Physically see ad tapes before capture?

[copyme]

Im going to convert a bunch of tapes for a friend.
Dont really know how the tapes have been stored.

Can I see if they are "bad"? Yeah sure, I know what mold looks like. But otherwise?

Or is there a risk of damaging my VCR (heads) while playing tapes, that I dont know the condition of?

I dont want to ruin my VCR before i convert my own tapes...

[lordsmurf]

Make your friend wait. Do you first. It's why you bought the gear.

Yes, the tapes can cause damage, and it's not always obvious until after it has caused wear in the VCR.

[Hushpower]

But, all other things being equal, if the tapes are mould-free through the top panels, they should be OK to play?

[Xhumeka]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hushpower

But, all other things being equal, if the tapes are mould-free through the top panels, they should be OK to play?

This info is specific to Betamax tapes but there are some similarities with VHS... see attachments - a few more things to be careful of (author "Mr. Betamax).