How many times can you reuse VHS tapes?

[Balt]

I'm hoping to start ripping some TV shows and then storing them on my computer pretty soon, but I have a question.

The problem is, I won't always be available to setup the video input and such on my computer, so I might have to put it on VHS tapes first and then rip it later from the tape.

Anyone know a max number of times you can overwrite a VHS tape before the quality degrades?

Thanks in advance.

btw, yes I am new to video ripping

 

[The Rock]

If you buy brand name "HQ" quality tapes you should have no problem getting many (like 6-10 or more on a well maintained machine) recordings with very little lost in video quality.

P.S. Stay away from tapes over 120! The tape is thinner and could cause all sorts of problems!

 

[bolomite]

Usually my VCR chews it up before any noticeable loss of quality occurs!

 

[Balt]

Thanks guys. I think I'll probably have to find another way. After all, I'm trying to save money and space in the long run

 

[Rigoletto]

If you don't use picture rewind then video tapes can last really a long time assuming the player is kept in good condition because VHS tapes don't contact the picture head like audio cassettes. They glide over the rotating head on a tiny cushion of air. This has to be so because the head does several revolutions on a helical scan of the tape as it goes past. The audio is separate, but the speed of video tape is quite slow and it's not much wear.