So far I've only used the white plastic wrapped "Sony DVM-63HD 63 Minute Mini DV HD Video Cassette" on the left of the photo. I went to Fry's Electronics to buy some tapes for my Canon A1 and ended up with the reddish plastic wrapped tape on the right. The model number on the side it Sony DVM63HDR.

Is it the same thing?

I couldn't find this on the Sony website.

Yes. It's the same thing. Paranoia about using the same tape at all times has gotten to me.

The 3 pack cost $24.99 which comes out to $8.33 a tape. Not so bad in my opinion.

I think Sony re-designed the plastic cover.

The Premium ones now have the same design but blue.

This is the same tape under new packaging. However, don't buy your tape at Fry's. It's overpriced and they don't know anything about video or tape.

Sony has a new pro grade HDV / DV tape out called the HDVM-63VG. It's as good or better than the consumer 63HD at a lower price.

Info here:

http://protape.stores.yahoo.net/new-upload-one-more-level-down-sony-sony-video-tape-sony-dv---mini-dv.html


General Tape Facts:

http://www.pro-tape.com/Site/PRO-TAPE.html

Hope that helps....

cb

Craig, I have been looking through forums trying to find a great buy on the newer Sony HDV tapes...and you just posted it...thank so much for the info!!

Yes. It's the same thing. Paranoia about using the same tape at all times has gotten to me.

The 3 pack cost $24.99 which comes out to $8.33 a tape. Not so bad in my opinion.

Same repackaging pattern:

Sony changed the DVM63PR to PRR, DVM63HD to HDR...can't say I know what the "R" is for, but as I said, we're recommending shooters try the HDVM63VG.

cb

...can't say I know what the "R" is for,

R = "repackaged" :)

R = "repackaged" :)

Well it would be politically incorrect for me to make a Japanese joke so suffice it to say that their product manager is Scooby Doo...so it could mean anything.

cb