RE: [AV Media Matters] Retention

[Jim Wheeler <Jimwheeler@aol.com>]

Carol

I have tapes made 56 years ago and they still play just fine.  On the other
extreme, consider yourself lucky if you can play a VHS-EP tape on a second
machine the same day it was recorded.

The point is that "Tape Life" is a complex subject and we do not have all the
answers.  We need a "Consumers Union" to test tapes and publish an annual
report on the various tapes.

The other problem is the availability of playback equipment 20 or 50 years
from now.  This is a problem with ALL High-Tech media.  I cannot play a 5"
floppy I made just ten years ago.  With computer data, there is also the
issue of the version of software used.

Jim Wheeler