Videotape

There are several things you should keep in mind to insure good recordings:

tape needs to be handled carefully, which means don't handle at all if possible, videocassettes should either be in the VCR in or a case!
store in a cool, dry, clean place (not a car trunk in summertime). Ideal storage = 68 degrees and 40% relative humidity
videotape should never be spliced (however, if spliced only for one dub)
should be stored on end, tape edges must be protected from damage or you could loose audio or control track
keep away from strong magnetic fields, i.e., monitors, speakers, etc.
do not keep VCR in pause mode for long periods of time
avoid using the first minute and last minute of tape due to the potential for excessive dropouts
most production facilities use tape for only a single pass, although you can get many passes if you are careful
beware of losing power to VCR before tape is ejected, otherwise you could eject tape before it is returned to its cassette
it is a good idea to "exercise" or "fluff" a new tape, (ff to end and back)
never use a wrinkled or creased tape, it could damage heads
make sure that the VCR is properly maintained; cleaned, tape guide tension checked, worn belts replaced, etc.

To contact professor Ebersole, e-mail him at samuel.ebersole@colostate-pueblo.edu