Comments

Eugenia wrote on 12/14/2007, 9:44 PM
Not really. It's more of a marketing ploy, although the HD ones are "harder" and they clean up the tape head when used. I use a mix of the two kinds for my HD camera, no problems.
Action wrote on 12/14/2007, 10:03 PM
I use Panasonic MQ tape for SD and am about to use it on a new Canon A1 for HiDef work.

When videoing Hi-Def always record at SP speed not LP, you need the faster speed to store the denser signal without fear of dropouts.
Before you change tape brands, run your head cleaner tape first. It should be the same brand as the tape you were using.
Cheers.
Toobad wrote on 12/14/2007, 11:56 PM
I think the more important issue is to choose one brand of tape and stick with it. I'm told that, basically, there are two types of lubrication method for the transport mechanism that manufactures of tape employ. Sony branded tapes use a wet system whilst tapes branded Panasonic use a dry system. In other forums it has been reported by people working in service centres that there is a higher degree of camcorders coming in due to problems relating to lube build-up because of the continual use of wet-lubricated tapes.
Chienworks wrote on 12/15/2007, 5:39 AM
"store the denser signal"

What denser signal? DV is 25mbps. HD is 25mbps. Same amount of data from either system.
ggrussell wrote on 12/15/2007, 7:23 AM
Logically there should be no difference because of how the signals are recorded to the tape. BUT i'll be sticking to HiDef from now on. I just bought a Sony HC7 (and that's why I bought MSP). The package deal came with JVC miniDV tape. I took about a week to get to know the camcorder before going on a trip of a lifetime to Niagara Falls, Canada. When I got home, I was only able to capture about half of the footage because of the TAPE. Most of it looked like a really bad satellite TV - pixilated and drop outs. From what I have read, the Hi Def tape really is better (S/N ratio, less drop outs, etc) although it could just be marketing hype.

Personally, I'm not willing to take a chance with my vacation or family memories again so I will be using the better tape.
Daveco2 wrote on 12/15/2007, 3:42 PM
Well, I've been using the Panasonic PQ type for years with my DV cam and since I still have five cassettes left, guess I'll stick with it.

Thanks,

Dave
Action wrote on 12/15/2007, 4:00 PM
Chienworks you're right, my apologies. :) Toobad that's all true too, but running out of tape on holidays etc. might cause a change. Also Panasonic have discontinued their MQ tape.
Cheers.
4eyes wrote on 12/17/2007, 12:09 PM
I think it also depends on the cam (sony,jvc,pana etc) and whether capturing HDV or DV.
I did have trouble with my Sony HC3 using other than Sony tapes. Quite a few black frames during capture and some dropouts. Captures were splitting when they shouldn't be splitting which is a bad spot or bad read on the tape.

I cleaned the head, started using the Sony Premium & the Sony HDV tapes. Since doing this I haven't had a problem with the Sony HC3 Highdef cam.

I use to have a Canon Elura 60 (dv only), I used mixed tapes with that unit and it would come up saying "Heads Clogged" please clean heads.

Because of the high cost of my HD cams I'll stay with the Sony tapes. It's not worth damaging the heads for the price of a $3.00 tape. I've even re-used/re-recorded onto the Sony premiums and they seem to work fine.