X-rays at the airport

Whenever I go through the airport with my HDV cassettes I always request that they "hand check it" which means they don't put it through the X-ray. They always do it but is it necessary? Do X-rays damage the HDV cassette?

BTW I will be leaving for Morocco tomorrow, weirdest thanksgiving ever! lol, actually I have had weirder thanksgivings believe it or not. My sister is living there so yeah.... hopefully I can get some cool stock. Unfortunately you all won't be able to read my sexy forum comments because I won't have internet access. so.... :P

Hey Mark,
Have a good time in Morocco. Man, just the name invokes thoughts of those great 40's movies.

When I went to D.C., I carried my camera with the cassettes and put everything through the scanner. Nothing happened to them.

Jake

Can ya hide me in a big bag? Sounds like a lot of fun. I can just see ya with ol Humphrey Bogart in a smoky bar. Have fun. I don't think the airport machines will hurt ya. I've traveled lots and never had a problem.

Don

Xrays will not harm magnetic media, but in some third world countries, unshielded motors in the xray machines (belt motors) have, on RARE occasions, corrupted magnetic media. I've never had a problem.

I second that, X-Ray machines do not effect mini DV cassettes at all, so you don't have to stress.

My dad checks his tapes in with the main luggage. He does vacation movies only, but still - never any problems with the tapes.

Since I shoot P2 I don't have tapes. My clips went on DVD in the suitcase (checked in) and on HD in the carry on stuff. Both arrived in entirely perfect condition.