RE: [AV Media Matters] RE: Video storage

[Matthew_Davies@screensound.gov.au]

I have seen occasional damage from packing stress in ScreenSounds videotape
collection, although it is much more common in open reel audio in my
experience. Some two inch video tapes we received from a client with poor
storage have had noticeable cinching in the pack, with resulting drop-outs,
and tapes in good storage for a long time can be seen to be heading in the
same direction, in this case a re-wind might be in order.  Fortunately
video cassette shells are designed to retain the tape pack in place, unlike
audio cassettes where the thin tape can end up in a terrible mess if there
is no tension. Similarly open reel tapes without some kind of end fastening
or retaining band are at more risk of packing problems than those which are
properly restrained.