> I seriously doubt, in 15-20 or 50 years, you will have the media reader available to read either of the media, whether tape or BD.
Today's Blu-Ray drives are perfectly capable of playing an audio CD from the 1980s, and compatible players probably will continue to be available for another 10-20 years even after everyone stops buying content on physical media.
I wouldn't be surprised if I can plug in my USB 3.0 CD/DVD/Blu-Ray combo drive into a USB 7.5 port in 2030 and use it to play an audio CD from 1980, provided that the disc is in good condition. That's a lifespan of 50 years!
Even in the digital age, well-designed and highly forwards-compatible forms of physical media can last a long time.
Today's Blu-Ray drives are perfectly capable of playing an audio CD from the 1980s, and compatible players probably will continue to be available for another 10-20 years even after everyone stops buying content on physical media.
I wouldn't be surprised if I can plug in my USB 3.0 CD/DVD/Blu-Ray combo drive into a USB 7.5 port in 2030 and use it to play an audio CD from 1980, provided that the disc is in good condition. That's a lifespan of 50 years!
Even in the digital age, well-designed and highly forwards-compatible forms of physical media can last a long time.