Suggestions for analog video tape archiving?

kentwolf wrote on 12/31/2004, 3:56 PM

I have just about completed archiving all of my analog video tapes to removeable hard drive(s).

My video quality from (VHS, 8mm) analog tapes going back to 1994 is superb. I would like to keep it that way.

Do you all have any suggestions/pointers as to the best way to keep/preserve the original analog tapes in good condition, long-term? Apparently, I have done a good job thus far, however, I can always learn something.

Suggestions as to temperature, humidity, light, anything else, etc. would be most welcome.

Thanks!

Comments

farss wrote on 12/31/2004, 4:02 PM

I think you'll probably find better info on the web however I'll have a go.
Tapes need to be wound evenly and stored on end. Loose anything organic nearby, fungus is a huge problem for tape and film. Avoid large excursions in temperature, mid humidity range is ideal, too much and things grow, too little and tape becomes brittle.
Spool tapes once a year to even out tension, avoid most domestic players which do this way too fast.
Bob.