Do mini DV tapes "go off"?

Crypto · 17-01-2011, 16:37

Hi folks,

I'm finally getting round to archiving 10 years worth of mini DV tapes. Trouble is, the playback on my camcorder is pixellated from time to time with audio drop outs.

Is this some kind of magnetic printhrough of the tapes or has my 11 year old camcorder given up the ghost. The problem seems worse the older the tapes are.

I did have an accident earlier this year, fell down a hole whilst walking and videoing. Managed to break my fall without breaking any bones but the camcorder took a beating...it .carried on recording though. I wonder if I've knocked something out of alignment?

I've just ordered a new Panasonic SD60 anyway but I want to archive my old tapes.

**Kymmy** · 17-01-2011, 16:58

Any magnetic media gets slowly corrupted by background radiation..

Optical media is immune to it but evetually the plastic will cloud over and degrade but it'll take a lot, lot longer

Delta Whiskey · 17-01-2011, 17:09

Have you cleaned the record/replay heads, magnetic tape sheds oxide when its played so it's possible that the heads are dirty. I use cotton buds and methylated spirits to clean all of the tape path; the heads, the rollers and the pinch roller(s).

Crypto · 17-01-2011, 18:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delta Whiskey

Have you cleaned the record/replay heads, magnetic tape sheds oxide when its played so it's possible that the heads are dirty. I use cotton buds and methylated spirits to clean all of the tape path; the heads, the rollers and the pinch roller(s).

I've used a "cleaning tape" but haven't tried the proper cleaning as you suggest. I'll give it a go.

Crypto · 15-02-2011, 17:06

Update:
Seems that the main problem is a misalignment. I've found that a suitable wedge (top of a biro) jammed in to the side of the cassette carrier will fix most of the problems.
I have still found that some of my older tapes (from 2004) are damaged and leave a coating on the playback head. Had to use a cleaning tape at least once a tape to get the info off. Obviously can't keep cleaning as the playback head will be worn away.

Anyway, I've now got all my tapes on to my PC as 13Mb AVI files for each one hour tape.

The mini DV camcorder is now redundant! Shame really, it had good optics and a proper viewfinder which I miss on my new Panasonic SD60

**Stuart** · 15-02-2011, 19:39

13mb for a 1 hour AVI?

That's a little small.

Crypto · 16-02-2011, 08:08

Whoops sorry! Should be 13 Gb

**Stuart** · 16-02-2011, 12:15

That's more likely.. The reason I asked was I was wondering if you'd done something to stop it capturing good quality recordings..

heero_yuy · 18-02-2011, 10:44

When storing any tapes generally keep the temperature cool and constant. Changes of temperture cause the tapes to expand and contract moving the layers relative to each other and causing "print through" and oxide shedding. Humidity also low. Ideally seal the tapes in bags with dessicant, this will also keep any dust out. Most importantly store the tapes so that the spools do NOT lay flat but are vertical. If there is any hint of uneven spooling the ridges get curled over causing poor tracking.

I have an archive of Phillips N1700 tapes (and two machines that still work) The oldest tape is from 1976 and still plays fine. I keep meaning to digitise them using my DVD recorder as they are old Horizon and World About Us documentries that I know the BBC wiped many of the original programme tapes to save money.

For the curious here's what the recorder and tapes look like:

It uses 1/2" tape on 5" spools mounted concentrically in the cassette housing.