After many posts regarding one or two droped frames (gops) per hour. I switched tapes from Pana MQ's to Sony "digital HD" tapes (dark brown and tan case). I first used a panasonic head cleaner for ten seconds, and the did two one hour tests with the sony's and finally no drop outs. The Sony tapes in the package indicate, for what it's worth, 50-75% less drop outs and improved audio and video stability. At least I currently stable...sorta. Gary

Were you using Panasonic MQ or AMQ? I think they've quit making MQ, haven't they?

I was using Panasonic DVM63MQ, sorry if I had it wrong, but I was kinda excited, Gary

You said MQ; I just wanted to clarify because I haven't seen any dropouts on any AMQ tapes.

they are AMQ, sorry, Gary (ps I have used sony Excellence tapes for 8 years with gl-1's whithout any dropouts)

You said MQ; I just wanted to clarify because I haven't seen any dropouts on any AMQ tapes.

I use AMQs only, still no any dropouts.... not one

I might have been the head cleaning that fixed things, but I decided to go with the Sony's from now on. Gary

I've shot at least 100 Panasonic AMQ tapes on My Canon A1 and not the first drop out. Hundreds of them on DV and also not one drop out.