Inspecting Tapes

There are several key issues to look for when you're inspecting tapes, whether it be 1/4" open-reel tape, U-matic, VHS, 2" Quad, or a simple audio cassette, for the most part, they can all fall victim to the same maladies.

1. Mold: Mold, technically speaking, is fungi that form "mycelium," the substance we often colloquially call mold, and it will feed on certain substances present in different formulations of videotape.