Archiving HD Material for blu-ray players...

But I'm a novice.

Like so many people, I have purchased a hi definition camcorder, which I love. I've been using standard HDV tapes, which seem to work just fine. I've been waiting for the prices of blu ray recorders to drop -- it seems that they haven't or are simply dropping very slowly.

In the mean time, but videos sit on HDV tapes.

My question is, is there any issue with HDV tapes degrading or "wearing out" over time? If so, are there steps I can take to prevent this from happening?

Many thanks.

ive heard that you should play the tapes every 6 months or so. also to store them vertically

I started over 4 years ago (HC1 onto miniDV tape).

I don't reuse tapes - they are the archive. Archives are not meant for day to day use. I go to them, infrequently, if I think there is footage I want to use for a current project.

The digital information on the tape is different than the analog tape days... though I guess we need to understand and agree to what "over time" means.

Keep miniDV tapes in a cool, dry, place, and they (and their data) should last for many years (over 10, most likely more). I have read that the "fast-forward and rewind the tape at least once each year" activity - personally, I think that could stretch the tape, and I have not yet done that - and have not had any issues with miniDV tapes from 5+ years ago (DV - before I moved to HDV).

My process:

Capture video, import to computer for editing. When I fill a tape or a specific project's video capture is complete, take the tape out and lock it. Use a sharpie to mark the tape. If there's lots of different stuff on the tape, use the label or other paper to write an index if needed. Import the video to the computer. Keep the tape in its case and store in a cool, dry place (water-proof firebox with a desiccant). Edit the imported video. Export the finished project to the camcorder (one copy to a miniDV tape with all the other finished projects - this goes back into the storage box, sometimes a second copy and use the camcorder connected to the HDTV for playback); render a computer readable file as as "full quality" 1080i - this is stored on an external hard drive - basically, a hard disc copy of the tape version, so there is more than one place the data file resides... render a computer readable h.264/720p for uploading to Vimeo or YouTube (or AppleTV); downsample to standard definition single layer DVD for "day-to-day" use... I know I am incomplete, but this has worked for me so far...