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Introduction
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Digital Betacam decks implemented an SDI coaxial digital connection, which allowed video production facilities to transmit digital signals on existing coaxial wiring without having to commit to rewiring other equipment.
Identification
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https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/100667-REG/Maxell_288515_BD_40_40_Minute_Digital_Betacam.htmlMaxell BD-40 40-Minute Digital Betacam Video Cassette in Album Case (Small). B&H Foto & Electronics Corp. Accessed February 22, 2021. |
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Maxell BD-40 40-Minute Digital Betacam Video Cassette in Album Case (Small). B&H Foto & Electronics Corp. Accessed February 22, 2021. |
Physical characteristics
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| Tape width | 1/2 inch |
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| Tape composition | Metal particulate |
| Cassette dimensions | small cassette: 6⅛" × 3¾" × 1" large cassette: 9⅓" × 5⅔" × 1" |
| Container dimensions | Most common containers are the manufacturer's hard plastic snap-closure cases. Small cassette cases: 6¾" x 4⅜" Large cassette cases are 10⅝" x 6⅜" x 1¼" |
| Identifying features | Cassettes are usually labelled "Digital Betacam" in the upper right corner |
| Common manufacturers/brands | Sony |
| Playback | Requires camera or deck manufactured for Digital Betacam format. Some Digital Betcam equipment is backwards-compatible with Betacam and Betacam SP. |
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| Storage environment: temperature | Ideal: 40–54°F (4.5–12°C) Acceptable: 55–60°F (13–15.5°C) |
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| Storage environment: humidity | 30-50% RH |
| Container | Digital Betacam containers should pass the Photographic Activity Test (PAT) as specified ISO Standard 18916:2007
Containers are acceptable if they:
Unacceptable containers must be replaced with clean, inert containers. |
| Orientation of tape in storage | Vertical on its end (like books) |
Types of damage and deterioration
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Binder deterioration
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"1.1.3. Inspect for damage / Look for chemical deterioration / Binder degradation". In Audio Tape Digitisation Workflow. Accessed February 22, 2021. |
Description
Commonly known as "sticky shed syndrome." Affected records will have a visible gummy or powdery residue on the surface of the tape. This can damage both the recorded material and playback equipment. Back-coated tapes are most affected by this type of deterioration.
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Baking: Holding the tape at an elevated temperature (45°C to 55°C) for a brief period of time (up to 36 hours) can temporarily remove moisture and allow normal playback for a period of one to two weeks. Tapes should not be rewound before baking.
Drop-out
https://www.musiikkiarkisto.fi/audio/audio113.html
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"1.1.3. Inspect for damage / Look for chemical deterioration / Binder degradation". In Audio Tape Digitisation Workflow. Accessed February 22, 2021. |
Description
A brief signal loss caused by a tape head clog, missing magnetic oxide particles, tape defect, or debris on the tape or machine. These factors can reduce head-to-tape spacing and result in the appearance of white spots or streaks on playback. Multiple drop-outs per frame will result in a snowy appearance.
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Flaking/missing magnetic oxide particles are an indication of tape deterioration. This type of drop-out cannot be corrected physically.
Mould
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Are Your Video Tapes Showing Bad Signs of Mould. MultiMedia Select. Accessed February 24, 2021. |
Description
Active mould is generally moist while dormant mould is dry and dusty. Mould growths may be white, black, brown or mustard-coloured and usually have a pattered, fuzzy, or thread-like appearance. Mould can cause permanent damage to tapes over time if not removed. Fungus and mould is also a significant health hazard and affected materials should be handled using gloves and masks.
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Mouldy tapes should be isolated from unaffected materials to prevent cross contamination. Store tapes at a temperature of 24°C in an environment with effective air circulation and less than 50% Relative Humidity. Loose mold can be vacuumed from the tape pack and then the tape should be treated with an appropriate fungicide.
Stretching and breaking
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Figure 20. Wrinkled VHS tape. Caring for audio, video and data recording media. Government of Canada, Canadian Conservation Institute. June 30, 2020. |
Cause
Stretching, wrinkling and breaking of video tape usually results from improper handling or use of playback equipment.
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Stretching can distort the tape signal however data can usually be recovered (with a decrease in signal quality).
Accidental recording
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Record Protection Mechanisms: MiniDV. Preservation Self Assessment Program. Accessed February 24, 2021. |
Description
Camera operators can accidentally record over pre-existing footage
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- Section 9.0 - Outsourced digitization of audiovisual items
- Appendix C - Technical specifications for moving images
University Archives Procedure Manual
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Visit the /wiki/spaces/ALC/overview for further reading on /wiki/spaces/ALC/pages/1891631115.
References
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AMIA. "Video Preservation Factsheets." Accessed December 10, 2020.
Bensinger, Charles. "Chapter 6: All about videotape." In The Video Guide, Second Edition, 71-75. Santa Barbara, California: Video-Info Publications, 1981.
Bogart, John Van. "What Can Go Wrong With Magnetic Media?" In Magnetic Tape Storage and Handling: A Guide for Libraries and Archives. Washington, DC: The Commission on Preservation and Access, 1995.
Casey, Mike. "FACET: Format characteristics and preservation problems." Bloomington, IN: Indiana University, 2007.
Gibson, Gerald. D. "Magnetic tape deterioration: recognition, recovery and prevention." Paper presented at the IASA Conference, Perugia, August 26, 1996.
Jimenez, Mona and Liss Platt. "Videotape Identification and Assessment Guide." Texas Commission on the Arts, 2004.
Museum of Obsolete Media. Digital Betacam (1993-2016). Accessed February 8, 2021. Wheeler, Jim. "Videotape preservation handbook." 2002.
Preservation Self Assessment Program. "Videotape: Digital Betacam." University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Accessed February 8, 2021.
Version history
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| Version | Date | Author(s) | Version Notes |
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