Exploring

Reformatting Media Collections

Audiotapes and Videotapes

For audiotape and videotape that is deteriorating rapidly and/or becoming obsolete, create a preservation master, which will then be used to produce use copies for viewing and listening. The preservation master should be stored in a stable and moderate environment and restricted from use.

Copy Formats

As with motion picture film, preservation masters and service copies can be made either in digital or analog format, each of which has advantages and disadvantages.

It is generally recommended that sound recordings be reformatted via analog recording onto quarter-inch polyester standard-play tape with a ferric oxide coating. The preservation master should reproduce the original as accurately as possible, while the service copy can be altered to improve the sound quality if desired.

Videotape can be copied onto VHS videotape, or you can create the first copy on better-quality tape, which can then be used as a master to make additional copies as needed. BetaCam SP (a half-inch analog tape) has often been used for this purpose, although DigiBeta (a half-inch digital tape) can also be used.