RE: [AV Media Matters] Video Tape Recycling Rejuvination

[Peter Brothers <lists@specsbros.com>]

We have used and tested RTI's as well as about half a dozen other
systems. As earlier responses have indicated, there are plusses and
minuses. At present there are only two well known manufacturers of
video tape cleaning equipment: RTI in the US and Tapeography in
Canada.  There are also a number of companies that make similar
equipment for computer tape.

Unfortunately, the best equipment we tested has either been
discontinued due to the superior engineering making the equipment
too expensive  to market or equipment that has been custom made or
modified.

On the plus side, RTI currently has the largest market penetration
and their service and support personnel have been very responsive to
any problems.  The RTI has been very successful in recycling
operations and does not seem to harm tapes in good condition.

On the minus side, the RTI machine was never designed to handle
"compromised" tapes or perform "restoration".  Here are some things
to look out for:

1) Early RTI models had no easy access to clean the machine: the
machine had to be partially disassembled to actually clean the
cleaning mechanisms.  We discussed this with them some time ago
issue and I believe this has been corrected on the newer machines.

2) The machines have no operator usable means to alter speed or
tension.  This is essential when dealing with damaged or compromised
tapes.

3) Some of the machines use crowned rollers instead of edge-guiding
the tape.  This can deform severely weakened or compromised tapes.

4) The end-of-tape stopping mode can be too abrupt and can "pop"
weak splices.

5) The servo cut-off on the machinery we tested is not sensitive
enough to stop the machine if it encounters drag from hydrolyzed
tapes.  This can result in the machine continuing to pull "sticky"
tape through the cleaning mechanism and scraping off or severely
damaging part of the tape surface.

This said, the RTI machines can be very good at what they are
designed for.  If you use a machine for a purpose other than its
original design intent, you can expect some serious problems.  Why
not see if they will modify a machine to your specifications so that
it is, sort of, designed to do what you want?

Peter Brothers
President
SPECS BROS., LLC
peter@specsbros.com
web-site: http://www.specsbros.com
TAPE RESTORATION AND DISASTER RECOVERY SINCE 1983

  Hello list servers:

  Quick question--is any one out there using the
  RTI Tape Recycling/Rejuvenation system for archival preservation of video
  tapes?  How is it working?  Any problems with
  drop-out?

  Please let me know, we are considering
  purchasing a system and would like to have opinions other than the
  salesman.

  Thanks,
  Jodie Foley
  Montana Historical Society <FONT
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