Mini DV tapes help needed...

[skanji]

Anything wrong with these tapes in bulk? Using a Panny GS-120, if that makes a differece.

10 pack - JVC - $30 Cdn
http://www.factorydirect.ca/catalog/product_spec.php?pcode=JV0060

5 pack - Sony - $20 Cdn
http://www.factorydirect.ca/catalog/product_spec.php?pcode=DV5060

Usually, I have been using Maxell (gone through about 7 in total over the past 2 years or so). I heard switching tapes is bad, but i've got a new baby on the way (my first), and want to make sure I have enough tapes...

Any thoughts?

[hightech]

Switching tapes can cause some issues since the tape chemistry varies between makes and it may gum up the heads (worse case).

I would suggest getting a head cleaning tape, running it thru the video camera, and then switch brands for added safety. Factory direct sells a Panasonic one for about $10.

http://www.factorydirect.ca/catalog/product_spec.php?pcode=DV0001

A periodic head cleaning is great before switching tape brands, and after extended recording (7 to 10 tapes). I would not clean the heads more then that unless you find a need to as the cleaning tapes create more wear on the recording/playback heads and can accelerate wear. I have ran a head cleaner once after about 15 tapes as a precaution.

I have been using the Sony tapes (those are made in France if I am not mistaken) and they are fine with my PV-GS200. I would recommend the Sony over the JVC because the colors on the Sony are very nice.

[jamied]

[QUOTE=hightech;4747489]Switching tapes can cause some issues since the tape chemistry varies between makes and it may gum up the heads (worse case).

I think there's two different tape types, wet and dry. Apparently, once you've chosen one, you're supposed to keep using that type.

J.

[skanji]

[QUOTE=hightech;4747489]Switching tapes can cause some issues since the tape chemistry varies between makes and it may gum up the heads (worse case).

I think there's two different tape types, wet and dry. Apparently, once you've chosen one, you're supposed to keep using that type.

J.

How can you tell if a tape is 'wet' or 'dry'?

Here are the tapes I normally use:
http://shopping.redorbit.com/product.php?productid=7794781&cat=623&page=1
http://shopping.redorbit.com/providers/wynit/images/298012.jpg

Here are the tapes I am thinking of using:
http://www.factorydirect.ca/catalog/product_spec.php?pcode=JV0060
http://www.factorydirect.ca/images/specs/JV00601.jpg

[jamied]

[QUOTE=jamied;4750484]

How can you tell if a tape is 'wet' or 'dry'?

Try this site's thread. I' haven't read through it in a while but I recall it helps:

http://camcorderinfo.com/bbs/showthread.php?p=177656#post177656

J.

[The Digital Dolphin]

I wouldn't suggest buying the Factory Direct tapes if you care about the videos of your soon to be newborn baby. Most low cost JVC and Panasonic MiniDV tapes are asian imports manufactured for sale in the Chinese market, and are a lower grade (end of roll) tape stock. The coating will not be as evenly spread along the tape, and drop-outs will be higher.

MiniDV tapes should only be purchased from reputable vendors.

[hightech]

I wouldn't suggest buying the Factory Direct tapes if you care about the videos of your soon to be newborn baby. Most low cost JVC and Panasonic MiniDV tapes are asian imports manufactured for sale in the Chinese market, and are a lower grade (end of roll) tape stock. The coating will not be as evenly spread along the tape, and drop-outs will be higher.

MiniDV tapes should only be purchased from reputable vendors.

That is valid, but as I had mentioned, one needs to check the manufacture of the tapes and if it is the same for the Sony tapes at Factory Direct as the Sony Store, then factory direct is fine.

[nsx]

I think you are confusing video tape and CLEANING video tapes. Cleaning tapes come in wet/dry versions. Regular video tapes are only one type from my understanding.


There's indeed dry or wet lubricants used in mini-DV tapes:

"Mixing tapes from different manufacturers

There is controversy over whether or not using tapes from different manufacturers can lead to dropouts. The problem theoretically occurs when incompatible lubricants on tapes of different types combine to become tacky and deposit on tape heads. This problem was supposedly fixed in 1997 when manufacturers reformulated their lubricants, but users still report problems several years later. Much of the evidence relating to this issue is anecdotal or hearsay. In one case, a representative of a manufacturer (unintentionally) provided incorrect information about their tape products, stating that one of their tape lines used "wet" lubricant instead of "dry" lubricant. The issue is complicated by OEM arrangements: a single manufacturer may make tape for several different brands, and a brand may switch manufacturers.

It is unclear whether or not this issue is still relevant, but as a general rule many DV experts recommend sticking with one brand of tape."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DV

[hightech]

There's indeed dry or wet lubricants used in mini-DV tapes:

"Mixing tapes from different manufacturers

There is controversy over whether or not using tapes from different manufacturers can lead to dropouts. The problem theoretically occurs when incompatible lubricants on tapes of different types combine to become tacky and deposit on tape heads. This problem was supposedly fixed in 1997 when manufacturers reformulated their lubricants, but users still report problems several years later. Much of the evidence relating to this issue is anecdotal or hearsay. In one case, a representative of a manufacturer (unintentionally) provided incorrect information about their tape products, stating that one of their tape lines used "wet" lubricant instead of "dry" lubricant. The issue is complicated by OEM arrangements: a single manufacturer may make tape for several different brands, and a brand may switch manufacturers.

It is unclear whether or not this issue is still relevant, but as a general rule many DV experts recommend sticking with one brand of tape."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DV


I thought I deleted my comment about that. I realized after posting that there are 2 types.

When in doubt, stick with the same brand of tapes unless you are not satisfied with their performance.

[The Digital Dolphin]

That is valid, but as I had mentioned, one needs to check the manufacture of the tapes and if it is the same for the Sony tapes at Factory Direct as the Sony Store, then factory direct is fine.

The only way to be sure is to take the serial number off of the DV tape and contact Sony directly. However, this really DOES work ;)