone.



IMG 8663 300x132 - Extreme Genes Profiles ScanMyPhotos

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
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As the condition of these home movies got worse, the quality of digitizing this content was troubling. Quality matters most, yet the digital output became so poor, it no longer met our standards for professional digitization.

As a pioneer in photo digitization, it is heart-wrenching to observe the loss of most of the cherished wedding tapes, birthday celebrations, vacation recordings, and once-in-a-lifetime family nostalgia that literally disappear.

VHS tapes begin on the path towards data degradation and digital decay years ago. The billions of VHS cassettes were often not stored in climate controlled conditions with optimal temperature and in a dust free environment.

Transferring that content to a digitally preserved format in most cases is no longer an option.  The magnetic video tape media and its magnetic charge were always impermanent.  Over time, the magnetic particles became demagnetized. The problems included viewing multiple times, extensive rewinding and playback that caused tracking errors and reduced quality. Beyond how the tapes were stored, re-recording over the content lead to further irreparable generation degradation.

A quick New York Times read: Meet the Curiosity-Seekers and Die-Hards at the Last True Blockbuster

As the limited life span has long passed, ScanMyPhotos.com today is announcing converting those memories from the late ’70s – ’90s is impractical. Few will be happy with what they view after antiquated VHS cassettes are digitized. Only the most important and vital VHS tapes will still be accepted now by the nation’s digital conversion company.

“This was inevitable, as ‘data rot’ lead to the end of the lifespan for VHS, VHS-C, and Hi 8,” explains Mitch Goldstone, President & CEO of ScanMyPhotos.com.  Back in 2016, the world’s last manufacturer of VCRs ceased production and it has been years since tapes were sold or people visited the once iconic Blockbuster Video stores. 

While ScanMyPhotos.com is closing its VHS digital conversion services, the full focus is now on the trove from trillions of pre-digital photos, film negatives and 35mm slides to digitize.

Magnetic video tape was a giant leap forward in technology, yet today is an obsolete relic. Nobody back then even knew what the social media term “hashtag” was, yet today #dinosaur is the best descriptor of the once iconic VHS cassette.   

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50% Off 35mm Slide Scanning Flash Sale

Posted on January 21, 2019 by

Welcome. We just added this for you for new orders. Instantly save 50%* to digitize your 35mm slides. Details below.

Your prepaid fill-the-box(es) will be sent within 24-hours during regular business hours. But not to rush. You have 6 months to return your order for scanning. MUST ENTER PROMO CODE: “SLIDE50”.

50offslide 300x207 - 50% Off 35mm Slide Scanning Flash Sale

To validate, your original order prior to the 50% discount must exceed $400.

Save 50%* on 35mm Slide Scanning From ScanMyPhotos.com

The Deal: Save 50% on ScanMyPhotos prepaid 35mm slide scanning boxes with free S/H, including your returned digital media. Added fee to return your slides after digitizing. Original order must exceed $400 to validate. Discount applies to orders within the next 24-hours to save 50%. Your prepaid 35mm slide scanning box(es) will be mailed within 24-hours. Limit of 10 boxes. Some restrictions may apply.* PLEASE NOTE THIS IS ONLY FOR NEW ORDERS. DISCOUNT CANNOT BE APPLIED TO PRIOR ORDERS

PLEASE SHARE TO HELP MANY PRESERVE THEIR SLIDES

Save 50%* — Your Promo Code Is:

SLIDE50

Share the love. We value your referrals and appreciate you sharing this sale to inspire many to preserve their memories


CLICK TO ORDER

*Fine Print and Details: VALID ONLY FOR 35mm PRE-PAID 35mm MOUNTED. STANDARD SLIDE SCANNING BOXES ordered this weekend
This 50% off Flash Sale offer is only valid with your unique promo code Slide50. Valid for our Prepaid 35mm Slide Scanning Boxes (product code: RSB). Regularly $325 for Premium 4,000 DPI Resolution, or $235 for Standard 2,000 DPI Resolution scanning. Limit of 10 boxes per person/address.

ORIGINAL TOTAL ORDER BEFORE DISCOUNT MUST EXCEED $400


To redeem this offer, MUST enter the coupon code “SLIDE50” in the coupon code box during checkout.

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Tweed Wolf: The Do-It-For-You Photo Album Service

Posted on January 16, 2019 by

We have a winner. Over the past 28-years, we have seen so many smart innovations within the world of photography as film transitioned to digital. Along the way, there were many winners, but our newest find is in a league unto itself. Tweed Wolf is not just scoring raves from ScanMyPhotos, but by the leading media outlets too, Including Martha Stewart Weddings.

After your nostalgic pictures are digitized, the next step is Tweed Wolf create your perfect photo albums and to preserve your family memories.

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Martha Stewart Excerpt:

All of Tweed Wolf’s photo albums include design services in their pricing, which means you can count on the pros to help you from start to finish. They’ll send you a proof, you’ll make as many revisions as necessary, and then they’ll print, bind, and ship your hardcover wedding album to you, your parents, or anyone else who wants a collection of the day’s best pictures.

The Zero-Effort Photo Album

Tweed Wolf designers turn your digital photo library into a beautiful hardcover album. Their books are all custom-made and hand-crafted from the finest materials. Each Tweed Wolf Album Packages includes their custom design services. It works like this:

– You forward them all your photos

– They cull them down choosing the best ones to tell your unique story

– They edit each photo so it prints beautifully

– You see an album proof and can request unlimited edits

– Once you’re thrilled, Tweed Wolf prints, binds, and ships back to you your beautiful, hardcover book

“With Tweed Wolf, you’ll have a gorgeous Photo Album (no effort required) that will last you a lifetime.” — Meredith Vieira

Video of a Tweed Wolf family album

Video of a Tweed Wolf wedding album

Please visit Tweed Wolf to get started and create magical photo albums that are costumed to delight and be a forever keepsake.

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Same-Day* Photo Scanning Package at 300 dpi Now $70

Posted on January 12, 2019 by

WHY WAIT? NOW FAST SAME-DAY PHOTO SCANNING IS A THING


IMG 6991 300x182 - Same-Day* Photo Scanning Package at 300 dpi Now $70

One of the most common questions asked is how quickly can you digitize my pictures? Often this is for a memorial service, last minute anniversary gift or to rush and protect pictures from natural disasters. The answer is as quick as the same day.


Express FASTScan Photo Scanning Package – Pay Just $70 (when you use promo code: “VIPDeal”)


  • This deal was discounted 40% to just $125 to professionally digitize up to 1,000 standard 4×6” photo snapshots to 300 dpi JPEG images on a standard DVD data disc.
  • BONUS: WHEN YOU ENTER PROMO CODE “VIPDeal” PAY ONLY $70. BUT WAIT. THERE IS MORE. Save 10% ON ALL ADD-ON SERVICES WHEN YOU ALSO ENTER “VIPDiscount” PROMO CODE AT CHECKOUT.
  • See below for details on express same-day scanning. This order includes instant same-day uploading of your files to you. Free USPS Priority Mail return shipping and handling and return tracking for the original photos and data disc DVDs (a $19.95 value). Many popular add-on featured services are available including other-size photos, flash drives, color-correction, return delivery tracking and more when you order at the time of purchase. *See below details for same-day scanning.


  • You are responsible for paying to mail your pictures to us and we recommend using the U.S. Postal Service’s Priority Mail Flat-Rate box. We cover the return S/H cost to you.


Details: Express FastPass Photo Scanning Package from ScanMyPhotos.com

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How to Redeem Your 1,000 4″x”6 Scan Voucher


ScanMyPhotos.com Corporate Headquarters in Irvine, CAPurchase this deal online and print your invoice to include with your order. Your completed order form must be included in the box along with your photos. Your original photos will be returned along with your DVD data disc. Additional Add-on products are available, including USB flash drives.


Must view and comply with the Photo Preparation Procedures before shipping your order


How to Pack your Photos for Scanning & Shipping to ScanMyPhotos.com


IMG 4552 300x182 - Same-Day* Photo Scanning Package at 300 dpi Now $70On the order form, you will find a bevy of additional options to enhance your final scans. Order the additional options at the time of purchasing this deal. During checkout, you will have the option to select any additional services.


IMPORTANT: LIMIT 8 Express Photo-Scanning Packages Per Address. This service is exclusively for online, mail-in only, and positively cannot be used for any walk-in services, for any reason or applied to prior orders. Photo scanning only.  


CLICK TO ORDER


*BONUS: Get Same Day Scanning Included With Your Order. Just type “Same day scanning” under special instructions. If received by 10 AM (PT), your order will be scanned the same business day it is received. If received afterward, please add one more business day. Some conditions apply including delays due to holidays, weather and other issues. While we cannot warrantee same-day scanning, we do make every effort to scan the same day your order is received.  

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10 Tips for Making Your #ThrowbackThursday A Viral Hit

Posted on January 9, 2019 by

Throwback Thursday example

My mom with me, when I was about the same age as my son, is now.

 

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Mitch Goldstone as a boy in 1967 at Disneyland with his father, who died two years later. “Imagine if someone had tossed this?” he asks. Instead, a photo restoration made the old photo look new again. (Courtesy of www.scanmyphotos.com)

Recently, here at ScanMyPhotos.com, we polled a population of our customers to find out what their key motivators were for digitizing their analog snapshots. We expected to hear that people were looking to preserve family history, or salvage crumbling photo albums from Father Time.

We figured social media would play into their plans, but boy was we surprised when we found out that 45 percent of our new customers traced their motivation back to the viral hit #ThrowbackThursday!

 

If you are a social media fan, especially if you love Instagram where the #ThrowbackThursday (#tbt) phenomenon started back in 2011, then you are already familiar with the raucous laughter that this trend brings to the end of a work week.

After spending way too much office time surfing #tbt pictures, we realized that folks might like a little creative suggestion to help them make the most of their Thursday photo fun. So, here we have our top 10 considerations for getting the most out of your #ThrowbackThursday.

 

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