Storage Life of Mini DV at DVinfo.net

Mark A. Foley · November 5th, 2004, 03:49 AM

Does anyone know how long a properly stored Mini DV tape will last before detoriation makes it unusable?

Ken Tanaka · November 5th, 2004, 11:24 AM

I don't really know, Mark. But I can tell you that I have some Beta tapes that have reached their 20th anniversary and still play fine. (Don't ask.) I also have some VHS tapes that are at least 17 years old that look as good as their youth (which, admittedly, was not dazzling by current standards.) So I would expect MiniDV tapes to have a long life if stored well.

November 5th, 2004, 03:49 AM	#1
Mark A. Foley Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: Bonaire, Ga. Posts: 356	Storage Life of Mini DV Does anyone know how long a properly stored Mini DV tape will last before detoriation makes it unusable?

November 5th, 2004, 11:24 AM	#2
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	I don't really know, Mark. But I can tell you that I have some Beta tapes that have reached their 20th anniversary and still play fine. (Don't ask.) I also have some VHS tapes that are at least 17 years old that look as good as their youth (which, admittedly, was not dazzling by current standards.) So I would expect MiniDV tapes to have a long life if stored well. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com