If you go to ebay and search for "master tape" (without the quotes) in the adult-only section, there are a number of listings of master tapes from various studios, including Vivid and Adam & Eve, from the same seller. Just a guess, but I think the studios don't need or want those particular master tapes anymore and make a bit of money by selling them to the ebay seller. I presume these tapes are for personal use only and if I were to acquire such a tape I would not presume to hold any rights other than that.

Some challenges in transferring a copy to a computer hard drive include that some of the tapes, even at just 480p, may require 13-14 GB of space for a 1 hour video, in the DV format, also that you need (probably) an older camcorder (or deck) to load the tape, that a FireWire connection is needed (at least with the camcorder), that the tapes are often 15 years old or older and may have deteriorated a bit, and that an older Window O/S may work better for a transfer than a newer one. A freeware program called WinDV can help with the transfer.

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A 90$ master tape of a movie/scene that you crave is a bargain but a 90$ paper weight when the tape doesn't run isn't.

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Very helpful, because a general internet consensus is that these tapes are good for about 20 years if properly stored.

Tho two tapes I am interested in are from around 2005. The first one, already ordered, I am just taking an untested chance on, and the second one, which I offered the seller significantly more for, is from a different seller who is going to make sure it works and looks OK first. I offered extra money as an incentive as he needs to go through a large collection (1000's) of his website tapes to find it. It was my idea for him to offer a master tape. I think it is something interesting to try for when you have a favorite scene that might still look best on tape.

Thanks again.

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