Odd Magnetic Media question

From: healyzh_at_aracnet.com <(healyzh_at_aracnet.com)>
Date: Thu Mar 30 21:39:15 2000

> > Let's say I've got a stack of 8mm tapes with data on them.
> >They're supposed to be good for archival purposes, when
> >stored in the proper conditions for 2 years.
>
> Are you sure about that? Two years sounds a bit short.

Well, I can't find the report anymore online, but I got that from a report
on media lifespans for archival purposes. My guess is that after two years
a certain percentage of tapes start to show problems. This same report
listed 9-Tracks at 10 years, and I've personally gotten data off of 20 or 30
year old tapes.

The one thing about the report that has always bothered me is they listed
just about every type tape, except 4mm.

> If it helps, I've been using DAT for music since 1993. I've got tapes I
> recorded then which are fine now, the only problems I've ever encountered
> are the occasional dropouts due to tape ware.

Actually this does help, since my main concerns were physical deteriation
since, while these tapes are from about '92, they've never been used.

                        Zane
Received on Thu Mar 30 2000 - 21:39:15 BST