EP/SLP modes are actually fine on the 8 hour tapes, they don't really show much damage whatsoever. However, they may degrade faster because of how long the speeds are.
EP and SLP are the same recording/playback speed. What really makes EP/SLP so bad is not the slower recording/playback speed but the space between the video tracks. With SP there's a small space between the individual video tracks so the entire video track is read. Plus the faster recording speed allows for better sound quality on the mono tracks. The sound quality on the mono tracks drops with the two slower playback speeds. With LP, the individual video tracks are touching but not overlapping and again the entire video track is read. Unfortunately, with EP/SLP about two thirds of each video track is overlapped by the previous and next video tracks, only the middle part of the video track contains uncovered video information. Thus, the video track width is effectively only 1/3 of that of SP and LP. Unfortunately, with later VCRs the LP mode was removed for recording leaving only the SP and EP/SLP speeds, although you can still playback LP tapes. I think I have some pre-recorded VHS tapes that were recorded at LP and others that were recorded at EP/SLP. When I used VHS I recorded at SP for anything that I wanted to keep long-term. I'd use LP for anything that I was only going to watch once or twice (like news broadcasts). I only used EP/SLP when LP wasn't available for the same reason or for extremely long programs, such as football games which would not fit on T120 tape recorded at SP.
Well, I recorded SLP/EP or LP mostly over the years. And, 95% or more are still functioning close to right 25 years later. On the video, you should store your VHSes in coverage properly or, at the very least, away from direct sunlight/heat/where dust can easily collect inside them. It's also helpful to RW or FW your tape all the way before storage. That way, hopefully, any damage With the sound, it depends on the audio potential of your VCR. Don't get a mono VCR for SLP/LP recording. I have rarely used anything below stereo and have been very happy with the quality(V/A) plus duration of recordings whatever the mode...
Well, I don't think so. I think it's because I recorded onto a T-200 tape that can contain 10 hours of recording. Both of those long modes would record fine on any tape that's an 8 hour tape or shorter.
