using only one brand of tape

berenberen wrote on 2/3/2004, 10:17 AM

I've seen it mentioned several times that it's important to always use one brand of tape, and not to switch between brands. My questions:
How important is this really and why?
And if it is really important, what are the guidelines? Is there a problem with using different types of tape from the same manufacturer, or is the idea to stick to one manufacturer?
Thanks.

Comments

Jsnkc wrote on 2/3/2004, 10:23 AM

It's best to stick with the same brand and same manufacturer of tape. Tapes have lubricants on them, some are dry and some are wet. If you mix a wet with a dry you can clog up your heads a lot easier. It's best to just pick one and stick with it.

cervama wrote on 2/3/2004, 10:33 AM

try using the best one that you can afford. Different makers of camcorders consumer or professional as that you use their brand, I would stick to their recommendations. If you opt to use other brands make sure you stick with one or the other. I would stay away from tdk tapes. That's my opinion

jboy wrote on 2/3/2004, 12:34 PM

I've heard the difference is between not brands so much, but whether or not its a metal evaporated tappe-(ME), or metal particle-(MP). If I recall correctly, ME tape uses a lubricant and MP doesn't , or vise versa, and that's the cause of the problem. I had this problem myself, before I found out about it, but haven't since sticking to the same type (MP), though of various brands.

berenberen wrote on 2/3/2004, 2:52 PM

What kind of problems are exhibited when mixing tape types?

Jsnkc wrote on 2/3/2004, 2:56 PM

Very frequent dirty heads -sometimes certain tapes will become unplayable in your camera - Recording problems - dropouts - can ruin your heads over time.

berenberen wrote on 2/3/2004, 5:21 PM

How often should one clean the heads? Should this be done with a cleaning cassette, or by hand?

riredale wrote on 2/3/2004, 5:44 PM

I think you do it when you need to--you'll notice immediately when you have a problem. The manual for my VX-2000 doesn't specifically call out a cleaning schedule.

Also, some boards have mentioned that the "different tape lubricant" issue has gone away in recent years, as the manufacturers have adjusted their formulations to avoid interactions of this nature.

farss wrote on 2/3/2004, 6:36 PM

I've heard that story too but the problems do seem to persist.

Head cleaning should only be done when it needs to be done. You are running an abrasive over the heads.