Every tape — from VHS and MiniDV to Video8 and Betamax — has a magnetic coating that holds your visual and audio memories. Over time, this coating deteriorates through a natural chemical process called binder hydrolysis, also known as sticky-shed syndrome.
This happens when the magnetic binder absorbs moisture, causing the surface to become sticky, flaky, or even unplayable. Heat and humidity only make this worse.
When played in this condition, the tape can shed its magnetic particles — permanently destroying sections of your recording.
That’s why experts recommend digitising tapes as soon as possible, especially formats like VHS tapes to digital or camcorder tapes to digital before these issues progress.
For more context, read our related post:
👉 VHS Tape Preservation Tips Before Digitising
Degradation isn’t always visible at first. Here are some key warning signs:
Distorted or fuzzy playback
Faded colours or muffled sound
White specks, tracking issues, or horizontal lines
Tapes that stick or squeal when played
A vinegar-like smell, especially in older film reels
If you notice any of these signs, your media is already at risk of data loss.
To better understand when to act and how, explore our guide:
👉 Preserve Priceless Memories: Digitising Your Old Tapes
Digitising isn’t just about converting your memories — it’s about saving them from time itself.
Once a tape begins to degrade, detail and clarity are lost forever. No software can recover missing video or audio once the magnetic data disappears.
By converting early:
You capture the best possible quality before it fades.
You make your videos accessible on modern devices (TVs, phones, computers).
You gain digital formats like MP4 or MOV that can be stored securely on USB or the cloud.
You future-proof your family archive against further damage.
If you’re unsure about the best format for your transfers, check out our guide:
👉 Can You Improve the Quality of Old VHS Tapes When Converting?
At Tapes To Digital, every piece of media goes through a careful, hands-on process to protect its condition and integrity:
Assessment – Each tape is visually inspected for mould, tears, or binder issues.
Calibration – We use maintained, professional-grade playback decks for each format.
Real-time capture – Your content is recorded digitally, ensuring no loss or compression artefacts.
Final encoding – Delivered in high-quality formats like MP4 or WAV for broad compatibility.
Our services cover everything from audio cassette conversions to 35mm slide scanning, ensuring every memory — audio, film, or photograph — is preserved faithfully.
If you’re choosing between doing it yourself or trusting professionals, you’ll find this helpful:
👉 How to Choose the Right VHS to Digital Service Provider
For transparency on our process, visit:
Every year, thousands of Australians lose priceless footage — family holidays, wedding videos, and childhood memories — to the slow decay of analog media. Once gone, they’re gone forever.
Digitisation isn’t just about convenience — it’s about preserving your legacy in a safe, lasting, and shareable format.
If you’re curious about pricing, see our detailed guide:
👉 How Much Does It Cost to Convert VHS to Digital in Australia?