If you are using batch capture from the timecode marked in+out points of digital video your tapes are an effective and excellent backup. If you happen to lose your files on your HD all you have to do is simply open the FCP project and perform the Batch Capture once again to recapture your footage onto your scratch disk.

Look at this image of a section of the log and capture window.

- When you insert a tape you should label it from the green area.
- Name the clip you want to log in the blue area
- Assign marker in/out points from the red/Orange areas respectively
- Log the clip from the yellow area
- After you've logged all your clips from the tape (reel) perform a batch capture from the purple area

Now if you ever lose the video files from your HD all you have to do is open your very small FCP project that's backed up on your iDisk, iPod, CD, etc. and perform a batch capture from the purple area with the respective reel inserted in your deck.