Quote:
Originally Posted by heero_yuy
Unfortunately videotape is also subject to deterioration with time especially if badly stored*. Re-recording to new tape is subject to reduction of quality too. Only storing digitally with minimum compression on HDDs or SSDs is the secure media and even then duplicate copies are a must.
* Variations of temperature and humidity cause the tape pack to move against itself on the reels which results in magnetic "Print through" which can eventually render the tape unplayable. Same applies to video cassettes. including domestic formats.
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As well as the problems that you mention, there is also the cost and storage space to think about.
Also, I used to assume that archiving only had to be done once, but as technology moves on and new technology in time becomes obsolete, it has to be done repeatedly.
Some people transferred their vinyl first onto CD's and then onto their computers, but how long before they will need to do it again? I also assume that the quality will decrease each time.
I recently asked someone who worked on the comedy programme 'George And Mildred' as to why there were artefacts all over the place, particularly on Yootha Joyce's hair and clothes.
He explained that the process above has led to the repeats on ITV3 suffering from this and that they were not originally transmitted as they are today due to rigourous quality control.