Video Tape Storage

How do you preserve your precious tapes for the long term?

Here are ten simple tips that will keep them useable or viewable for years.

1. Store your tapes in a cool and dry place e.g. inside an airtight plastic box, in a cool place, away from direct sunlight.
2. Put a packet of silica gel into the container to keep them really dry. This is readily available from any camera or photo processing store.
3. Store tapes in their protective jackets and casings. This adds an extra layer of protection from dust, liquids, fungus attacks and handling contamination.
4. Store tapes upright if possible. If placed horizontally, it may warp the the reels over time and affect proper playback.
5. Fast forward and rewind the tape before storage. This is to avoid the tape from slacking over time and becoming deformed.
6. Label all tapes clearly. This helps to identify them later. It saves you time and minimizes unnecessary wear and tear on the tape to find out what's on the tape if they are not labelled. It also prevents them from being mistakenly overwritten or thrown away.
7. If you're planning on keeping your tapes for many years, it pays to do a tape conversion to a more hardy medium e.g. DVD or VCD. DVD-R and CD-R media can easily last more than 50 years when stored properly and there will be zero quality loss because it is digital. Being digital, you can transfer them to yet another media or format in the future to extend their lives even further. DVD quality will be far superior to VCD, though it does cost a little more.
8. Avoid reusing your tapes. Each usage of the tapes add to the wear and tear. Plan your video shoots so that every shot is a "keeper". Practice your shooting techniques using a "rough" tape and not on the tape you will be using on the actual shoot.
9. Never loan your master tapes to anyone. There is a very high probability that others will not be as careful as you.
10. Use good quality tapes. You do not need to buy professional grade tapes, but do try a few brands of tape to see which one suits your camera or recorder. There is a difference.

These ten simple steps will ensure many years of safe storage and ultimately reward you with an enjoyable viewing experience when the time comes.