When you are digitizing your older media, you want the make sure that the digitial file you end up with is going to be useable. But, what does that mean? What are the specific things you should look for?
Digital Images
In the case of images, you want to scan them at a high enough resolution that you can use the photo in future projects; you want a high enough DPI to make the picture useful. DPI stands for Dots Per Inch. The higher the DPI, the higher the resolution of the image. However, the higher the resolution, the more space your file will take up, so there must be a balance between getting a high enough resolution to use the photo and the amount of space the file will consume. In practical terms, that means a higher DPI will allow you to use the photo in larger projects. If an picture starts very small (for example, a slide or a negative), you will want to scan it at a very high DPI so that you are able to use the image in a larger format than the original. If the original is larger, as in a large photo, you can get away with a lower DPI and still use the image. Recommended DPI for 4×6 photos is 600 DPI, while a larger photo like an 8×10 could be scanned at 300 DPI. Slides and negatives should be scanned at closer to 3000 DPI so that they can be enlarged.
Digital Video & Audio
Once you digitize movies and audio, you will want to have a file that can be watched or listened to. In the past some videos were digitized to a proprietary format that you have to have a specific software to watch. A better idea is to make sure that your video files are .mp4 so that they can be watched on any computer. Audio files should be converted to .mp3.
Where to store your digital files
Technology is constantly changing. Most of us remember when we had 5 1/2 inch floppy discs, then 3 1/4 inch discs. Now we have DVDs, however those are fast becoming outdated. Most newer computers don’t even come with a disc drive. Flash drives and external hard drives are not permanent – they WILL fail. So, the best option to make your memory files permanent is to find a cloud-based storage that you trust. I use FOREVER to store my memories because I own the space that I have purchased rather than just renting. I only paid once for my space and my account will continue even after I am gone.
Please feel free to contact me with questions about digitization and about permanent storage for your memory files!
