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[FortNinety]

So I'm on the DVD bandwagon like everyone else, but I still have tons of awesome stuff that's only available on VHS cassettes which I intend to hold on till I can get it converted, or DVD releases are made.

But I recall hearing a long ago... and perhaps this is bullshit... that the best and only way to store them is to have them standing up on their sides. If you store them flat, on their sides, I heard they degrade quickly due to some reason stated that sounded scientifically solid at the time.

So what's the truth? Storing them flat will help me out a ton space-wise. Otherwise I'll have to devise a whole different storage solution.

 

[goodcow]

I know it's recommended you store miniDV tapes vertically, so I would assume the same is true for VHS. Now, as for the reason why, I have no idea.

 

[DarienA]

http://www.gradewinner.com/p/articles/mi_m1272/is_n2575_v121/ai_13695086

All the manufacturers USA Today spoke with, however, do agree on one thing--the best way to store VHS tapes. They should be kept upright in airtight containers (or at least their jackets) in a cool (55-70 [degrees] F) spot with low relative humidity (40-60%). It's that simple. It is best to fast forward and rewind the tapes at least once a year (every six months is even better). Of course, for fail-safe insurance, make a copy of your most precious tapes. True, it's a bother, especially for individuals with extensive video libraries. And, as a hard-bitten consumer, you probably deserve a package warning--some sort of written alert from the manufacturers--but none is forthcoming. So save yourself from anxiety overload and make the dupes--now! Moreover, take heart, because, for all its annoying pitfalls, modern technology has given Americans the most advanced home theaters in the world.

 

[human5892]

You should store any media vertically because storing it horizontally makes it more susceptible to warping over time due to the effects of gravity.

 

[goodcow]

You should store any media vertically because storing it horizontally makes it more susceptible to warping over time due to the effects of gravity.

Including CDs? Why the hell are 90% of CD racks designed horizontally then?

 

[FortNinety]

Hmmm.... well I guess I had better looking for a different storage solution. Thanks for the input everybody.

 

[human5892]

Including CDs? Why the hell are 90% of CD racks designed horizontally then?

Space and readibility would be my guess.

Keep in mind that I don't think it's a situation where storing them horizontally is going to kill them in five years or something like that -- I think it's more, if you're concerned about having them last for as long as possible, vertical storage might be a good way to get a little more mileage out of them.