A Case Study on RTM’s 2 inch Quad Video Tapes with the NFSA

In the early 1970’s, the medium used for transmission was the 2 inch Quad video tapes. Since then for RTM with the change in video technology, the medium has evolved to the 1 inch B format and currently the 1 inch C format and the Betacam SP. All these mediums require different sets of equipment which are costly and also require different skills in handling.

In 1991, RTM still holds over 2,000 units of the 2 inch Quad tapes. By then, the equipment which was purchased in the early 1970’s was becoming more obsolete in use and tedious to handle. Over time the equipment becomes uneconomical to maintain and the machines were then scheduled to be condemned and disposed.

In the early years, being the only broadcasting station, RTM was given a wide task doing coverage on historic events and activities of the nation. The contents of these tapes ranges from recorded events and also of programmes that were made for transmission and all these have high archival values in terms of information in audio visual format.

We made several attempts to playback these Quad tapes and to have the contents copied onto another format. But due to the long storage and unattended, there were heavy oxide drop outs which clogs the tape head and the only output was black on screen. Since we do not have the skilled personnel and the necessary facilities, we had to stop the project and possibly wait for the time to dispose these Quad tapes.

In May 1996, ASEAN COCI and Australia being the Dialogue partner organized a three week workshop relating to Management and Archiving of Films and Video Tapes. The workshop was held at the National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) in Canberra, Australia. It was a very good workshop covering as much area as possible relating to the subject.

The problem faces with the 2 inch Quad tapes can be considered as a common world problem and this is recognized by all those who are still keeping a hold onto these tapes. All these video tapes if not given the proper treatment, will not last. As mentioned before, these tapes carry the nation’s wealth of information in audio visual format. On this matter, the NFSA feels strongly we being in this region need consider working towards saving as much as possible the contents of thee Quad tapes.

In mid 1996, a presentation was given to our management on audio visual archiving and the problem faced with the 2 inch Quad video tapes were highlighted. The management were very supportive and very much aware of the importance in archiving and proposed that the Quad tapes be saved. Finally after much procedural matters and paperworks, last October an agreement was made between RTM and the NFSA.

Last November, 274 units of the Quad tapes were delivered to NFSA in Canberra. To date till the month of March, the NFSA has managed to restore and transfer 10 of the Quad tapes successfully.

The process involved are as follows:

• the tapes are fitted with flanges to enable correct winding and cleaning
• the tapes are given an initial pass through the 2 inch cleaner at low speed to pack the tape correctly on the hub
• during the pass, the rollers and scrapers removes dirt and excess oxide from both surfaces of the tape
• another problem found is the deterioration of the binder holding the oxide in place – large sections of the backing have been coming off the tapes, leaving a very thin and delicate film oxide that will tolerate one or two passes through the replay machine
• to reduce the above effect, the tapes are then baked in an oven at about 50 degrees Celsius for 24 – 48 hours – this thus reactivates the binder for a very brief period, permitting replay
• after an average of two full runs through the cleaning process, the tape is ready for replay
• there is also monitoring on numerous signals during playback to ensure optimum picture quality
• the machine is constantly cleaned during playback as more oxide and binder is deposited
• during recording onto Betacam SP, there is full monitoring of picture and sound quality

As agreed, the NFSA will be providing us with regular report updates, highlights on matters of special importance and also the documentation of the technical works involved with each batch of the tapes.

The work is tedious and costly and we hope the cooperation can and will be extended for a wider gain for all us within the region.

Prepared by
Normah Chik bt. Ahmad Nordin
Department of Broadcasting of Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur