[QuadList] Responding to: Excellent Exchange - Need training for non-gray hairs

Tue Feb 17 20:07:15 CST 2009

Responses to each point below: 

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ted Langdell" <ted at quadvideotapegroup.com> 
To: "Quad List" <quadlist at quadvideotapegroup.com> 
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 11:28:51 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern 
Subject: Re: [QuadList] Responding to: Excellent Exchange - Need training for non-gray hairs 

On Feb 17, 2009, at 3:31 AM, allanmc-avtech at comcast.net wrote: 

Not only is there an interest to play back problematic tapes in large numbers at the NAVCC, but it needs to be done economically. And economy becomes a vital part of the formula when they will look at a very limited budget which may only enable a small number of "gray haired old guys with expert eyes" that are necessary to re-master their valuable, but sizable, collection of quad tapes. 

On Feb 17, 2009, at 6:53 AM, C. Park Seward wrote: 

Great discourse, Allan. 

However, if I only had one chance to transfer a quad tape that was falling apart, I would want one of those expensive grey hairs doing it. 
Actually, I agree with you. Especially since I'm one of those gray headed old tape guys. In my heart of hearts, I see a need for two paths. The NAVCC would be wise to pursue having expert engineers come on-site for doing those special tapes. But, their collection is so large, that I think they should also pursue the concept of greater efficiencies from touch-less transfers. Obviously, they need to manage the technology base and acquire a method of documenting the techniques and special hands on knowledge some of the old gray hairs have acquired over time. I'm no longer an employee there.... so I'll wave my disclaimer flag.... but I don't think I'm too far off what they will agree with. 

The concept of a "touchless Quad Head" is what caused me to mention the first QVTG lunch at NAB to Steve Nease when he brought up the subject at a business breakfast we were having. 

The need to train new people—with or without hair—in the care and feeding of Quad machines, safe and careful recovery of content from tape and the need to "migrate" the knowledge the experienced folks have onto some form of media is what transformed the lunch discussion from enjoyable socializing to enjoyable socializing with a beneficial, long-term purpose. 

I think those who were there said, "Yes, let's do that." And those who have come along since, have said so, too. 

Steve indicated there was likely money available to bring people to NAVCC for training seminars and other things. That needs to be followed up on. 
I'll keep on reminding him of that need and suggest that the group think more about the training seminars. 

The concept of a "Quad Tour" that helps take the training to the trainees has been floated. That also needs to be penciled out and developed, and put into action or shelved until there's money, interest, support. 
Like the idea. And would be interested in seeing how it gets put into action. 

Either way, we as a group need to start developing the "course material" and then work out how to deliver it... and at the same time preserve the teaching for future generations... the great grandkids and great-great grandkids of the folks who began videotape—this great thing we're all fascinated by. 

They may develop the technology that makes a touchless Quad head possible. Or other "non-invasive, non-destructive" methods of recovering the cultural content from the tapes now on shelves. 

They may laugh or wonder at what they see, but we'll have given them some insight into their roots, and connection with us at the same time. 

What's do you think our next step in this process... a process we can begin to do now? 
A very practical question that needs some serious noodling. 

Ted 

Ted Langdell 
Secretary 
Skype: TedLangdell 

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