Re: [AV Media Matters] Audio Vinegar Syndrome

[smolians@erols.com]

Speaking of medical analogies, I'm not sure if I've used this term
on postings to this list, but when explaining the origin and
development of sticky shed syndrome to non-professionals, I've
described it as "tape aids." Once susceptible formulations have been
exposed, the problem will develop at its own rate depending on
environmental conditions thereafter, but develop it will.

Steve Smolian

----- Original Message -----
From: Peter Brothers <lists@specsbros.com>
To: <AV-Media-Matters@topica.com>
Sent: Saturday, April 08, 2000 10:29 AM
Subject: RE: [AV Media Matters] Audio Vinegar Syndrome

>Simple answer:
>
>The breakdown of acetate releases  acetic acid.  Acetic acid will diffuse in
>the air.  Contact with acetic acid also CAUSES acetate to break down. An
>acetate tape can absorb acetic acid from the air due to the proximity of
>other tape with "vinegar syndrome" that is releasing acetic acid. The
>presence of the acetic acid absorbed in the new tape will cause it to start
>breaking down.  As the new tape begins to break down, it also releases
>acetic acid.  Thus, the process spreads and accelerates- sounds just like a
>virus, multiplying in a host, spread to other hosts through the air and
>multiplying again.
>
>Peter Brothers
>President
>SPECS BROS., LLC
>peter@specsbros.com
>web-site: http://www.specsbros.com
>TAPE RESTORATION AND DISASTER RECOVERY
>SINCE 1983