DV Tapes in Checked Luggage

[ine2201]

Does anyone know if there is an issue with DV tapes in checked baggage going thru the airport screening process. There are known problems with unexposed film in checked baggage, but there are certainly differences between film and DV tapes (exposed or unexposed). And, obvioulsy, there are no issues I have heard of with other forms of digital storage (DVD, CD, etc). Comments or experiences will be appreciated. Thanks!

[DVO]

It's advisible to bring it in your hand luggage. Some x-ray mashines for hand luggage say they are safe for film and magnetic stuff. I think they are different from the ones used for the checked items.

I haven't had any problems so far with unused or used DV-tapes in the hand carry. But I read somewere not to trust those x-rays, best is to not x-ray the film or tapes at all if possible...

[Gurm]

If possible take them in carryon and manually show/hand them to the baggage inspectors.

Back in the days of floppy discs, we geeks used to manually take floppies AROUND metal detectors and xray machines.

If it's a small item like a DV tape it ought to be pretty easy to convince the inspectors to just look at it manually.

[lordsmurf]

Magnetic media should be fine if it is truly x-ray only. And no magnetic fields generated in the area.

It is NEVER safe to x-ray any film of any kind for any reason for any length of time. Regardless of what those stupid says tell you. "High speed" film is generally regarded as anything above 100 ISO, which is what 99% of people shoot with (200 ISO and higher). The effects on photos is often quite devastating.

To be safe, get a lead-lined bag. Let them x-ray it, and then they can manually inspect the contents once it passes through the machines. Take it in your carry-on. If you need to carry large amounts, I suggest you consult a pro about what they do for transport.

I've argued with inspectors before, and I'll do it again. No way, no how, are they going to ruin my film. Since I only take a couple of tapes at most, I keep film and tapes together.

[Capmaster]

When we went to Egypt last winter, because of the huge number of security checkpoints, I bought a lead bag made by Sima. All the 35mm film went in there ...all 21 rolls, both as unexposed and as exposed returning. My wife had it in her carryon bag and it must have been through 30 or 35 x-rays all told. Some inspectors asked to see the contents. Most didn't, presumably because they're quite common with international tourists. The pics turned out perfect ....absolutely no streaks, ghosting, shadows, color shift, etc.

I didn't have any concerns for my digicam and stack of CF cards. I put it through the x-ray as well, with no shielding. They were also perfect.

While neither is magnetic, I have had my laptop and HD through x-ray many times on business trips with nary a lost bit