--- You wrote: You can actually see the ridges form on VCR tapes that have been run over & over using the same portion of the tape (got kids?). This was also true with Data Cartridge tapes (3M) that we used in tape drive systems & the software actually did it (called "tensioning") automatically prior to major/full copying. --- end of quote --- The sad thing about this particular tape is that it's been played maybe twice since it was filmed in 1992. I did a little more investigation last night and found that tapes recorded at about the same time and stored in the same box as the culprit played fine. The difference seems to be the brand of tape. I can specify which seem bad and which are ok if anyone would be interested. I may also contact the manufacturerof the compromized tape. I suspect they know about the problem. After all, apparently it was Ampex that developed 'tape baking' to rescue some of their products.
Winding the tape back and forth a few times had no effect on the mechanical "whistle" it makes in some sections as it is played. I've backed up what I can off the bad tape. Next I'm going to borrow a food dehydrator and try warming it up to 120F for ten hours as the authorities specify. We'll see. True, this is a bit off topic, but it is real to those of us saving computer media for a number of years. What is the shelf life of a CD. And which CDs or DVDs are most archival. And how do we rescue compromized media. This may not be a joke for those of you who use tape backup systems. Many of them use 8mm cassettes like the Hi8 tape I'm concerned with. Rich -- G-List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- We have Apple Refurbished Monitors in stock! | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> G-List list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[email protected]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/g-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com
