Standard Operating Procedures Evaluation / Re-Certification

Our clean, degauss and evaluation processes are managed with the highest of integrity. Accountability is paramount; our re-certification teams are comprised of experienced personnel that are assigned to manage the processes at different stages of the clean and degauss evolution to maximize efficiency and to demonstrate a check and balance system that produces content-free results.

• Remove all stickers, and labels (with an exception to client specific barcodes – unless requested for removal by the client.)
• Important! If client barcodes are damaged, illegible, or questionable – the barcodes will be removed and discarded.
• Remove excess glue using eco-friendly solutions.
• Review tapes and albums for physical or cosmetic damage. (Damaged tapes and albums are discarded. A report of damaged tapes will be submitted with each order.)
• Affix barcodes on tapes, or album labels on products. (varies by account service requirements)

• Erase each tape (3) times in a horizontal position. Equipment Used: Data Security MP-14 Degausser.
• Erase each tape (3) times in a vertical position. Equipment Used: Data Security MP-14 Degausser.
• Review each tape and album to ensure that proper barcodes and album labels are affixed. (varies by account service requirements)
• Evaluation each tape is evaluated and re-certified using the industry standard RTI Tape Check Evaluator.
• Package each tape and album into its proper box and label the box with a quality control label that detail: Format, Length of Tape, Box Quantity, Date of Inspection, Initials of QC Personnel, and Batch Number of Degaussing Evolution.

The picture and sound QC is performed by (1) QC Technician who selects random batches of degaussed tape and views them using format specific Video Players to ensure that finished products are free of picture and sound. This process is conducted 5 times per day.

99.9% content-free media is what we expect to produce, and trust that our top-rated control measures surpass the expectations of industry product standards.

Frequently Asked Questions about Evaluation Process and Pricing:

1. “What is pricing with an evaluation slip? Why might I want that”?
The evaluation slip is a detailed printout of the health of the tape; it provides the exact minute length where problems exist in the tape. Many times there may be excessive dropouts in the head (beginning of the tape) or the tail (end of the tape) due to shuttling. Shuttling is when a tape is put in the deck and the arms of the deck wrap the tape initially around the head. These “hits” (excessive dropouts in the beginning or last few seconds) are not a significant concern, because that area will contain “black” anyway, or it is the part of the tape that would not contain any recorded program. A problematic tape is one with “hits” in the middle – such tape is considered defective - and we would dispose of it. You may want the print-out if the hit is in minute 80 of a 94SRL tape, since it can still be used for a 64 minute or less program. Most of the time the tape is acceptable. We can let you know if the tape is salvageable or has ugly hits throughout, saving time from the print-out.

2. “We have a degausser, we can C/D/R (Clean, Degauss, and Rewind) in house”?
We refer you to what the evaluation process is and the value from the Research Technology Intl brochure:

• Tape cleaning module utilizes three vacuum-assisted wiping tissues that effectively remove loose oxide and dirt from the tape surface before and after polishing. Precision dual sapphire burnishing system polishes the recording surface, eliminates “snowplow” debris, and improves head-to-tape contact in your recorders. Temporary dropouts are virtually eliminated.
• The revolutionary new LaserSCAN detector inspects the tape for physical defects and damage with virtually 100% coverage from edge to edge. RTI has used computer chip technology to produce an eight-cell photo receiver with virtually no gaps between photo sensors…and that means virtually no gaps in defect detection!
• This non-contact optical inspection system detects physical damage in videotape that could cause major disruptions of the picture and/or sound quality because, when physical damage occurs, it causes the tape to lose contact with the heads of the VCR…usually resulting in a dramatic loss in picture or sound.
• The solid-state visible laser in the LaserSCAN has many advantages. It has a long life and it runs much cooler than light bulbs. RTI’s special circuitry continually monitors the laser light output to guarantee consistent defect detection. Plus, the laser is a pinpoint light source…necessary to really pinpoint tape damage.
• When tape defects occur, the light path from the laser to the photo sensors is disturbed and a defect is counted in the upper edge channel, the middle (video) channel or the lower edge channel on the display.