I recently picked up an original VHS video of "The Fiero Years / 1982-1988". (No, that's not a typo) In fact, as soon as I saw the reference to 1982, I knew I had to have it!
Anyways, I was wondering how many original copies are out there? I will assume this was given only to Fiero plant employees. Is this correct?
By the way, there was some footage in there that I had never seen before like a Fiero sponsored X-mas party (complete with Santa) and even a Fiero plant summer picnic.
I recently picked up an original VHS video of "The Fiero Years / 1982-1988". (No, that's not a typo) In fact, as soon as I saw the reference to 1982, I knew I had to have it!
Anyways, I was wondering how many original copies are out there? I will assume this was given only to Fiero plant employees. Is this correct?
By the way, there was some footage in there that I had never seen before like a Fiero sponsored X-mas party (complete with Santa) and even a Fiero plant summer picnic.
Kit
I'm sure it needs to be achieved and preserved. You should convert it to digital and upload it on YouTube.
Digitizing old VHS tapes and having them look somewhat acceptable after being uploaded online is an art form in itself. It certainly helps to have decent hardware for tape playback and a working knowledge of various software programs to properly deinterlace and clean up the video image.
If willing to loan the tape out for a bit, I'd be happy to digitize and upload this for everyone. I enjoy archiving lost media as a hobby, and this sounds like a wicked-interesting piece of Fiero plant history.
Digitizing old VHS tapes and having them look somewhat acceptable after being uploaded online is an art form in itself. It certainly helps to have decent hardware for tape playback and a working knowledge of various software programs to properly deinterlace and clean up the video image.
Kit, are you up to the challenge?
Absolutely. So much of what is on Youtube as far as old VHS tapes and stuff looks terrible because people use cheap USB converters. About 7 years ago I spent about $1000 on USED high-end equipment and Adobe software to convert all my old VHS, Beta, and Hi-8 and Digital 8 tapes.
To answer a few questions..... I got it from a gentleman back east. The video is only 22 minutes or so long. The white paper labels on the video cartridge and outer white sleeve are a tiny bit yellowed so it does appear to be very authentic. The video quality is just so so. (a little grainy in my opinion) I definitely am not going to be doing any kind of video to cd-dvd transferring, editing, posting to Youtube, etc...
For now, I will try to post a pic tonight of the video and sleeve. Kit
I definitely am not going to be doing any kind of video to cd-dvd transferring, editing, posting to Youtube, etc...
Transferring to DVDs is so... yesterday.
If you don't have the equipment or expertise to digitize the tape, yes, it's best not to bother. But having said that, it would be great if there was someone you trusted (who has the equipment and expertise) who could digitize and upload this footage. It's a relatively simple process for anyone who is equipped and trained to do so.
I hate to say it but you really should convert it before the tape becomes unreadable. VHS tapes have a 10-25 year lifespan before seriously degrading. You're way past that limit so hopefully you don't eventually end up with a tape full of colored static.
[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 06-23-2022).]
If it was stored well and not played to death, it should still be watchable. The oldest tape I've archived was recorded from local broadcast in 1981, and had been sitting in an abandoned shopping mall for well over 15 years by the time I obtained it. I've had more difficulty stabilizing home video from the same abandoned mall, but a produced tape like this -- made with some level of quality control -- should be a piece of cake.
That said, should you decide to have this converted: I'm more than happy to do so for the Fiero community. I'll even pay shipping both ways.
[This message has been edited by jonrev (edited 06-24-2022).]
I can vouch for Forum member jonrev. He has been a customer for quite sometime and been to my home on several occasions. Your VHS tape would be in excellent hands.
I believe I have seen "The Fiero Years" somewhere. It was not as good of vid quality as JONREV's 1981 video he linked. If it is the one I am thinking of The footage included interviews with workers at the factory, events at the factory like parties, etc.
