Now that you're done with your project, what do you do with the raw footage and all of your project files? If you logged your tapes with your editing software, you won't need to keep the original capture files around, since you can re-capture from tape if necessary. If you'd rather not re-capture, you can burn everything in your project to DVD (you'll probably need several DVDs for bigger projects) or onto Blu-ray Disc or HD DVD. Another option for really big projects or recurring clients would be simply copying all of your project files, including video clips and audio clips, onto to a new hard drive, then removing the hard drive and putting it into a padded box and onto a shelf with a label. This is a somewhat expensive option, but it's an extremely convenient one.

As far as long-term storage of any type of media goes, the maxim "if you're comfortable, it's comfortable" can be safely followed. Avoid wild fluctuations or extremes of temperature and humidity, and keep the dust down if at all possible. The general recommendation is 68 degrees Fahrenheit at 40% relative humidity. There are some good online discussions of best practices for archiving your media - do a little searching and you'll find the information you need.

Charles Fulton is Videomaker's Associate Editor.