Tips and tricks to artificially age VHS tapes

[TrackingError]

Another bizarre analog media post from TrackingError!

Is there any way to artificially age a VHS tape? I do have a number of old tapes to record over, which are pretty good at coming up with the intended effect; however, I would like to be able to replicate the worn-out effect on new(er) tapes - this or this is the kind of quality I am hoping to end up with. Is there some way to artificially introduce integrity problems (read: static and tape blur) into a new tape? I know about generation loss, but until I find myself another cheap crappy VCR () I am hoping to find an alternative route to achieve this effect.

Thanks,

TrackingError | Lawrence | TrackingError

[intracube]

What about running a magnet past the tape at different distances?

As you've already said, dubbing back and forwards between two VCRs is a good way to degrade the picture.

Also try adjusting the VCR's tracking control.

With care, After Effects or similar could be used:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVrDoyVVcFc

[lordsmurf]

No magnets.

Badly adjust the guides and/or head on a VCR, and let it feather it.
Of course, now the VCR is hosed. It has to be recalibrated carefully to play tapes properly.

Cheap grade tapes on an old VCR in SLP mode works for the recording.

[intracube]

No magnets.

Why not?

It worked wonders when I tried it as a kid.

[Cornucopia]

Instead of physically ruining some tape and/or equipment, why not just digitze and then process in AVISynth, but using processes to munge up the image.

Scott

[AlanHK]

VirtualDub MSU OldCinema Filter 2.0
http://compression.ru/video/old_cinema/index_en.html

[lordsmurf]

No magnets.

Why not?

Because tapes are rarely damaged by magnetism.
Most damage is physical.

[intracube]

No magnets.

Why not?

Because tapes are rarely damaged by magnetism.
Most damage is physical.

It was just an idea to create dropout and random instability. From memory, it had a similar effect to misaligning the tracking.

A mix of digital processing (blurring chroma channels horizontally, offsetting, adding low frequency noise, pumping up the colour, adding excess edge enhancement, fake timebase errors) then copying to VHS and tweak the tracking to add some real artefacts would give decent results.

Anyway, doesn't look like the OP is going to respond.