EMPORIA STATE UNIVERISTY
Christine Jones and Elizabeth Miller
Videotape
Preservation Manual
Videotape Preservation Manual
by Christine Jones and Elizabeth Miller
Emporia State University
LI827 Preservation Strategies
July 2014
Table of Contents
Videotape Preservation 1
History of Videotape 1
Composition of Videotape 1
Videotape Formats 1956-2001 2
Life Expectancy of Videotape 3
Handling and Care Considerations 3
Storage 4
Exhibit and Loan Considerations 5
Reformatting or Migration Options 5
Quick Reference Guide for Videotape Preservation 6
Index 7
References 8
J O N E S A N D M I L L E R
1
Videotape Preservation
The purpose of this manual is to provide archivists and librarians with a quick reference on the proper
preservation of videotape.
Videotape was a common media storage for many years. Unfortunately videotape has a limited
lifespan and is susceptible to damage resulting in loss of data. When adding videotape to the
collection using the instructions in this manual will help increase the life of the media and preserve the
data it holds.
History of Videotape
Videotape is a form of magnetic tape and the origins can be traced back to Germany during the
Second World War. In 1956 a method of using tape to capture images was developed. That same
year Ampex manufactured a 2 Quad recorder used by television stations. In 1969, Japanese
companies started producing the inch reel to reel videotape recorders at an affordable price and
businesses, schools, and a few consumers began using this product. In 1971, the Video Tape
Recorder (VTR) was put on the market by the Sony Company. Sony started producing merchandise
for the consumer at home in 1975, when they released the first Video Cassette Recorder (VCR). This
machine was the inch Betamax. Then the next year JVC released the Video Home System better
known as VHS. This product became very popular with consumers. For the professional market
products such as the one-inch Type C was released in 1978 and then in 1987 the extremely expensive
D-I was introduced. More information pertaining to formats and dates follows in the Formats
Dating section.
Composition Videotape
Videotape is made from layers of a top coat, a substrate and back coat. The top coat contains
magnetic particles that are bound to the tape backing. The magnetic particles store signal written
to them creating a magnetic signal. All three layers in videotape can suffer damage.
Polyurethane top coat contains:
o Magnetic Particles
Some magnetic particles are known to be unstable resulting in lost
playback signal
Not all particles are unstable, some retain information well over time
o Binder
2
Holds magnetic particles in place
Prone to becoming brittle, loss of lubrication, loss of cohesiveness
resulting in loss of playback ability
Provides a smooth surface aiding in the recording and playback process
o Lubricant reservoir
Polyester substrate layer (also called the carrier or basefilm)
o Polyester can vary in length depending on tension and climate
o Polyester has a life span estimated to be several hundred years
Back Coat
o Prevents electro-static charges when tape is played at high speed
o Aids tape in layering to when wound
o Prevents slippage in shipping and storage
Videotape Formats Dating 1956-2001
Formats Using 2 Tape (1956-1973)
Quadruplex, Octaplex, VR 1500/600, Helical SV-201, ARC 25, IVC 9000, TRC 100 Quad
Formats Using 1 Tape (1962-1995)
MVC-10, PI-3V, EV-200, EL-3400, IVC 700/800/900, UV-340, EV-210, SMPTE Types A, B & C, BVH-
1000, HDV-1000, Analog HDTV, HDD-1000,U-Matic, D1, D2, D6
Formats Using Tape(1965-1991)
CV, VRT-600, EIAJ Type 1, EIAJ Cartridge, N1500, AVCO Cartivision, V-Cord, VX, Betamax, VHS, VHS-
C, S-VHS, SVHS-C, Betacam, M, Video 2000, MII, Betacam SP, D3, Digital Betacam, D5, D5HD,
Betacam SX, D9, D9 HD, D-VHS, W-VHS, D11, MPEG IMX
Formats Using 8MM Tape (1983-2000)
Video8, HI8, Digital 8, Bauer, Akai, Compact Video Cassette, Pixelvision, DV, D7, DVCPRO 50, DVCAM,
DVCPRO HD, D4
3
Life Expectancy of Videotape
The life expectancy of a videotape is 10 to 30 years though it is believed properly stored and
maintained videotapes will last 100 years. Many videotapes are made with magnetic particles
containing Metal Evaporated (ME) which provides a better signal from the tape but also leave
the tape more susceptible to damage. Some tapes are made with magnetic particles containing
Metal Particle (MP) which are more durable but are lower quality than tapes made with ME. In
addition to the Metal Evaporated or Metal Particle, the magnetic component of the tape also
includes gamma ferric oxide, barium ferrite and chromium dioxide. Older tapes containing
chromium dioxide are suspected to cause loss of sound quality in videotape.
Threats to videotape include:
Sticky Shed or Sticky Tape Syndrome
o the deterioration of binders in the
magnetic tape
o caused by exposure to moisture
Binder degradation
o binder holds the magnetic
particles on the tape
o degradation refers to the
softening, loss of lubrication or
the loss of cohesiveness
Poorly maintained videotape equipment
Figure displays videotape that has suffered sticky-shed syndrome, the deterioration of the binder that holds the oxide particles to the polyurethane tape
Note
Bad playback signal is a frequent problem with videotape. Several factors can cause a bad playback signal.
Cleaning or adjusting the tension on the tape can improve playback signal. The videotape equipment may
need to be cleaned or adjusted. Remember to never put a videotape into equipment that is not fully
operational and never attempt to view a videotape that is in questionable condition. Only trained
personnel should attempt to clean or adjust videotape or attempt any restoration or extraction from
damaged tape.
Handling and Care Considerations
1. Check the physical container for any indications of damage, if needed, replace it.
2. Check the inside of the container and tape for signs of any fungal issues. Look for colors of
black, mustard, and brown in some sort of pattern. Also, any tapes with white powder or
crystalline substances will need preservation work.
3. Identify the tape format and brand of tape.
4. Make sure labels on the tape and container match.
4
5. Make sure tapes are rewound completely before ejecting. Removing a tape before
completely rewound could lead to the tape being caught in the machine and a loss of
information.
6. Tapes should never be touched except at the beginning or end of the reel tape.
7. Videotapes should be placed on a clean and flat surface.
8. Clean tapes with a product called Pellon which is a long-fiber paper wipe. This product can
be found at fabric stores.
9. It is important to keep in mind that some tape cleaning machines have a razor-sharp blade
that aids in the cleaning. Tapes with splices should never be placed in one of these
machines.
10. Any tapes with mold cannot be cleaned before the mold is killed.
Storage
1. Videotapes should be stored in a climate controlled room with a 25% relative humidity and
temperate of not less than 46F (recommended) and not greater than 70F. Tapes that were
manufactured in the 1950s and 1960s have a lubricant, made out of natural vegetable and
animal oils, incorporated into the binder. When these tapes are stored at lower
temperatures the lubricant changes constancy and can crystallize on the surface of the
binder. When the tape is warmed sometimes the lubricant is reabsorbed and sometimes it is
not. When playing tapes with this damage they could seize, have squealing noises and
experience oxide/binder shedding.
2. The room that the videotape is housed in should be fireproof, well insulated and without
windows.
3. The shelving units should not be made from wood. The shelving should be constructed so
that water from the sprinkler system would not come into contact with the tapes. In
addition, the shelving should allow for air to circulate around the tapes to prevent mildew.
4. Tapes should be stored in rigid plastic, nonacidic, and static free containers. Paper jackets
are not an ideal way to house videotapes, but if in good condition, can be satisfactory.
5. Videotapes should be stored on shelves vertically and away from any magnetic materials.
6. Wind or rewind the tapes to one hub before placing in storage.
7. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter when cleaning the storage area.
5
Exhibition and Loan Considerations
1. When transporting or shipping the videotapes will be packaged in an insulated package
to reduce water or humidity exposure. Insurance will be purchased from the shipping
company when shipping videotapes.
2. Videotapes are to be shipped express to avoid prolonged exposure to heat on the
shipping truck or facility.
3. Master copies should never be loaned to another facility.
4. Include a copy of this manual and require a signature from the borrower ensuring the
guidelines will be followed. The borrower will also agree to absorbing all costs associated
with shipping, damage and ensuring the guidelines included are met.
5. Never use master copies of videotape for display, only use sub-master copies.
Reformatting or Migration Options
While several options of video migration exist digital methods produce better quality and
longer life than analog copies. The 3 most typical video reformatting or migration methods are:
1. Migration from one videotape to another videotape creating a sub-master.
2. Migration from the original videotape to another format
3. Migration from the original videotape to a digital file
Digital copies of migrated videotapes will be saved to an onsite hard drive and backup files will
be saved to offsite storage. The most notable benefit of creating a digital copy of an analog tape
is that copies are made without losing the recording quality and subsequent copies of a digital
copy will maintain the same sound quality.
Note
The master copy is not to be used unless it is to create a sub-master copy. The sub-master copy will then
be handled as though it is a master copy to ensure access to the original is limited.
6
Quick Reference Guide for Videotape Preservation
Do
Make a copy of the master copy creating a sub-master copy
Move the master copy to permanent storage and limit access to it
Control the climate of the storage area
Wear gloves when handling videotape
Keep video equipment clean and well maintained, test equipment with a nonessential
videotape prior to inserting archival material
Use videotape in the correct equipment and rewind after use taking caution to not
overwind
Store videotapes on non-wood shelving that allow air circulation.
Dont
Allow videotapes to be exposed to moisture, light, dust as outlined on page 4
Store videotapes in rooms with windows or near fire sprinklers
Touch the tape with bare hands
Attempt to restore videotapes without proper training
Store videotapes on the floor
Stack them horizontally
Drop or mistreatment the reel or cassette
Squeeze the flanges
Handle by the removable door
7
Index
Back Coat 2
Barrium Ferrite 3
Binder 1
Binder Degradation 3
Care 3
Chromium Dioxide 3
Composition 1
Damage 3
Display Considerations 5
Gamma Ferric Oxide 3
Handling 3
History 1
Life Expactancy of Videotape 3
Loan considerations 5
Lubrication resevoir 1
Magnetic Particles 1
Magnetic Signal 1
Metal Evaporated (ME) 3
Metal Particle (MP) 3
Playback signal 3
Polyester 2
Polyurethane top coat 1
Preservation 1
Reformatting options 5
Sticky Shed Syndrome 3
Sticky Tape 3
Storage 4
Substrate 2
Top Coat 1
Videotape Formats 2
Videotape Equipment 3
8
References
The British Library Board. (2014). Borrowing items for public exhibition. Retrieved from
http://www.bl.uk/aboutus/stratpolprog/borrow/
Cuddihy, E. F. (1994). Storage, preservation and recovery of magnetic recording tape. Retrieved from Jet
Propulsion Laboratory California Institute of Technology website: http://trs-
new.jpl.nasa.gov/dspace/bitstream/2014/36282/1/93-1817.pdf
Greiner, T. (2004). Preserving videotapes in libraries. Public Libraries, 43(4), 219-222
Iraci, J. (2011). The cold storage of CD, DVD, and VHS tape media. Restaurator, 32(2), 81.
doi:109
Tech-Notes. (2005). Retrieved from http://www.tech-notes.tv/
VanBogart, J. W. (1995). What can go wrong with magnetic media?
Vitale, T., & Messier, P. (n.d.). Video Preservation Website. Retrieved April 19, 2013, from
http://videopreservation.conservation-us.org/
Wheeler, J. (1994, November). Videotape preservation. Retrieved June 27, 2014, from
http://cool.conservation-us.org/byauth/wheeler/wheeler2.html
