7. Background (cont’d) For the purpose of this report, we will concentrate on the “traditional” magnetic carriers: the audio and video tapes. All audio-specific magnetic tape formats are now, in practice, dead (Schüller, 2008). Video-specific magnetic tape formats are still in wide use, but a similar development to that which happened in the audio world is foreseeable (Schüller, 2008).
8. Composition and properties Magnetic tape is composed of three layers: Binder/oxide coating (magnetic layer) Base film Back coating (not on all tapes) (Hess, 2008, p.242)
12. The binder is the “glue” or matrix that holds the oxide particles to the base film.
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17. Back coating Tape back coating has been claimed to do several things: Provide a smoother wind Provide better grip for tape movement Provide for electrostatic drain Reduce print-through Back coatings generally contain carbon black and add a little strength to the overall tape.
18. Tape housing There are three basic methods for the immediate storage of tape: Open spool Cassette Cartridge
20. Open spool (cont’d) Open spools were until recently the main form of tape used for professional audio recordings. Some expensive professional digital audio formats like DASH (Digital Audio Stationary Head) and PD (ProDigi) use reel-to-reel tape and stationary head technology.
25. Cartridge (cont’d) The primary use for cartridges is for storing computer data but a variant was extensively used to record short sound sequences for commercials, station identifications and the like. (Wheeler, 2007) (Field, 2008)
26. REFERENCES Dumont, J., Johansen, J. & Kilander, G. (1992). Handling and storage of recoded videotape. Retrieved from http://www.ebu.ch/fr/technical/trev/trev_254-tutorial.pdf Hess, R.L. (2008). Tape Degradation Factors and Challenges in Predicting Tape Life. ARSC Journal, 39 (2), 240-274. Retrieved from EBSCOhost Schüller, D. (2008). Audio and video carriers. Retrieved from http://www.tape-online.net/docs/audio_and_video_carriers.pdf Van Bogart, J. W.C. (1995). Magnetic Tape Storage and Handling: A Guide for Libraries and Archives. Retrieved from http://www.imaginar.org/dppd/DPPD/126%20pp%20Magnetic%20 Tape%20Storage.pdf ________. [2008]. Old IFLA website. Retrieved from http://archive.ifla.org