best way to archive tapes

sjohn wrote on 3/2/2003, 11:14 AM

I have 15 8mm tapes that I want to archive digitally. I purchased a Digital8 camera to do all of my captures. The question is what is the best method to archive them?
I would like minimal quality loss(even though the source is somewhat low quality) and have reasonably quick access to the clips so I can make compilations later with VV4.

1) Convert to mpeg2 and store on DVD as a data file.
2) Buy 30 Hi8 tapes and archive in DV format using twice the number of tapes
3) Buy an external hard drive setup and purchase 4 120gig drives.

Your comments would be appreciated..

Comments

Tyler.Durden wrote on 3/2/2003, 11:32 AM

Hi sjohn,

I recommend the conversion to D-8.

Tape is cheap, durable, takes little space and is relatively stable (10 yrs).
Tapes are easy to protect from re-writing, and store neatly next to the originals.

(Your footage will only take one codec hit on the way.)

Archiving means (to me) not needing immediate access (that you pay for when buying HDs). If you need fast access at a moment's notice HDs might be better.

In ten years, you can dub again with no loss to another digital format (holographic? ).

HTH, MPH

Tips:
http://www.martyhedler.com/homepage/Vegas_Tutorials.html

BillyBoy wrote on 3/2/2003, 4:47 PM

I do all three.

1. For general playback
2. to archive
3. just to be safe.

The odds of all three copies failing got to be way out there... Just that I buy regular jumbo sized hard drives and switch them in and out in drawers. Virtual no limit that way.