I am reasonable sure that the machine which was able to read the tapes was due to be retired, but because of the interest shown in the SSTV images it was decommisioned and mothballed for now. When the tapes are found, they'll be able to be played back on it.

I don't have the source for this right now, and I am just on my way out to farewell a workmate, so I won't be able to get a confirmation / source for at least 24 hours.

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"For ignorance to reign, all it takes is for knowledgable people to say nothing"

Lonewulf