So we're finally trying to clean up a bit. With the quality and extras of our instant access DVD system (based on MC), I don't have much incentive to convert VHS to DVD because it really destroys the complete and consistent behavior of all DVD rips that we use now. We have approximately 700 VHS movies and I'm really trying to figure out what to do with them. Are they supposed to go in the garbage? I really dislike filling the landfill. Or I wonder if places would pay a few cents per tape? We have well over 100 of them purchased on DVD already and I have compiled a list of most of them so at least I know what we *had* and can potentially buy the DVD if needed later. If I made some money on the tapes, I could probably buy replacement DVDs for the important ones with little out of pocket expense (I usually buy used). The quality improvement is enough of a reason to justify the upgrade and I don't plan on recreating the entire collection by any means.
It's finally that point where we have so much stuff we have to start seriously cleaning up and downsizing. Our basement is packed beyond imagination with everything imaginable. As I have spent some time with my uncle lately, helping them with upgrades and shopping around (color laser printer thread, lol) he has been telling me his newly created philosophy on gadgets and stuff. There comes a point where it isn't worth keeping everything. Just because this older stereo receiver originally cost several hundred/thousand dollars just a few years ago used to tempt him to keep it for another area of the house. Open space is worth so much, too! So I guess downsizing our stuff footprint would be great. It's a big challenge dealing with so much stuff...especially because there is some stuff that we sorta gotta keep--such as 5 very large boxes of photos (that I'm scanning in) and another 2 boxes of VHS and other tapes (already converted to DVD but probably will keep). And I'm in the process of finding a good home (recycling or whatever) for 5 old computers, some CRTs, set top boxes (DVD, VCR, Tape, Reel to Reel (lol), etc...) So lately we've been asking everyone we know if they want this stuff. It's really a desperate attempt to get the basement clean once and for all! When we cleaned one room for our theater, it meant the other two rooms and hall got piled even more. We're long over due for a good cleaning! And our computer room is overstuffed with old equipment.
And wow it's a ton of work dealing with this stuff! We had an ancient 41" projection TV down there we finally got someone to haul away. Projectors are so nice and compact!