This may sound like a stupid question but it's recommended you store your DV tapes in an "upright" position. What is upright?! My DVcam tapes cases are set up so that the area where the tape is thread over the heads is up. The Sony tapes cases are set up so the spine of the tape (area where the lock/save button resides) is up. Which side is considered "upright"?

Also how important *is* it to store tapes "upright"?

Upright is like a book. Tapes should be rewound and on the bottom.

So the spine (where you can put a label) should be facing up.