Storing magnetic tapes: best local conditions?

3 May 2005 5:47 PM

jfaughnan

I have about 15 Hi8 analog tapes (family stuff). I'm transferring them
via a 3 foot S-video cable from my SONY Hi8 camcorder to my Canon
Optura 50. Thus far I am pleased with how smoothly this is going. It
takes two mini-DV tapes to copy a single Hi8 cassette.

When I am done, and after I buy the new 20" G5 iMac (out today!), I
will begin producing DVDs from edits of the mini-DV tapes. In about 6
years, when 100 terabyte stores with offsite affordable backup become
commonplace, I expect to create server archives of lossless output from
the mini-DV tapes.

I will, of course, retain my original analog tapes and I will retain
the mini-DV tapes. Both will be stored offsite with copies of the DVDs.
I've considered a safe in my garage, but temperatures will vary from
-30F to 100F. Probably not good!

Are there environmental conditions that will extend the shelf-life of
magnetic media? I'm not hoping for 100 year lifetimes (not feasible
sadly), but I'd like to get 10 years of storage on the mini-DV tapes
and as long as possible on the Hi8s (some of those are 7 years old
now).

Suggestions anyone?

thanks!

john
jfaughnan@spamcop.net

meta: jfaughnan, jgfaughnan, videotape, camcorder, archive, backup,
storate, environmental control, lifespan, longevity

PS. Before posting this I searched the usenet archives on this topic. I
didn't see a recent posting, but this is a good discussion on archiving
to DVD and alternatives:

http://groups-beta.google.com/group/rec.video/browse_frm/thread/b294cf18cb9ce82a/0e1e506e17e30885

4 May 2005 7:18 AM

Steve McDonald

4 May 2005 4:46 PM

C.J.Patten

You can buy fire-proof boxes or safes too - put some dessicant packs inside
to keep moisture down.

I have a basic "Sentry" brand box I use for really precious documents (and
rings... "preeeeecccciousssss..."). They have ones designed for safe storage
of magnetic media during a fire, like floppies and tapes. (other boxes may
get too hot inside and the media may melt)

C.

Show quoteHide quote

"Steve McDonald" <bigrocketm***@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:10404-42787760-193@storefull-3116.bay.webtv.net...
>
> I keep my Hi-8 cassettes stacked on edge in a box under my editing
> desk, with a cloth over them to keep out dust. The temperature in my
> house never goes beyond the range of 55 to 75 degrees F and the humidity
> is generally at a medium level. Some of them are 16 years old now, but
> they all play back faultlessly, so far. I use many of them for bits of
> footage to fit into new edited projects. The main floor of an occupied
> house is usually better than a garage, basement, attic or outbuilding
> for maintaining moderate levels of temperature and humidity. What is
> comfortable for you, is also best for the tapes.
>
> If you want to keep copies of them off-site for protection against
> fire loss, you might have a trusted friend loan you part of a drawer and
> you could return the favor. Unless both your houses burn on the same
> day, you should be covered. I've got copies of half a dozen very
> important productions stored at the houses of two friends. I put them
> in ziplock bags and prefer to seal them on dry summertime days.
>
> Steve McDonald
>

5 May 2005 5:53 PM

jfaughnan

CJ and Steve, these are good thoughts. I end up with:

1. Purchase fire-proof Sentry brand box and place dessicant packs
inside.
2. Store Hi-8 cassettes stacked on edge.
3. Consider sealing in baggies on a very dry day.
4. Store box at the home of a friend or family member in a main air
conditioned living area.
5. Attach the location of the items as an addendum to one's will and
estate papers.

I think the trick with a friend is they have to be a pretty darned good
friend, but I doubt there's an affordable commercial climate controlled
offsite alertnative. If one lived in San Diego the garage might be a
good option; but Minnesota garage climate can be fierce.

PS. I liked CJ's "preeeecccciouusss".

john
meta: jfaughan, archive, storage, video

5 May 2005 5:59 PM

Paul Rubin

"jfaughnan" <jfaughnan@spamcop.net> writes:
> I think the trick with a friend is they have to be a pretty darned good
> friend, but I doubt there's an affordable commercial climate controlled
> offsite alertnative. If one lived in San Diego the garage might be a
> good option; but Minnesota garage climate can be fierce.

Something wrong with a safe deposit box at a bank?

6 May 2005 3:54 AM

John Faughnan

Paul Rubin wrote:

> "jfaughnan" <jfaughnan@spamcop.net> writes:
> > I think the trick with a friend is they have to be a pretty darned
good
> > friend, but I doubt there's an affordable commercial climate
controlled
> > offsite alertnative. If one lived in San Diego the garage might be
a
> > good option; but Minnesota garage climate can be fierce.
>
> Something wrong with a safe deposit box at a bank?

We do have a safety deposit box, but it's not large and it's pretty
full of documents, etc. Banks in our area are mostly trying to get out
of the SD business -- it's just a hassle for them. The boxes aren't
expensive, but they're pretty small and very hard to get. Our tapes
wouldn't fit. Still, it's been a while since I checked for a larger box
and it is worth checking again. Thanks!

john

6 May 2005 4:42 AM

Paul Rubin

"John Faughnan" <jfaugh***@gmail.com> writes:
> We do have a safety deposit box, but it's not large and it's pretty
> full of documents, etc. Banks in our area are mostly trying to get out
> of the SD business -- it's just a hassle for them. The boxes aren't
> expensive, but they're pretty small and very hard to get. Our tapes
> wouldn't fit. Still, it's been a while since I checked for a larger box
> and it is worth checking again. Thanks!

You could use DVD's instead of mini-DV. They might take less space.