Video Tapes Damaged by TV?

Is it bad to store your videos on top of the TV?
--Rhinebeck

First of all, when you say "video" these days, people think of youtube videos, and so your question sounds kind of metaphysical-- but what we think you're asking about is placing VHS tapes on top of the TV.

When you turn on a TV or computer monitor, a built in degausser sends a strong electromagnetic wave over the screen to clear it of any built-up interference. As VHS tapes are magnetic, this can definitely damage them. You probably also shouldn't keep your IPOD there, or your pet hamster, or your goldfish, or your cojones-- were that possible.

Besides that, what are you doing screwing around with VHS tapes? Shell out $49 for a DVD player, for godsake! If you're some kind of an archivist, keep the damn tapes on a shelf!