The difference ten years makes: changes in magnetic tape recording and storage media

Generational change for digital technologies are rapid and disruptive.  ‘In the digital context the next generation may only be five to ten years away!’ Tom Gollins from the National Archives reminds us, and this seems like a fairly conservative estimate.

It can feel like the rate of change is continually accelerating, with new products appearing all the time. It is claimed, for example, that the phenomena of ‘wearable tech chic’ is now upon us, with the announcement this week that Google’s glass is available to buy for £1,000.

The impact of digital technologies have been felt throughout society, and this issue will be explored in a large immersive exhibition of art, design, film, music and videogames held at the Barbian July-Sept 2014. It is boldly and emphatically titled: Digital Revolution.

To bring such technological transformations back into focus with our work at Greatbear, consider this 2004 brochure that recently re-surfaced in our Studio. As an example of the rapid rate of technological change, you need look no further.

A mere ten years ago, you could still choose between several brands of audio mini disc, ADAT, DAT, DTRS, Betacam SP, Digital Betacam, super VHS, VHS-C, 8mm and mini DV.

Storage media such as Zip disks, Jaz Cart, Exabytes and hard drives that could store between 36-500Gb of data were also available to purchase.

RMGI are currently the only manufacturer of professional open reel audio tape. In the 2004 catalogue, different brands of open reel analogue tape are listed at a third of 2014 retail prices, taking into account rates of inflation.

While some of the products included in the catalogue, namely CDs, DVDs and open reel tape, have maintained a degree of market resiliency due to practicality, utility or novelty, many have been swept aside in the march of technological progress that is both endemic and epidemic in the 21st century.