It has been the consistent pattern in the development of any new imaging system that permanence is not one of the initial properties to be considered by the manufacturer. This is very understandable behavior. Prime consideration during product development must be directed towards the successful operation of the new system. Ironing out flaws, improving reliability, determining means of production and obtaining sources of raw materials are all additional concerns that must be addressed. Another consideration is the reluctance of evaluation laboratories to be involved in long-time incubation testing on materials which are still undergoing change. The consequence, however, is that the ultimate life of the system is frequently not known even after it is on the market. This is reflected in the current status of standards and specifications on the preservation of magnetic media and optical disks.

Date Published: 1 March 1991
PDF: 21 pages
Proc. SPIE 10259, Standards for Electronic Imaging Systems: A Critical Review, 102590A (1 March 1991); doi: 10.1117/12.48896

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 10259:
Standards for Electronic Imaging Systems: A Critical Review
Michael C. Nier; Marilyn E. Courtot, Editor(s)