Technology Conference: Status of Tape Stock Supply
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IFE Services’ Victor Hernandez and CMI’s John O’Connor were joined via phone by Sony’s Senior Marketing Manager for Professional Media, Joe Balsam, for an update on one of IFE’s hottest topics: the availability of professional-grade Hi8 and V8 tape stock.
Sony has since re-started the production of professional-grade stock since the tsunami in 2011 had a major effect on their primary plant. However, Joe indicated that production will only continue for about one more year, at which point Sony will have to “take a step back” from the professional tape market. He did indicate that the consumer grade market would continue for a much longer period.
Both Victor and John highlighted the challenges that production facilities face in order to meet the needs of their clients. Much of this effort is focused on maintenance, as no deck manufacturers currently support repairs or currently manufacture parts. John even noted that CMI has a machine shop which manufacturers their own spare parts when necessary.
While both acknowledged that tape volumes have decreased dramatically in the past two years, Victor did note that the demise of tape has been a subject since his start in the business . . . 17 years ago.
Regardless, this announcement by Sony will likely require airlines to make some adjustments to their IFE system planning.