Blank Tape Buyer's Guide (page 2)
4) Linger on Longevity
Retentivity measures how well a tape holds the magnetic charge and thus its ability to preserve a recording for an extended period of time. This is an important thing to take into consideration when archiving or using footage accumulated throughout the years. As with coercivity, there are different ranges for the varying formats. If durability and longevity are important factors, look for high number in the retentivity column.
5) Beware of Signal-to-noise Ratio Ratings
Measured in decibels (dB), this is the ratio of the pure video (luminance) and/or color (chrominance) to the background "noise" added by the tape. Noise is any unwanted electrical signal in the form of moving specks of color or light in the picture. However, a buyer-beware warning goes along with this spec because there isn't an industry standard. Often in the case of video and color signal-to-noise ratios, manufacturers compile their statistics by comparing them to their own reference tapes. Only when choosing between tapes of a single manufacturer will these ratios help you find the lowest rat…
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