Stoney
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May 17, 2006, 7:30 AM
Post #11 of 12
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Re: [X-bcig] Reusing MiniDV tapes
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We have had some similiar problems. At the university that I work at, we have Canon Optura 20s for students and faculty to check out. Sometimes we have problems with new tapes, but many more problems with used. What we found was not to stripe the tape, but "pack" the tape. Those of you that have been around for many years might remember having to do this with 3/4". Basically put the tape in your camera, fast forward it all the way and then rewind it all the way. This sets the tension on the tape to what the camera likes, plus it helps to align the tape to "that" camera's heads. By doing this, we have almost zero problems with our Canon's. The biggest problem with check out cameras, is that you end up having too many different brands of tape in the camera. We don't have a policy of using a certain brand on our check-out cameras. Not all cameras are made alike, for example I can't play anything shot with my Canon GL-1 in my Sony TRV-900 or vice versa. I get artifacts on playback every time. It's a head alignment issue. There is no hard fast rule. You can have problems with new tapes just as easy as with used tapes, that is just a fact. Although, the chances are slimmer with new tapes. Personally, for my freelance stuff, I almost always use new tapes for my main camera, and then used for back-up camera or cameras. I normally only use a tape twice for a job, then it goes into my "Tapes for Family use" box. That is just the way I feel comfortable.
Try the packing thing, I bet you'll see a difference. Also I always tape around 1 min or so of black at the beginning of my tapes. Most problems will happen at the beginning of the tape.
Cheers,
Stoney
LE 6.1, DVC-80, GL-1 & TRV900
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