In video recordings, short-duration dropouts appear as flashes, white spots, or streaks. Handling Minimize tape handling at all times. Take care not to drop tapes or cassettes. Do not touch the surface or the edge of the tape. Avoid contamination of the tape by dirt, dust, food, cigarette smoke, and airborne pollutants.
Cleanliness is important because minute debris can cause loss of signal or dropouts.
Videotapes, especially modern ones, are recorded with high levels of magnetic energy that make them relatively immune to problems from common household magnetic fields. Weak magnetic fields are produced around electrical appliances, power tools, and television sets. However it is good practice to avoid exposing tapes to any magnetic fields. A few feet separation from a magnetic source will usually provide sufficient protection. Do not store videotapes lying flat.