You paid for it, but do you own it?

The problem with collecting digital entertainment files

Spotify and iTunes music files.

Amazon and Prime digital movies.

Kindle and Audiobooks.

These are all digital files. You pay as much or more for the digital purchase as for the LPs and CDs, VHS and DVDs, and print books, but do you own them?

 The short answer is no, not really.

The longer answer is that “what you really got when you clicked ‘buy’ is often merely a license to access the content.” The power of “fine print” comes into play here. There you will find “the terms of service – terms that the seller can usually change at will.”¹

So what do you do about all the music and movies you DO own – the hard copies on tapes, even reels, or LPs, CDs, and DVDs?

Take a look at your stash –

even if you multiply it by the admittedly low average of $10 each, it was a big investment.

Maybe you no longer need the WHAM! Anthology (but maybe you do – no judgement!) or The Night at the Museum, but I’m sure there are plenty of albums and movies you’d love to be able to watch when you want without another digital purchase, purchasing a new outdated piece of equipment, or scouring YouTube for the link that ISN’T somehow scammy / spammy / illegal or carriers of viruses.

In 2016, the tech industry was all abuzz with the news that VCRs were “officially going the way of the Betamax and LaserDisc: into the technology graveyard.” After 33 years, Funai Electric of Japan, announced an end to the production of VCRs. FYI, Funai outlasted the more familiar Panasonic brand VCRs that ceased production in 2012.²

That means it’s been at least ten years since purchasing a new VCR was somewhat feasible. Doing a little surfing around the web, I found DVD/VCR combos for sale between $200 and $1000 each. While your DVDs (and CDs) tend to be a bit more reliable in their longevity, they are susceptible to heat (warping), scratches, and other damage.

VHS tapes, we all know, are deteriorating as we speak – as are other media on tapes and reels. These are also more susceptible to breakage, mold, and fading of image and sound quality.

 

That said, you CAN digitize the movies you own in physical formats like VHS, cassettes, LPs, CDs, and DVDs – provided these are done for personal use.

Digitize your OWNED music and movies and put them in permanent storage.

Rather than spending your dollars on purchasing a movie or music file that isn’t really yours, consider digitizing what you already own and putting them in permanent stor

age.

The price tag for purchasing an outdated media player would go a long way toward digitizing the media you own and purchasing the space to store the resulting files. Learn more about digitizing with Dani’s Pixel Place.

After digitizing, putting your files in permanent storage with Dani’s Pixel Place means that you’ll never have to re-purchase the same material again. If you get a new device or file-types change, you can download the stored files again. Learn more about what it means to actually OWN your storage HERE.

FOREVER is the only storage option in the industry that GUARANTEES the security and viability of your files for generations. Check out our GUARANTEE FUND details.

For music –  use our easy album structure to create playlists that will last FOREVER.

For movies – add streaming services to your #FOREVERStorage so that you can open your files on any connected device and watch them without downloading. Streaming services can be turned on and off monthly, purchased annually, or – for the best benefits and savings – purchase our permanent streaming plan. Check out the options for STREAMING HERE. (#FOREVERPermanentStreaming costs about the same as five to eight years of payments to other streaming services.)

So – Let’s talk about preserving your investment in music and movies, even after the outdated media is no longer viable.

We can help you to triage and budget, and you can avoid repurchasing what you already own.*

To schedule a free consultation, complete the CONTACT FORM.

In your message, include best days and times to chat, as my hours vary to meet the needs of every client. We can meet in person at my office in Carlisle or via Zoom or phone.

A few additional links that may be helpful to you:

1. Visit Trustpilot to read about FOREVER and learn from independent reviewers why Dani’s Pixel Place chooses FOREVER.
2. Download Dani’s Pixel Place’s MEDIA INVENTORY and DIGITAL FILE INVENTORY to start assessing your current digital and physical media holdings – or request them via the contact form.

Sources:

¹ Hebert, Amy. “Do you really own the digital items you paid for?” 2024 April 17. https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/04/do-you-really-own-digital-items-you-paid. 2026 Jan 18.

² Rosenberg, Gabriel. “So Long, VCR. We Hardly Knew You (Were Still Around)” 2016 July 21. https://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/07/21/486889433/so-long-vcr-we-hardly-knew-you-were-still-around. 2026 Jan 18.

*We digitize your media with the understanding that you own the original material and that you’re digitizing it strictly for personal use. All the copyright laws still apply.