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If you are converting your old VHS tapes and camcorder memories into a digital format you will be able to choose between receiving them as DVDs, MP4 files, or both. But what is the difference between the two formats – and which option should you select? In the battle between DVD and MP4, one option reigns supreme. Here are five reasons to choose MP4 files as an addition or replacement to your DVD recordings.
1. MP4 Files Take Up Less Storage Space
One of the main benefits of starting a video digitization project is reducing clutter in your home. VHS tapes and other recorded files are notoriously bulky and you may have several boxes of memories collected over the years. If you keep your video memories in your living area, you could have several drawers filled with tapes that are disorganized and take up precious storage room.
DVDs are less bulky than VHS tapes and other recording tracks; however, they still take up room. You will need to get a storage container for your DVD memories in order to keep them organized and in place.
If you want to maximize the amount of decluttering in your house, consider turning your memories into MP4 files. They only take up space in the cloud or on your computer. You can enjoy several drawers of free space in your home.
Know that digitizing your files does not mean you will lose your VHS tapes. At Memory Fortress, we always return any recordings that we digitize in their original format. You are welcome to save your old tapes as backup memories to your digital files. However, some people throw out these recordings once they have the digital videos securely saved.
2. You Won’t Have to Keep a DVD Player on Hand
Technology continues to evolve. There was a time when almost every TV had a VHS tape dock built in for people to watch their favorite movies. VHS players and DVD players both were popular at the turn of the century because those were the main file formats used to watch recorded video content.
Then video streaming came along. Netflix, Hulu, and other on-demand technology eliminated the need for viewers to store DVDs in their homes. Today, very few TVs come with built-in video technology, which means customers need to find DVD players if they want to use this format.
If you choose to convert your home movies to DVD format, remember that you will always need to have a DVD player that can access these files. While you might have one now or have DVD compatibility on your computer, this might not always be the case. With MP4 files, you don’t have to worry about your technology readers becoming outdated.
3. MP4 Files Don’t Need to be Attached to a Particular Device
Another benefit of choosing MP4 format is the storage capability. You can store the videos on your computer’s hard drive or you can upload the content into the cloud. When you upload your MP4 files into the cloud, they no longer belong to a particular device. They are stored on the web and can be accessed from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Compare the MP4 cloud experience to owning a DVD – or even storing files on a computer’s hard drive. Your DVD of memories can work until it gets scratched. A careless child can drop the DVD or even break it. Then the memories are lost.
Similarly, storing files on a computer’s hard drive only works until the computer is lost, stolen, or broken. However, if all of your files are in the cloud, you can access them from any device, no matter how many computers you use.
Another benefit of keeping your memories in MP4 files is that you can easily share them across the web. For example, if you keep your memories in a Google Drive, you can invite people to look at these memories through email invites. Your entire family can look at the memories and contribute their own content regardless of where they live.
Your family memories aren’t meant to sit forgotten and locked away in outdated tech forms. They are meant to be viewed and enjoyed by the people who lived them and future generations who want to know their parents and grandparents better. The best way to keep digitized memories alive is with MP4 files.
5. MP4 Files Can Save You a Future Digitization Project
At this moment, digitizing your files into DVD format might be the best option for your lifestyle. However, are you planning for the future? A few years from now, you might not want your memories to be stored as DVDs. Your DVD player might break or you might need to downsize and declutter your home. If all of your memories are stored as DVDs, you will face another digitization project as you transfer them to MP4 files.
More than 85 percent of our video transfer orders request MP4 files along with DVDs. While our customers appreciate the DVDs we give them, the MP4 files are more secure and future-proof. You can save yourself the time and cost of transferring DVD files in the future by opting for MP4 files today.
Start Your Video Transfer Project With Memory Fortress
Don’t let your old VHS tapes and 8 mm tracks sit unwatched. Over time, these recordings can start to break down and become unwatchable, so time is running out to digitize them and preserve the footage.
To start your video transfer project, contact Memory Fortress. For only $29 down you can let us know to expect your order. Tell us about the number of videotapes you have and in which format you want them delivered. Then ship the videos to us. We will take it from there.
Learn more about our process and pricing so you can protect your video memories and upgrade them to MP4 format.
We digitize everything right here at our facility in metro Atlanta, processed by US citizens.