Tape Resources Your Go To Store:
This was the Tape Resources website, back-in-the-day.. The content found on this page was taken from the site's archived pages. I liked their approach back then. It reminds me of the approach my company takes when developing customized software for our clients. I treat our clients the way I would want a software development company to treat me. If my company were subjected to special regulations and to a higher-than-usual expectation of security and privacy, I would want all custom software development services to be perfect for my needs. Likewise, when we have a client in such industries as construction, education, healthcare, or retail, we work with them to to find the right solution. One of the great benefits about custom business and web application development is that the client ultimately owns the software. And they can update it as often as necessary.
Pssst.....Tape Resources is now Polyline.
A Little Back Story
Polyline has been a media and media packaging expert since 1972.
They are well known and trusted by those who produce and distribute finished content for more than 35 years, Polyline is the largest U.S. distributor of CD-R, DVD-R and Blu-ray media, media packaging products, ink, disc publishing equipment and more. You can choose from well-known brands such as JVC/Taiyo Yuden, Falcon Pro and all other top brands of disc media as well as their own line of media packaging solutions.
Tape Resources have been new media product expertise since 1991.
Whether it was Hard Drives, SDHC/CF cards, DVCam, HDCam, XDCam or Mini DV, Tape Resources was the nation’s leading online source for these products, at very competitive prices, delivered fast and accurately.
These two well-known and hardworking suppliers have now come together into one team, dedicated to being the best in the business. Tape Resources’ strength as an online supplier of hard drives, flash media and pro media, and Polyline’s well-respected reputation as the top supplier of disc media, packaging and media distribution products, now together as one great supplier.
Go to their new website at: www.polylinecorp.com/
OR take a nostalgic stroll back to when Polyline was known as Tape Resources..
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About Tape Resources
Fourteen years ago we set out with a unique concept! Let's treat people the way we want to be treated. We're very demanding! Tape Resources has grown over 700% between 1993 and 1998 and in both 1998 and 1999 we were listed on the INC 500 list of 500 fastest growing private companies!
We try hard to give you the PEACE OF MIND you deserve. We're striving to be the BEST in the industry with our fast & friendly service. We believe in, and our goal is in delighting our customers... customer delightment! We trust we'll be given the opportunity to delight you!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference in tape from the different professional tape manufacturers?
In some cases none, in other cases there are some. When a tape manufacturer licenses a format from the hardware maker, e.g. Fuji licenses the right to make Beta SP tape, Fuji has to make the tape within the performance specifications of the hardware as provided by Sony. If not, they would lose the right to make the tape. So all the tape is 'pretty good'. Tape Manufacturers can make the tape much better than the specs, if they choose to. In other cases, consistency is the name of the game. All manufacturers occasionally have a bad batch. Consistently good product is what to look for.
In some cases, there is no difference. It was a well known fact, when Panasonic first came out with M2 tape, that the tape was made by Fuji. There are many such OEM arrangements which are not allowed to be disclosed, in which one manufacturer makes tapes for another manufacturer. Reason is, each manufacturer has only so many resources and capacity, and it is often less expensive for them to source the tape from a competitor, and put their name on it, than to manufacturer it themselves. (SB)
Are their differences between blank NTSC, SECAM and PAL tapes?
There is no such thing as a blank NTSC, SECAM or PAL tape. NTSC, SECAM and PAL refer to different standards used to record video onto a blank tape. Therefore, when purchasing blank tapes you do not need to be concerned about whether the tape is NTSC, SECAM or PAL.
However, the different standards can result in slight differences in the actual length of recorded material that can fit on a blank tape (note that this only holds true for formats such as VHS and not for digital formats such as mini DV).
NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) is a standard primarily used in North and Central America, The Philippines, South Korea and Japan. PAL (Phase Alternating Line), is more widely used, covering most of Western Europe, Scandinavia, Poland, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, parts of the Middle East, Algeria, Eastern and Southern Africa. SECAM (Sequential Color Memory) is used sparingly around the world and can be found in France, parts of Greece, Eastern Europe, Russia, Africa and a few other parts of the world. NTSC displays up to 525 lines of resolution and opertates at 30 frames / second, PAL and SECAM have the ability to display 625 lines of resolution and operate at 25 frames / second.
The following chart compares the recording/playback times of VHS tapes using the PAL, SECAM and NTSC standards:
What tape do I use in Digital 8?
Sony's new format DIGITAL 8 uses the same tape as regular Hi8. You can choose to use the MP (Metal Particle) or ME (Metal Evaporative) Hi-8 tape. Because of the properties of ME, Sony suggests this is the better tape to use.... it is rather expensive. An alternative may be Fuji's ME Position (Titanium) tape. But you could even use regular 8mm tape in a pinch. But don't expect the same quality.
Digital 8, HI 8 & 8mm Formats
Why does my 120min Hi-8 only run 60min in Digital 8?
Sony's DIGITAL 8 uses the same tape as regular Hi8, but it runs at twice the speed, so you only get half the time. When you buy tape packaged for Digital 8 you can see both running times. But if you choose the more professional Hi 8 tape, you will only see the longer times, and will have to half it for actual running time in Digital 8 format.
Digital 8, HI 8 & 8mm Formats
How long will rewritable CD-ROMs (CD-Rs) last?
The CD-R's color is a good guide to its longevity. The dye type matters most because dyes have different chemical compositions, and thus different life spans. The four major dye types used in CD-Rs can be identified by their intrinsic color:
It seems that the only dye that could have the smaller life span of 10 to 75yrs rather than up to 100yrs is the green or blue-green dye. Those CD's are acceptable for the majority of CD-R uses (routine backups and legal archival purposes). Gold CD-Rs may be an unnecessary expense for routine storage, but for very long-term archiving (much longer than 10yrs) they are the best.
More Background on TapeResources-Store.com
TapeResources-Store.com, which later transitioned into the brand Polyline, was once a significant name in the media storage and distribution industry. Established in the 1990s, the company was renowned for its reliable media products, such as blank tapes, CDs, DVDs, and digital storage solutions. Its commitment to providing top-tier products and customer service enabled it to stand out in a fast-changing technological landscape.
Background and Evolution
TapeResources-Store.com started with a focus on analog media storage products, including VHS and Betamax tapes, which were critical for professional video production during the late 20th century. As the industry evolved and transitioned toward digital formats, the company expanded its offerings to include newer products like CD-R, DVD-R, and eventually Blu-ray discs. TapeResources-Store.com was able to stay relevant by continuously adapting its product line, providing solutions that met the needs of media producers, broadcasters, and content creators.
The company prided itself on delivering high-quality, professional-grade media solutions, which helped it become a trusted partner for customers ranging from large corporations to individual media producers. Its rapid response to emerging technologies and evolving customer needs positioned TapeResources-Store.com as a leader in the media supply market during its years of operation.
Merger with Polyline
In the early 2000s, TapeResources-Store.com merged with Polyline, a company founded in 1972 that specialized in media packaging and distribution products. Polyline had built its reputation as a top supplier of CD-Rs, DVD-Rs, and media packaging solutions, making it a natural partner for TapeResources-Store.com.
This merger allowed the companies to combine their strengths: TapeResources-Store.com’s expertise in professional media storage products and Polyline’s experience in media packaging and distribution. Operating under the Polyline name, the newly unified business became a dominant force in the media storage industry, offering an even broader range of products and services to its customers.
Product Range and Specialization
The product lineup at TapeResources-Store.com was extensive, catering primarily to professional media producers and distributors. Key products included:
- Analog Media: VHS, Betamax, and MiniDV tapes were a significant portion of the early offerings, serving professional and consumer markets alike.
- Digital Media: As the world moved towards digital formats, TapeResources-Store.com expanded its range to include CD-Rs, DVD-Rs, and Blu-ray discs, which became essential tools for content producers and distributors.
- Flash Memory and Hard Drives: To support the growing demand for digital storage, the company also began offering flash memory products, such as SD cards and CompactFlash, as well as external hard drives.
- Media Packaging: Thanks to its merger with Polyline, TapeResources-Store.com offered an extensive range of media packaging solutions, including custom printing services for disc labels and packaging.
By staying on top of these technological advancements, TapeResources-Store.com ensured that its customers had access to the most up-to-date products for storing, distributing, and safeguarding digital and analog media.
Customer Reviews and Experience
Customer reviews from various platforms consistently highlight the company’s strong commitment to delivering quality products and exceptional customer service. Numerous customers praised TapeResources-Store.com for providing fast shipping and maintaining a large inventory of both common and hard-to-find media products.
On platforms such as Trustburn, multiple users shared positive experiences, describing the company's product quality as excellent and its customer service as responsive and knowledgeable. Many customers appreciated how the company catered to the needs of professionals who relied on media storage solutions for video production, data backup, and content distribution.
For instance, one customer noted how the company always exceeded their expectations in terms of product quality and customer service, while another long-term customer praised the consistent reliability of TapeResources-Store.com over many years of use.
Audience and Cultural Significance
The primary audience for TapeResources-Store.com consisted of professional video producers, broadcasters, and digital content creators. These professionals needed high-quality, reliable media products to ensure their productions and storage processes were seamless and durable. As such, TapeResources-Store.com became a key resource for anyone involved in media production and content distribution.
The company’s cultural significance lies in its role during a period of rapid technological transition in the media industry. TapeResources-Store.com was instrumental in helping professionals and businesses navigate the shift from analog to digital media. Its extensive product range, commitment to customer service, and ability to stay ahead of technological trends made it a critical partner for many in the media production world.
Challenges and Legacy
As the world moved increasingly toward cloud-based storage and streaming, the demand for physical media products began to decline. Despite these challenges, TapeResources-Store.com’s decision to merge with Polyline ensured that its legacy continued. Polyline remains a leader in the media storage industry, carrying forward the innovations and customer-focused ethos that TapeResources-Store.com had established.
Today, while TapeResources-Store.com no longer operates as a standalone brand, its impact on the media storage industry endures through Polyline’s ongoing success. The company’s adaptability and commitment to customer satisfaction serve as a testament to its influential role in shaping the modern media storage market.
TapeResources-Store.com played a crucial role in the media storage industry, particularly during a time of significant technological change. Its ability to adapt to new technologies and maintain high standards of customer service made it a trusted resource for media professionals. Although it has since merged into Polyline, the company's legacy lives on in the continued success of the merged entity. By focusing on the needs of its customers and staying ahead of industry trends, TapeResources-Store.com left an indelible mark on the media production and storage landscape.
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Two Great Names. One Great Team Have Now Come Together.
The best of both industry leaders come together to serve you better.
Go to their new website at: www.polylinecorp.com/