Metal particle Hi8 tape degradation?

Question

Recently I was playing a Hi8 tape from 1998, when I tried rewinding and rewatching a part (stopping the tape, before rewinding). The part of the tape I had just watched was highly distorted and black and white.So, I've learned the hard way that old metal particle tapes are prone to being erased, when watched. Presumably, the 'MP' on the tapes stands for metal particle? These tapes have been stored in a safe place. How many years before this problem arises with MP tapes?Is there a better alternative than playing these tapes into a capture card? If not, I realize that I only have one chance to capture this video. If this is the only option, I'll expect to capture until the read head becomes too affected by residue, and then stop and clean the head, and repeat. Any advice would be appreciated.-------------------EditUnfortunately, I've found out the hard way there are consequences to over-using a cleaning tape. The head is either dirtier than before, or damaged.

Answer 1

I owned a Studio for 20-years where we did just that for Lawyers, the Public, and Caltech. Sorry to say but, you are stuck. The true answer is to cook - really - COOK the tape. This helps to make the adhesive hold better. With reel-to-reel tapes you can do that. BUT! Hi8mm are made very poorly. The real reason they fail is because they were made differently. Back then, Hi8 was considered a MASTERING surface. So once you recorded something. It was never to be used again. Everyone used them repeatedly - NOT their intended use. As to a cleaning tape. Did you get a TRUE Hi8 cleaning tape? Those were factory fresh new tapes with a coating on them. NO ABRASIVES are to be used at anytime. So if the cleaning surface is anything other than a new tape. It will REALLY DAMAGE the heads. Forever!