Playback Two-inch open reels require format-specific equipment for playback. Based on content assessment, it should be a priority for reformatting. These tapes are especially vulnerable because the format is long obsolete and playback equipment is hard to find. Risk Level Two-inch quad tapes should be reformatted by a vendor with proven experience with this format.
As the spongy container liner decays, it deteriorates into a powder and then into a gummy substance that is difficult to clean off of the tape. The tape's original shipping container can also pose a risk. It is also prone to risks common to other types of magnetic media, such as mold, binder deterioration, physical damage, and signal drop-outs.
Composition Polyester magnetic tape on a plastic or metal reel Deterioration Two-inch quad is especially susceptible to risks associated with age, hardware, and equipment obsolescence. Two-inch open reels may also be found in cardboard boxes, which often hold extensive labeling information. The shipping container for this format is easily identifiable due to its sheer size of 15" square × 4" and weight of up to 20–30 lbs. The reel is approximately 12" inches in diameter. The tape is composed of magnetic particles, a binder, and a polyester base. Large, often-used shipping container for 2" open reel video.ĭates 1956 – early 1980s Common Size(s) Tape width: 2" Reel: ~12" (diameter) Container: 15" x 15" × 4" (20–30 lbs) Description Two-inch open reel (or "quad") is a magnetic tape-based analog video format that was used primarily in professional television studio settings.
Courtesy of the Danish Broadcasting Corporation.Ģ" open reel video in plastic shipping case.
#The cost of manufacturing a particular video tape is license
Image by Flickr user DRs Kulturarvsprojekt, available under a Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike license ( CC BY-SA 2.0). 2" open reel videotape with plastic case.