Videotapes are composed of a plastic polyester backing onto which a layer of magnetic material (metal or oxide) and binder is coated.

The proper care of videotape relies upon looking after both the base and the magnetic layer in which the image and sound information is contained.

Video tapes and playback equipment are no longer manufactured, and content should be digitised as soon as possible to avoid it being permanently lost.

Please note: The advice given here regarding the care of video is based on best international experience and the best information available to the National Film and Sound Archive. To be sure of the best care of your video you may wish to seek specialist advice

How should you store tapes?

Heat and humidity are the 2 greatest enemies of videotape.

The recommended storage conditions are 18 to 24 degrees Celsius with a relative humidity of between 35% and 45%.

In your house this might be on the lower floor, not in the roof or ceiling area, and not under the house, which may be humid and damp.

Storage places to avoid include:

• directly on concrete floors (susceptible to spills and water damage and high humidity)
• attics, ceiling spaces or cellars, under the house (high temperatures and high humidity)
• adjacent to bathrooms and laundries, or other areas where steam and water are found
• next to the VCR or other hi-fi equipment in an enclosed cabinet (high temperatures).

You should always return the tapes to their containers when you have finished using them and store the containers in an upright position to prevent damage to the edge of the tape. If several containers are stacked on top of each other the plastic cassettes can warp.

It is also a good idea to spool tapes at low speed or play from start to finish before storage as this will ensure that the tape is correctly wound inside the cassette.

What extra precautions should you take?

Do not place your camcorder or tapes in a bag or holder with containers of liquids, food or other materials which could contaminate the video materials should the container break.

If you are in particularly extreme climatic areas allow time for your camcorder and tapes to warm up or cool down before use. A rapid change from an air-conditioned room to tropical heat and humidity, or vice versa, can clog video heads and jam tapes.

Can electrical appliances damage tapes?

Only very strong magnetic fields will damage videotapes, the stray magnetic fields around most appliances are too weak to do any damage.

Normal house wiring is usually not a problem but high voltage power lines and lightening arresters in large buildings can produce dangerous levels of electromagnetic interference.

Security scanners and x-ray equipment aren’t usually harmful, but it is wise to check first.

The most likely articles found in the home that can affect tapes are those with small powerful magnets, such as magnetic flashlights, fridge magnets, small headphones and speaker cabinets.

Will tapes last longer if they’re not used?

Not necessarily. Tapes that are rewound or played at least annually to rewind pack stresses may last longer than tapes which are not played at all. However, the more often you play a tape, the greater the likelihood that the tape will be damaged.

Copies should be made of frequently used tapes so that a backup exists.

How can I protect my videos from natural disaster?

You should consider safeguarding any videos of great personal importance from extreme hazard, such as household fires or floods, by digitising them and storing the digital files separately.

In the event of a flood, evacuate the tapes or store them in a sealed container — try to avoid the tapes becoming wet at all costs.

In the event of a fire, evacuate the tapes or bury them in a sealed container.