How to Repair a Digital 8Mm Video Tape
Digital 8mm video tape was introduced by Sony in 1999 as another consumer alternative to analog 8mm and Digital Video (DV) cameras. These digital 8mm cameras use the older 8mm tapes that have been around since the 1980s, but record on them with the standard digital video format. Digital 8mm video tapes are larger and bulkier than their miniDV counterparts. These tapes can sometimes become damaged. It's possible to repair a digital 8mm video tape with the right tools and some patience.
Instructions
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Press the small button on the right side of the tape. Raise the front cover to expose the tape inside. Use a pencil or pen to spin the takeup reels to pull any excess tape back inside the case.
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Turn the tape upside down and set it on a flat surface. Use a small screwdriver to remove the screws on the bottom of the cassette and gently lift it off to expose the tape inside. You can now wind the tape back onto the reels manually if it has become tangled. Put on a pair of clean cotton gloves before touching the tape, as the acid in human perspiration can harm tapes.
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Splice the tape back together using a tape splicer and some splicing tape (see Resources). Place the tape, shiny side up, into the tape splicer. Connect the two pieces with a small piece of splicing tape. Wear cotton gloves for this procedure.
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Blow out the camera that you have been using the tape on with compressed air. This will clear out any dust particles inside that might be causing the tape to jam.
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Tips & Warnings
Splicing tape is a difficult process to do properly. If in doubt, consult a professional tape restoration service.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit 8mm image by Randy McKown from Fotolia.com
