Re: [ARSCLIST] Longevity of data tape?--

[Jerry Hartke <jhartke@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Many tapes use helical scan read/write methods whereby the head assembly
rotates at high speeds and one or more heads penetrate the plane of the
tape. This results in wear, pileup of burnished coating material near the
end of the recorded region, and occasional head clogs with accompanying
damage to the tape. Non-contact optical methods do not have this
disadvantage.

Jerry
Media Sciences, Inc.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List
> [mailto:ARSCLIST@xxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Anonymous SET ARSCLIST DIGEST
> Sent: Friday, June 10, 2005 8:53 AM
> To: ARSCLIST@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [ARSCLIST] Longevity of data tape?--
>
>         I appreciate the numerous references to migrating data tapes every
> 5 years or so.  However, that should not be misinterpreted to mean simple
> physical migration but should include a change of file format if
> warranted.
>
>         As for the physical make-up of data tape I'm not sure.  I do know
> that DV-CAM, R-DAT and other like miniature digital tape types are
> manufactured using evaporated metal.  This method yields the most unstable
> tapes and should be used only for production and storage in the 3 - 5 year
> time frame only.  I personally have seen tapes of both formats generate
> huge error counts after only a couple years.
>
>         Kevin Irelan