Copying Old Cassette Tapes. How Can I Preserve Them?

Actually, CDs are not a great start. CD quality will degrade within 10-20 years. I have music CDs that will hardly play anymore. They are from 6 years ago with few scratches. Also, if you make your cassette into a CD then into digital format for the computer, some sound quality will be degraded. There will be some degrading between cassette to CD conversions. Then to convert your CD to an MP3 will degrade some quality. Just skip the CD conversion all together.

I would store the converstations in an mp3 (or other format) in multiple places. This can include a flash drive and external hard drive. I would suggest using these drives as little as possible. Flash drive memory fails after numerous reads and writes (10,000). Hard drives have a life span of 2-8 years. However, if you use them rarely, they have a lower chance of failure.

I have never copied a cassette to an MP3 before. However, there are tutorials online and ways to do it.

http://lifehacker.com/software/mp3/alpha-geek-how-...

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6450_7-5020866-1.html

http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/news/1316/

You could convert it to mp3, using household electronics and a PC. Then, you could wrap the original cassette in a ziplock bag, surrounded by aluminum foil, and stick it in the freezer until you completely forgot you had it. But, the MP3 would still be there -- and you could listen to it, and enjoy your Father's voice.... I'd convert it soon - and store it, before the cassette is damaged.

I just went through the same thing! I had 8mm film, slides, and VCR tapes of family. Here's what I did, and it was easy.

I bought a DVD recorder with blue ray (whatever that is) and transferred them myself to DVD. They came out great and the blue ray is high quality and long lasting. Before the DVD degrades (it will take over 20 years) you can transfer it to permanent digital technology.

Good luck!

CD's are a start. At least try to get them onto your computer so you can store the info until a longer lasting medium comes out.

i would say put them on a cd..if your cds sound scratchy just wipe them off with a soft cloth.. ummm i wonder if you can do that with 8 tracks ..wow i havent said 8tracks in a wicked long time....im getting old... when you say long conversations do you mean you caught their voices on on tape after they died? sorry had to ask

I think there are local companies that can do this, but I am not sure. Just wanted to answer you question just so I can say hello!