For Preservation

 

Overtime, film, video tapes, photos and slides lose color and flexibility even under ideal conditions.  Videotapes lose clarity and playability from humidity, temperature and exposure to electromagnetic fields.  Experts estimate the maximum life of a video tape to be only 30 years.  Most formats including VHS tapes are becoming obsolete.  Playback equipment, such as a VCR are no longer manufactured and repairs are costly or unavailable.