Important DV question

[Nikos]

I was wondering if you record VHS or Hi8 or 8mm to DV, does that DV lose quality over time? I know the copy is 100% of the original, but over time does it deteriorate in quality like a normal video would?

I know DVDs will be 95% quality of original but Im pretty sure those wont lose quality since they are CD's...anyone know how DV and cd compare....

[ktnwin]

Video recorded on DV tape won't loose quality over time.
You can play it many many times and the result is always the same. VHS and Hi 8 tapes degrade with time and with the number of plays. Video quality degrades with time.

However, the DV tape itself may be degrading to the point (due to temperature, moisture, etc...) where it cannot be played at all. Either it plays with the original video quality or does not play (no picture).

Putting video on DVD is a good way to preserve original video quality for a long long time since the media is more durable than magnetic tape.