Cassette Storage Key Terms

Some key terms for storing and maintaining cassettes

By J. Stoltzfus, writer/programmer LOCAL CITIZEN

Due to the rapid change in recording technology, there are an enormous amount of audio and video cassettes on tape sitting around in archives. Businesses in nearly any industry may find that they want to make sure their cassette archives are protected for the future. For this, a business must pay attention to the best new technology as well as common tips for maintaining a cassette archive. Knowing some of the common terms around cassette storage will help business leaders make good decisions about how to achieve this.

Temperature and moisture control

All kinds of audio and video cassettes need to be stored away from high temperatures or moisture to prevent early breakdown. This is the main key point in protecting audio and video cassettes and other similar materials and ensuring long-term integrity.
Try: Get detailed info on how to protect audio and video cassettes from heat and humidity as well as other relevant points, from this Magnetic Tape Storage and Handling page.

Multiple audio copy storage

The research on how to preserve audio and video cassettes and similar equipment has given rise to terms involving storing more than one copy of a particular set of cassettes. This is a method for helping to maximize the chance of having one good set of cassettes at a future time.
Try: Read about this at this Google Book search result where authors talk about the motto "One copy is no copy" when it comes to storing cassettes long term.

Magnetic fields

Magnetic fields are forces given off by magnetic equipment in a specific area. One big step in preserving audio or video cassettes is to keep them away from magnetic fields.
Try: Read more on the possible negative effect of magnetic fields at this page from Williams Records on Techniques for Safeguarding Backup Tapes.

Desiccants

Desiccants are specific materials included in storage containers to reduce moisture and preserve materials. Desiccants work by taking moisture out of the container.
Try: For a lot more technical details on how desiccants help preserve cassettes and other gear through chemical processes, read this Sorbent Systems page.

DAT and helical scan

DAT is a relatively new tape format that is still used to back up drives. Helical scan is the process by which the tape is recorded. This technology can be one option for creating backups of other tape formats or even digital drives.
Try: Learn more about DAT and the helical scan method at this PC Tech Guide.

Tape handling solutions

Tape handling solutions is a kind of catch-all term for how a business will choose to create backup archives or do other things to ensure data integrity. Many of these methods will include backing up data on a variety of media.
Try: See more on tape handling solutions and backups at MKS Software.