In past UnGarbled-Tech columns I wrote about the end of the DVD/VCR rentals era. This week I saw a reporter’s piece about a Blockbuster DVD that had been rented but not returned since 1997. The bill was over $12,000. The reporter then went on a search to try to find a Blockbuster to return the video. After a couple of calls he found out that Blockbuster had closed and that there was only one store left in Manhattan that rents videos.
As I read this story it dawned on me that I no longer own a VCR myself. I don’t have a standalone DVD player either. So what can be done with all of the VCR tapes and DVDs of our weddings, family events, or other videos that can’t be downloaded? How can we store and share them with others.
I researched how to convert my wedding video to DVD or MP4 formats. One can purchase a DVD to VCR unit but I found them to be a little hard to use. It takes hours. Yet, you may not have to go as far as you think. CVS offers this service and can transfer many different types of VHS tapes, even Betamax! (http://www.cvsyesdvd.com/videotape_to_dvd.aspx) The prices start at about $20. I was more concerned about my wedding video as it is the only copy I have. When it comes to VHS tapes that might be priceless, I would forgo the extra cost and reach out to a professional. Action Studios in Teaneck does this type of work and can convert a video into any format you need. There are more options using Action Studios as well.
Once all of these great VHS/DVDs have been converted, how can you share and store all of the files?
Keeping the files on DVD is not a long term solution as DVDs can be scratched and are being phased out. With the innovation of Screen casting from Smartphones/iPad/iPhones to Smart TVs, it’s really amazing how easy it will be to share videos with others. There is a great app called PLEX that has a fee but allows people to share their videos with friends and family and broadcast it right on your TV (https://plex.tv/). PLEX is available on most Smart TVs sold today.
You don’t need a fancy network-attached storage device, set-top box, or crazy living room setup in order to watch your home movie collection, all of your MP3s, or view your photos from the comfort of another room. You just need a Plex Media Server. It’s a free download for your Windows desktop.
Download and install Plex. Hit up the Plex website, find the link for the Plex Media Server, and click on the Computer download. For this how-to, we’re focusing on the desktop app. Once you’ve grabbed it and installed it, there aren’t any complicated settings you have to fuss with. Click the Launch button when you’re done.
Our technology is changing so very quickly. I can still remember the sound of the carriage of a slide projector as someone used the wired remote and narrated about all of the places the slides depicted. My next task is to convert my wife’s parents’ wedding slides to video.
By Shneur Garb
