On Sun, 8 Dec 2002 14:40:18 -0800 (PST), bigrocketman3@webtv.net (Steve McDonald) wrote:

> The durability of the metal-coated tapes of these two formats is
>much better than those that use oxide tapes and analog recording. I
>have analog-recorded Hi-8 and BetaCam SP metal tapes that still play
>back fine after almost 14 years, so I'm hoping that these
>digital-recorded tapes will last even longer. Of course, it all depends
>on how often you play or re-record on them, how gentle your equipment is
>in running them and how well they are stored.
>They need to be kept at an even, moderate temperature and away from
>moisture, sunlight and magnetic devices, such as large batteries, motors
>and other electric equipment.
>Steve McDonald

Batteries, being DC devices, will have no
associated magnetic fields. Even with the others
(including magnets), the tapes would likely need
to be in close contact for an extended period for
damage to occur... Also, it is wise to store the
tapes rewound, and upright, in a dust-free,
low-humidity, moderate-temperature environment...