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STORAGE

Video tapes are produced using a quasi layering method of encasing raw very tiny magnetic particles in between a polyester base and polyurethane, and inside the polyurethane itself. The coating of urethane keeps the particles in place and is the key to allowing a magnetic head to record information to it. The base is simply the material it rides on and that keeps it rigid, it is the material that is physically rewound and fast forwarded. The magnetic particles become polarized and all shift to one side or the other in terms of its polarity. This polarity is what creates tiny electric currents on the play heads of a VCR without touching the heads. The polyurethane finish does however, slides over and touches the heads. So the issue becomes a two part problem,

1. How do I keep my magnetic particles from shifting or moving?
2. How do I keep the physical make up of the tape from damage to allow clean tracking and playback

WATER

They are extremely fragile in the wrong environments and very stable in the right ones. When tapes are exposed to water molecules, HYDROGEN HYDROXIDE nicknamed H2O, the polyurethane slowly reacts with the water to form particles of acid. They migrate to the surface and cause damage to the surface. They are referred in laymans terms as OXIDE PARTICLES. When the tape is played again, some of these can peel off and stick to the tape heads. The cleaners you buy for VIDEO TAPE and MUSIC CASSETTE players are actually designed to wash away the material you are counting on for data to be turned into music or video.

MAGNETIC FIELDS

A magnetic field can cause permament non-recoverable damage to a tape. The particles can move and shift positions. Being stored close to a TV causes this. Microwaves can cause it. Large sources of electrical use, such as a stove or dryer can cause it.

HEAT

Heat does not CAUSE damage persay, but it does add energy to the above issues which can speed them up or create and environment condusive to further damage. Excessive heat can melt the tape and cause obvious damage.

DECAY

The damage caused by natural water vapor in the air can dry out in very dry periods, such as summer. This can cause the OXIDATION damage that rose to the surface to literally dry to the backside of the next layer of tape inside the reel.

FOREIGN MATERIALS

Dust, dirt and microbes cause significant damage to the picture as well as the ability of the VCR to track a tape. Storing tapes in a cardboard box loose in the bottom of a closet is inviting permanent damage that cannot be fixed. When tiny particles stick to the outside edge of the tape, and the tape is played thru a machine, the particles can tear or dent the edges as they are scraped off during tracking. The next time the video is played the machine will have a less stable edge to work with.

WHAT TO DO!

• Store tapes in heavy duty freezer bags that are sealed airtight and that have as much air squished out of them as you can. This minimizes water vapor damage and Dust
• Store AWAY from laundry rooms, in the same cabinet as the TV or other sources of electromagnetic energy
• Store in a cool place with a steady temperature. If they are sealed in zip locks, a basement usually is a good bet.
• Fast forward and rewind tapes once a year. This serves several purposes. It tends to inhibit the Oxidation damage from sticking to itself, minimized by your zip lock bags, by moving the tape reels around.
• Use high quality materials. No kidding. Cheap tapes will not last. High quality tapes that are expensive will last a long time.
• NOTE - if stored properly, STEVE SMITH, Senior Editor from STAR TV in Hong Kong says they should last at least 20 years. They plan and budget for 100+ years in their optimal storage environment I just laid out for you.

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