Taking Mini DV tapes through airport check?

[PeterMoe]

Hi guys, I'm came here often for reading, this is my first post.

Have searched this an other forums for an answer already...

We will take Mini DV tapes with us on an overseas trips. The trip will include stops in several countries and the luggage will be taken several times through screenings at the airports. We are from Australia and travelling to England, Scotland and Germany.

The general opinion seems to be that best is taking these tapes into the carry on luggage and have them inspected by an officer rather than x-rayed.

There are many opinions, however, I found it hard to find hard facts.

* Does anyone know a case were tapes were damaged through screening/xray?

* Are there recommendations from the tape manufacturers regarding screening?

* How do professionals transport their tapes?

[KBeee]

Xrays may affect some sensitive photographic film
They will not affect digital media

[PeterMoe]

Thanks - your post is appreciated...

Are you aware of "official" recommendations of eg media manufacturers?

Do you have experience taking tapes though screenings/xray?

[lgh529]

I travel with my camcorder quite a bit. I fly about 60,000 base miles per year in the USA and Canada. While I have carried them in my carry-on bags before, I almost always check my tapes in with my checked bags.

Never had a single problem with a tape. I've had the same tape go through security at least 10 times before without any loss. (Well, except for the airlines loosing the actual bag)

Go ahead and check them.

[KBeee]

There is no need for official recommendations - Xray screening does not damage digital media
They MAY affect unexposed 800 ASA/ISO and above film, if passed more than 5 times through an xray screening machine.

[zoobie]

Although analog, my brother's hi8 tapes were rendered useless after a trip to Europe. I don't know the method they used for scanning but it made them unwatchable. Weird thing is, I also had hi8 and mine were not affected.