BOUGHT USB VIDEO CAPTURE DEVICE AND VERIFIED THAT IT WORKS
Connecting the video and the stereo audio output from the deck to a PC or Mac using USB, this captures the recordings and produces MP4 format files that can be further processed and archived. I will donate this to the archives and we will install the open source OBS software that does the actual capture and encoding using the USB device.
MAY NEED TO BAKE TAPES BEFORE PLAYBACK
The sample tape I used to restore the deck didn't shed much oxide nor did it have layers sticking together, but that is a common problem with old tapes which may impact other titles in the archives. The solution is to bake these for a couple of days in an oven at low heat. We will need to look over the tapes to decide which need this treatment.
How old are your tapes? I've had lots of problems with EIAJ open reel video in the past but I've never personally experienced sticky-shed syndrome with U-Matic tape stock. This is not to say it never happens but unless your tapes were stored in very poor conditions it should not be automatically necessary.
ReplyDeleteI bought a food dehydrator specifically for the purpose of baking tapes and have had good results. You get much more even temperature distribution in a smaller area as opposed to using a regular oven plus it's more energy efficient. Just take the time to run it empty to find the temp you want and then mark the temperature control and you're set.
Thank you WildcatMatt for the advice on dealing with the tapes if I do find any needing treatment. Google searches led me to expect this was more common with U-Matic than you have experienced. Happy to hear that this won't be the problem I feared.
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