Can’t Find the Right Machine?

December 22, 2006

The guys at Retro Thing have an entry about formats that disappear. In this case, it’s a reel-to-reel video tape. And no, they don’t have a machine to play it on. Yet.

Which reminds me, folks — when we talk about digital preservation it’s not just about the medium that holds the information (tape, CD, DVD, etc.) and how long they will last. If you don’t have access to the hardware and/or software needed to translate all those ones and zeros into your recorded memories, then you can’t access those recordings.

I thought the reel-to-reel video player was cool, but my favorite part of the post is the news that consumers appear to be waiting for the Blu-Ray vs. HD-DVD format war to finish before they buy in to either format. Once bitten, twice shy. Anybody remember Betamax?

Below is a link to RetroThing’s entry, which includes a picture of the reel-to-reel video tape. If you like vintage gadgets, you will l-o-v-e this blog! http://www.retrothing.com/2006/12/scotch_color_ca.html

Posted by Sally J. | Filed Under Blog, Preserve 

Comments

Comments are closed.

Reliable Preservation Information

Ask my Preservation Answer Machine any question you want, then use the links provided to find expert advice about how to care for your treasures. From places like the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian. Click Here

Nervous About Scanning? (July 25th Class)

My Joy of Organizing Photos live class is currently running the entire month of July. It's an in-depth four week program, but you might be able to sneak in on the final live phone class -- where you will learn how to scan *safely* and preserve the digital files you create.
.
Sunday, July 25th 3:00-4:30pm Central Time. 90 minutes, includes time for Q&A. The call-in number is a U.S. line, and you are responsible for the long distance charges.

.

Want a reminder email (just one, I promise!) when the scan class becomes available for separate purchase?
Send an email to: practicalarchivist+scan@gmail.com, or click here to automatically open a new email and put the address in for you.

Free Scanning Blunders eBook

Are you saving your scans as jpeg files? Bad idea. Get your free copy of my popular e-booklet 8 Blunders People Make When They Scan Photos and How To Avoid Them All when you sign up for my email list.