HOW TO FIGHT VIDEO TAPE DETERIORATION

As our last article put forward, videotape deterioration is inevitable. Your goal, therefore, should be to transfer your video to a digital format, such as a digital file or DVD, before the deterioration process begins.

Ideally, you should take action before your tape is 15 years old. In the meantime, here are a few things you can do with your tapes to postpone (or slow down) the deterioration process:

• Place videotapes in a plastic container with a lid that seals tightly.
• Store your tapes in a cool dry place, such as a closet in the main portion of your home. Attics and basements are generally not good places for tape storage. –
• Exercise your tapes by periodically fast forwarding them, this reduces reel-tension and makes tape adhesion less likely.
• Store your tapes, especially VHS, in an upright position, similar to how a book is placed in a shelf.

While the above steps may seem unnecessary and inconvenient, remember what is at stake – the preservation of something that could very well be irreplaceable.