Posted by Clark Zahn on 11/16/19 11:40

Biz wrote:


>
>>Some of the tapes I want to preserve are getting quite old so I need to
>>do something pretty soon.
>>
>>
>>Clark
>
>
> Dont forget that your analog media deteriorates over time, whereas, even
> though the current recordable media doesnt last forever, you can make
> another exact copy every few years or so without any loss, and the media
> just continues to improve.....
>
>

The problem with digital media is that it's usually an all or nothing
situation. Tapes do degrade, but they are usually playable unless the
totally self destruct. I have had a few audio cassettes do that, but
they were treated badly. Recovering from damaged digital media is
sometimes possible with enough technology and effort.

I guess if something is important enough one should regularly refresh
your copies. That is what computer centers do with their backups.

I wonder how long an unused hard drive would last? They are so cheap
nowadays that one could put all of your cherished videos on a big HD and
store it in a secure cabinet.


Clark

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