Why do video tapes lose their quality?
Video tapes such as VHS tapes are not intended to be archival quality. VHS tapes lose quality when played, when copied, or when stored on a shelf. The only way to insure the information on the tapes survives is to transfer it or “migrate it” to a newer technology that will not deteriorate each time it is played or copied. The life of a VHS tape is estimated at 15-30 years depending on storage conditions and how often the tape is played on a VCR.
