I know there are dozens of threads concerning which tapes to use, but I am having problems identifying those tapes because most posts refer to "standard" or "premium", etc. without specific current model numbers.

1. With respect to SONY and Panasonic, what are the current premium quality designations for the expensive HDV tapes.
Are they the SONY DVM63 HDV/DV? or the DVM85SD? HDM63VG? or PHDVM-63DM?
For panasonic, are they the AY-DVM63AMQ? (or 83PQ?)


My reading of the posts seem to indicate that if you're doing a crucial or paying shoot, then best use the more expensive tapes.

2. With respect to SONY and Panasonic, for ordinary, non-crucial jobs, which tape designations are the ones to get? Are they the SONY blue DVCs? The Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ?

Thanks in advance

Hi Stephen,

The "HDV Tapes" is a bit of a misnomer.

If you are recording mini-dv (eg Canon XL-2) then you are recording 25Mbps of data.

If you are recording HDV (eg Canon XL-H1) then you are also recording 25Mbps of data.

The only difference is that HDV has a higher compression, so (theoretically), more FINAL information (picture/sound) could be lost due to a dropout with HDV than mini-DV.

We never use the "HDV tapes" to shoot HDV. We never use the "bargin bin" variety either. Any manufactures premium variety should be fine. Our preference is Sony Excellence. And so far...


steve

I notice that those who know recommend sticking with one particular brand. Sony or Panasonic. Does this mean that it's okay to use different types of Sony tapes, or different types of Panasonic tapes providing that you keep to all Sony, or all Panasonic?

I have started my XH A1 off on Sony "HDV" tapes but was thinking of changeing to the slightly cheaper Sony Excellence tapes (at about half the price of the "HDV" tapes it means €80 for a ten pack instead of €120). Would this potentially cause clogging problems?

I realise that there are dozens, nay hundreds of posts on this subject but can't find the definative answer to my quandry.

I use Sony PHDVM63. They're almost twice the cost of the Panasonic DVM63AMQ, but I had lots of dropout problems with those. Tape is the cheapest thing you'll spend money on for most any shoot, so it makes sense to get the best available.

However, I shot for a week for a client who wanted me to use his tape stock. The tapes were Sony but one of the cheaper varieties. I didn't have any problems at all, but I did use my cleaning tape before and after using his tapes.

Yo, Bill. Where do you buy your PHDVM63s from? I don't know if this is against the boards rules by revealing this. There like... 14 bucks a pop from b&h. That's quite pricey for 63 minutes of tape. I'm aware it's the cheapest aspect of production. I'm just used to using a firestore instead of tapes.

I use Sony DVM60's shot around 150 tapes never had a dropout so far, used a head cleaner about twice in 10 months.
I buy them in bulk from a supplier and they cost me around $3.00 per tape, I never use a tape twice as that is my backup of a backup... if you get what I mean?

Douglas, I buy from our local supplier when he has them in stock, from B&H when he doesn't. I think they're both up to around 16 bucks a tape now. I don't consider that expensive--if I have a dropout in a shot that i've spent a day's drive, night in a hotel with a crew of 3, to get, then that costs a lot more than the price of a tape. If I were shooting a bunch of home movies, nobody paying me, then I'd use the cheaper Sonys.

I have had three jobs this year using these tapes that had drop outs. I never had a problem when I used cheap TDK tapes.
Any other recommendations for tape besides Sony?

Yeah it would be really appreciated if someone could provide a 'top 5' of tape types to use with the XHA1 and perhaps link to any reviews?

As I've only just bought my XHA1 and haven't yet used it, I'm at a loss of what to get personally. There are tapes such as 'Sony Excellence' and 'Sony Premium' which are 'supposed' to be good...but are they?

I've searched for reviews of blank media but to no avail, apart from the basic customer reviews on Amazon.

Ive actually used the Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ for a few years now and never had an issue. That's all I used in my XL-2 and now several through my XH A1. They still come highly recommended from quite a few media houses as well as other popular online stores.

This is a good little piece I found on my local media houses website on the differences in tape stock.

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

I use Sony DVM60's

Jonathan, are you refering to DVM60PR3 premium tapes from Sony?

Ive actually used the Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ for a few years now and never had an issue. That's all I used in my XL-2 and now several through my XH A1. They still come highly recommended from quite a few media houses as well as other popular online stores.

This is a good little piece I found on my local media houses website on the differences in tape stock.

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

Great link and tip Mike, thanks

Does anyone else have any links to reviews of blank Mini DV tapes please? Eg. excerpt from a magazine article or whatever. Proving difficult to find any using the usual search engines, or maybe I'm just stupidly missing them all! :o)

As per that previous link provided by Mike, Sony tapes seem a bit of a no-no.

The following tapes from Panasonic seem reasonably priced. I guess SQ (Studio Quality has less chance of drop-outs than PQ (Professional Quality) because the SQ tapes are more expensive? Anyone had any experiences with these and the XHA1 please?

"Panasonic Pro Mini DV (PQ Series)
Panasonic, the pioneer in the DV and minidv tape developments introduces a line-up of mini dv tape, which is designed for professional usage. After 25 years of extensive research, Panasonic has developed a new evaporation technology named S-AME(Super Advanced Metal Evaporation).
With the new process, it is now possible to improve magnetic density over 400%.
Panasonic mini dv PQ tape is an excellent choice for professional videographers.
Length 63 Minutes SP / 94 Minutes LP (42 Minutes DVCam)"

"Panasonic Pro Mini DV (SQ Series)
High-Density Evaporation Ensures High Output
Panasonic's proprietary AME technology is employed in the SQ-series. Compared to conventional tape, the SQ-series has a four times greater magnetic particle density, resulting in higher output by 1dB and ensuring a high quality recording.
Minimized Error Rate
In addition to its high-output advantage, stringent error rate standards are employed in the SQ-series, realizing an error rate almost one-half of that found in conventional DV Tapes.
ABS Resin Cassette & Anti-Static Treatment
An anti-static treatment for the cassette lid repels dust and contaminants, minimizing dropouts. The ABS resin cassette prevents warpage & cassette housing damage, and ensures durability and reliability in all types of environments & applications.
2-way Opening Soft Case
The cassette case is constructed of a soft material that wont break if dropped. The 2-way lid construction lets you easily extract the tape with one hand, even while shooting."

There are also these tapes available, which are the most expensive of the three but still reasonably priced, all things considered:

"Panasonic Master Mini DV AMQ63
Panasonic, the pioneer in the DV and minidv tape developments introduces a line-up of mini dv tape, which is designed for professional usage. After 25 years of extensive research, Panasonic has developed a new evaporation technology named S-AME(Super Advanced Metal Evaporation). The Master tape is for finalising of high quality recordings.
With the new process, it is now possible to improve magnetic density over 400%.
Panasonic Mini Dv AMQ tape is an excellent choice for professional videographers.
Length 63 Minutes SP / 94 Minutes LP (42 Minutes DVCam)"

Noa,

Don't know.... the cheap red ones not the blue ones. Touch wood no issues.

Jon

As per that previous link provided by Mike, Sony tapes seem a bit of a no-no.

Sony are not in the business of making no-no or even so-so tapes Peter. I'm still reusing Sony Excellence tapes I bought 12 years ago, with no problems at all. They've been used in my TRV900, MX300, VC2000, FX1 and Z1.

tom.

I agree with Tom, having purchased 60 panasonic master quality tapes@ £4.10 and had multiple drop outs on each and every tape (on both cameras) ive 'upgraded' to sony premium (read cheap)dv tapes, the orange ones @ £1.60 each.
just filmed over 20 hrs of figure skating in hdv,not one drop out on 30 tapes..perhaps i just had a bad batch of panas before but I cant afford to risk buying a "bad batch" particulaly if im doing a single camera shoot .still got 20 panies left in a box ...prob sell them on ebay!
I know other people have opposite results but you can only try a brand and see what the results are for you.
buy some, try them and stick with them if they work, otherwise clean heads try different brand and so on.
If you just read everyones individual advice or opinion you would go round in circles, never buy tape and go direct to disc..ie firestore or similar
cheers john

In My everyday use HV30 I have used nothing but Sony HDV tapes, bought in a 5 pack now these are less then 10 bucks each- never had a single drop out yet. I don't consider this to be an unreasonable cost at all.

My A1 has never seen any other tape but canon's hdv tape, and while expensive so is the Camera you are shooting with , I buy them by the case lot to reduce the overall net cost per tape, but agreed even buying them this way they are still one of the most expensive options. I figure the extra cost is just the price of doing business & Charge accordingly. Ive never had a single dropout using the canon either. If I were using this camera as a fun shooter I might consider a cheaper option ,But as a working camera I can't afford to possibly have to reshoot something because of a problem even if that is possible,
and in most cases its not an option. And Nobody involved is ever happy about having to do a reshoot . Also if there ever is an issue I won't feel at all bad about bitching at Canon and
saying hey look this camera's never run anything but your tapes in it ever.

Sony are not in the business of making no-no or even so-so tapes Peter. I'm still reusing Sony Excellence tapes I bought 12 years ago, with no problems at all. They've been used in my TRV900, MX300, VC2000, FX1 and Z1.

tom.

:o) Happy days.

What tapes do you use in your XHA1 please Tom? Am on the verge of buying a bulk-load of tapes and want to be safe and sound :o)

EDIT: If you don't use a XHA1 ignore this, sorry

I agree with Tom, having purchased 60 panasonic master quality tapes@ £4.10 and had multiple drop outs on each and every tape (on both cameras) ive 'upgraded' to sony premium (read cheap)dv tapes, the orange ones @ £1.60 each.
just filmed over 20 hrs of figure skating in hdv,not one drop out on 30 tapes..perhaps i just had a bad batch of panas before but I cant afford to risk buying a "bad batch" particulaly if im doing a single camera shoot .still got 20 panies left in a box ...prob sell them on ebay!
I know other people have opposite results but you can only try a brand and see what the results are for you.
buy some, try them and stick with them if they work, otherwise clean heads try different brand and so on.
If you just read everyones individual advice or opinion you would go round in circles, never buy tape and go direct to disc..ie firestore or similar
cheers john

Thanks John,

Valuable advice.

I guess I should try a single tape in a test before committing to a bulk purchase?

Buying just one tape and then testing it and going back for more will undoubtedly take you to another batch even if the brand's the same so the experimental results will be inconclusive and unreliable.

First thing is to choose a tape and stick with it. Buy 50 or 60 Sony Premiums (or whatever you choose) and get a head cleaning tape at the same time.

There’s still an impression out there that used tapes are somehow inferior to new ones. I’m still wary of the fact that one hour MiniDV tapes can be bought for little over a pound a piece, and as 17.5% of that is tax, they can’t cost much to begin with. Being so cheap suggests that there’s some pretty expensive highly automated machinery at work, and that there’s precious little in the way of human inspection being carried out.

Which is why I say that if you’ve used a tape and know it to be good, that’s the same as using your microphone and knowing it to be good. So I’m not afraid to reuse my tapes over and over again, and these days they’re being put to quite a test – recording HDV.

But as I say, there’s still a hard core of people who equate used tape to mean inferior tape, and they tend to work under the impression that as it’s so cheap, then you should always use new. In fact tape is probably at it smoothest and best after it’s been burnished by the spinning heads a couple of times, that will have knocked off all the high spots and imperfections.

It's odd that most people instinctively think of re-recording a tape as "re-using" it but see no likely problem with playing it back repeatedly -- or even running it back and forth over the heads for log-and-capture. It’s all tape re-use.


For really important projects I would push the boat out and step up a notch from the everyday Premium grade to the Sony Excellence, the professional grade DVCAM or tape labelled for HDV. Many claim there is no difference between grades, but I’m a firm believer in that you get what you pay for, and more expensive tape will have been slit from the centre of the wide ribbon and may well have had further polishing operations to ensure the lowest possible dropout levels. For HDV this is really important, as the same dropout will affect far more frames than if you had been shooting in standard definition.

tom.

Tom - from my point-of-view, I almost never reuse a tape because I almost never want to loose what I recorded the first time. It's my archive. For example, I've just finished editing two new programmes using stuff I shot on S-VHS in 1997 and 1998, and I've got more going back to 1990 that hasn't seen the light of day yet.

If it weren't for that, I'd agree with you - up to a point. There must be a point when the tape starts to wear and becomes as much of a risk as an unknown new one. Ideally, you'd want to stop recording to it while there's still, say, 10% of its life left, so that you can still play it back a few times. How many times do you reuse a tape? 10? 100? 1000?

Somewhere between 10 and 100, but I keep no check - only a huge pile of them. But I do keep my tape paths spotless and load and unload as if I was in an operating theatre.

I decided to go with the Panasonic DVM63AMQ, but also have a need for other, less expensive tapes. It's my understanding that it's ok to use different quality tapes as long as I stick to the same manufacturer?

If so, should I use a tape head cleaner between switching products (manufactured by the same company), or is that unnecessary?

I would say yes, stick to products from the same manufacturer and you won't go far wrong. Head cleaning between tapes will then not be needed.

The biggest issue with tapes is to consistently use one brand and model. never, ever, use other tapes with your camera's heads.

the problem is with lubrication, every tape manufacturer has different kinds. Sony being the most serious offender using wet lube.

I use DVM63PQ, and I buy them in bulk, 50-150 tapes at a time. It brings the cost down to be comparable w/ Costco's TDKs.

I really don't think you need DVM63AMQs at all. The PQs are just fine and they're also cheaper in bulk.

For the most part, never, ever, use a head cleaner, and also, never ever reuse a tape for recording.

Head cleaning tapes will sandpaper off dirt, grime, and grease.. so use only and ONLY when you have dropouts. As for switching tapes, even models introduces your heads to different conditions that can create more crap causing my dropouts.

Pick a tape and stick with it is my choice.

I notice that those who know recommend sticking with one particular brand. Sony or Panasonic. Does this mean that it's okay to use different types of Sony tapes, or different types of Panasonic tapes providing that you keep to all Sony, or all Panasonic?

...

I had this same question, but it seems to be answered by Tom:

I decided to go with the Panasonic DVM63AMQ, but also have a need for other, less expensive tapes. It's my understanding that it's ok to use different quality tapes as long as I stick to the same manufacturer?

If so, should I use a tape head cleaner between switching products (manufactured by the same company), or is that unnecessary?
I would say yes, stick to products from the same manufacturer and you won't go far wrong. Head cleaning between tapes will then not be needed.

I myself just purchased a used Canon XH-A1 which arrived today. The owner who had it before only used the Panasonic AY-DVM63AMQ (Panasonic | AY-DVM63AMQ Mini DV Videocassette | AYDVM63AMQ | B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/386722-REG/Panasonic_AYDVM63AMQ_AY_DVM63AMQ_Mini_DV_Videocassette.html) ). He informed me that he did about 60 hours worth of work with this cam.

I've owned a Sony HC1 since April 2006 and have mainly used the Sony DVC-60 PR/5 Premium Minidv Videocassette ( 5DVM60PRL ) which I always got cheap for under $3. I've never had a problem.

Since I still plan to keep my HC1, it would be nice to be able to share the same tape. And even though it seems it can be done (from the PRO-TAPE (http://pro-tape.com/Site/PRO-TAPE.html) site given out in this thread):


Still, we always recommend that if you must switch tapes, run a head cleaner through first. If you have been using one brand for a long time, also try to run one pass of the new tape to acclimate your heads to the new version. I often recommend this process for switching from Sony EX to the Panasonic MQ. We did both Videomaker shows, DV Expos, Showbiz and WEVA for 10 years and I've had this conversation more times than I can count and never has anyone come back to me with a complaint despite a specific invitation to do so.


... I think I'll hold off and not risk doing anything to my XH-A1 (although my used XH-A1 does come with the Mack Warranty...)

But I'd like to at least use cheaper Panasonic tapes for non-important projects. I'm thinking between the PQs in Peter's Panasonic Summary (below) or even the EJs (not listed in Peter's summary). The PQs can be had for around $3.50ish it seems and the EJs can be had for $2.50ish.

...
"Panasonic Pro Mini DV (PQ Series)
Panasonic, the pioneer in the DV and minidv tape developments introduces a line-up of mini dv tape, which is designed for professional usage. After 25 years of extensive research, Panasonic has developed a new evaporation technology named S-AME(Super Advanced Metal Evaporation).
With the new process, it is now possible to improve magnetic density over 400%.
Panasonic mini dv PQ tape is an excellent choice for professional videographers.
Length 63 Minutes SP / 94 Minutes LP (42 Minutes DVCam)"

"Panasonic Pro Mini DV (SQ Series)
High-Density Evaporation Ensures High Output
Panasonic's proprietary AME technology is employed in the SQ-series. Compared to conventional tape, the SQ-series has a four times greater magnetic particle density, resulting in higher output by 1dB and ensuring a high quality recording.
Minimized Error Rate
In addition to its high-output advantage, stringent error rate standards are employed in the SQ-series, realizing an error rate almost one-half of that found in conventional DV Tapes.
ABS Resin Cassette & Anti-Static Treatment
An anti-static treatment for the cassette lid repels dust and contaminants, minimizing dropouts. The ABS resin cassette prevents warpage & cassette housing damage, and ensures durability and reliability in all types of environments & applications.
2-way Opening Soft Case
The cassette case is constructed of a soft material that wont break if dropped. The 2-way lid construction lets you easily extract the tape with one hand, even while shooting."

There are also these tapes available, which are the most expensive of the three but still reasonably priced, all things considered:

"Panasonic Master Mini DV AMQ63
Panasonic, the pioneer in the DV and minidv tape developments introduces a line-up of mini dv tape, which is designed for professional usage. After 25 years of extensive research, Panasonic has developed a new evaporation technology named S-AME(Super Advanced Metal Evaporation). The Master tape is for finalising of high quality recordings.
With the new process, it is now possible to improve magnetic density over 400%.
Panasonic Mini Dv AMQ tape is an excellent choice for professional videographers.
Length 63 Minutes SP / 94 Minutes LP (42 Minutes DVCam)"

Personally, I'm kind of happy to have a camera that's Panasonic-tape-oriented. Before I settled on the Sony tapes and learned not to switch them, I had shot some footage with Panasonic miniDV tapes that I was always scared to pop in my HC1 (since there's no warranty or anything on it anymore - not that there ever really was, they give you a 3 month labor warranty and after that, it's $250 for repairs).

Ive actually used the Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ for a few years now and never had an issue. That's all I used in my XL-2 and now several through my XH A1. They still come highly recommended from quite a few media houses as well as other popular online stores.
...PRO-TAPE[/url]



...

I use DVM63PQ, and I buy them in bulk, 50-150 tapes at a time. It brings the cost down to be comparable w/ Costco's TDKs.

I really don't think you need DVM63AMQs at all. The PQs are just fine and they're also cheaper in bulk.
....

I decided to go with the PQs for now and grabbed a 10 pack from Amazon. I'm debating on getting at least a few AMQs to keep handy for really important recordings, but will probably place that order a little later.

In the past 5 years I used cheap Costco TDK's and never once had a drop out in hundreds of tapes. When I purchased my first XH-A1 I changed to using Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ. My first batch was okay but I have had drop outs from my next two purchased batches.
What we tape is too valuable to rely on poorly made media.

You know, I went into this thread after a search for 'best tape' for the first time thinking, "superb, two pages of messages, I'm bound to have the brand and make to choose after reading this lot"

Here I am now at the end of the thread, and I'm more confused than when I started!

Here's to mixed opinions!

To summarise, it would seem the two main contenders are Sony or Panasonic. Panasonic have dry lube, Sony is wet, I shouldn't mix the brands. Some say the wet lube on the Sony can make the head life shorter, whilst the Panasonic are apparently guilty of severe dropout (PQ grade).

Heck, you guys sure make it difficult for a guy to choose what he should get!! :-)

There's no 'best tape' Chris. Choose a brand and stick to it. They're all good. The more expensive tapes *might* give you less dropout, but they don't come with a guarantee.

I really rate Sony Premiums. Cheap, plentiful, good.

I really rate Sony Premiums. Cheap, plentiful, good.

Thanks Tom. I'm mindful that any possibility of dropout could be expensive for me. I'm gathering the equipment I need for a higher-budget short. I'd rather spend the money than lose the shot, especially with relatively inexpensive equipment like tapes. As I hear you say numerous times in other posts, you're a great believer in you get what you pay for!

That said, I don't want to unnecessarily waste money if it really doesn't make a difference what tape to use. Am I spending too much time debating this issue I wonder?!

Chris

PS. Good website with excellent explanations about the differences across brands and grades: Tape Resources - MINI DV vs DVCAM, Tape Cleaner, DV Head Cleaning, Care and Handling (http://www.taperesources.com/mini_dv_tapes.html)

A lot of guff is written about tape. I've seen reports that state that Mini DV in LP doesn't record as sharp a picture as in SP, and that Panasonic tapes give better skin tones. Yes, really!

And from Tape Resources:

''The Sony EX miniDV has a superior Carrier to Noise ratio of about 2db over the PR View Mini DV Tapes.''

Er? There's no 'noise' in digital, only what your camera puts there.

and:

''The IC chip in the tape are for use by some camcorders to remember settings of such things as apertures, f-stops, and other data etc.''

Of course this is balderdash, and the IC chip is there for completely different reasons. So don't believe all you read on a web site.

tom.

I switched from the Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ to Sony DVM60 because of drop outs. Well Sony has provided me with the same amount of dropouts as Panasonic.
As I mentioned in a previous post the only tape that doesn't give me dropouts is the TDK sold at Costco.

Well Sony has provided me with the same amount of dropouts as Panasonic.


Greg, did how often do you clean your heads and did you clean before you switched to Sony's?

I have had success with TDKs and I will stick with them.

I have had my XHA1 for abot 7 months now. I only use the Canon Master tapes (the one in the black plastic case). They are expensive (about 23.00 each) but I have never had a drop out. I have been working on a prohect for the last 8 months and have needed to ensure a low to no drop out rate. So far so good. That being said, once the project is complete, I will be looking for a less expensive option.

Kevin I bet the Panasonic Master tapes will not have drop outs but at $23 each and considering the number of tapes I use in one project it would be cost prohibitive for me.
As I posted earlier I have never had a problem with cheaper Costco TDK's and after head cleaning, from the disaster of Sony DVM60's, I have returned to these old stand byes.
The only negative is that Costco is noted for stopping sales of products without a warning.

I have had my XHA1 for abot 7 months now. I only use the Canon Master tapes (the one in the black plastic case). They are expensive (about 23.00 each) but I have never had a drop out. I have been working on a prohect for the last 8 months and have needed to ensure a low to no drop out rate. So far so good. That being said, once the project is complete, I will be looking for a less expensive option.

Canon doesn't manufacture tapes. That means you can probably buy tapes by the same manufacturer under a different name for a fraction of Canon's price.

The mindless mantra "You get what you pay for" is true only if the "what" stands for brand prestige. Nothing else.


J.

I think the Canon tapes are made by Sony. I use the Sony Digital Mastering tapes, about $16 (USD) each. Have never had a problem at all. I started with the Panasonic AMQ and had too many problems, so switched.

Here's my 2 cents. There are only 4 DV tape manufacturers left and they produce only one grade of DV tape each.

Producing a consistent grade of magnetic tape is a specialised non stop operation. They just can't afford to halt production while they change over to different tape formulations, stopping to change the knives is enough. And how would they keep up with markets around the world for all their different grades. Impossible.

The DV tape quality (read price) differences are in the tape shells. The costlier ones feature a better grade of polystyrene, stronger tape guides with metal pins, more quality control and fancier packaging. Polystyrene is very expensive so it's cost related.

The products can be graded into middle impact polystyrene (MIPS), high impact (HIPS) and super high impact (SHIPS). Adjuvants are added to improve the glaze or other capabilities. A flame retardant grade of HIPS has been developed.

As solid state storage takes over, all DV tape sales will fall off and it'll get faster. At a certain level, the manufacturers will cease production and sell their plants to smaller start up companies who want to make a fast buck. They'll cut costs, eg: cheaper tape shells, packaging and less quality control. We'll be first to see the trouble, and if it wasn't for the huge third world market we'd already have seen the end of magnetic tape as we know it.

I owned an audio cassette bulk tape duplication company and saw this happen changing over to CDs. We used BASF tape from Germany, it was excellent. But they sold their tape plant to Qantegy in Korea and within 6 months we had trouble with their tape quality.

IMO keep your favourite DV tape stock levels up, always keep a DV camera in good condition to play your tape archives .. and keep up with the AVCHD progressions to dive in when you have to.

Cheers.

Allan's comments are very interesting. Another post should also be taken into consideration.
Which DV Tape You Use/Like - Page 2 - Canon HV20, HV30 & HV40 User Forum (http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?p=251158#post251158)

I have used only Sony PHDVM63 tapes with my XH-A1 and HV40. I have never had a drop out and I don't plan on changing tape brands until I have a problem. They may cost 2 to 3 times as much as other tapes, but I am happy to invest a little extra in my media. Relatively speaking, spending a few extra dollars on tapes is not that big a deal.

Hugh

I use Sony DVM60PRR that cost $2.20 at B&H. If I need 80 minute tapes I purchase the DVM80PRL that cost around $8.50. Haven't had a single problem in my XHA1.

I've used the much more expensive Sony DVM63HD ($12) and can tell no difference in performance.

I am just wondering, if I am using panasonic tapes, does it matter which tape cleaner I should use? should I use a panasonic cleaner if I'm using pana tapes or are all tape cleaners the same?

You can use any tape head cleaner you like. They're all slightly abraisive which is why it should be used sparingly.

Allan's comments are very interesting. Another post should also be taken into consideration.
Which DV Tape You Use/Like - Page 2 - Canon HV20, HV30 & HV40 User Forum (http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?p=251158#post251158)

If anyone is interested, read through the magnetic tape 'manufacturing process' here. You can see how specialised the process really is. It must have been written at least 10 years ago because a few minor processes have been updated.

videotape: Definition from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/videotape)

I am just wondering, if I am using panasonic tapes, does it matter which tape cleaner I should use? should I use a panasonic cleaner if I'm using pana tapes or are all tape cleaners the same?

I and others say you should use a DV cleaner tape the same brand as the DV tape you use to record with. There are dry and wet lubrication types, Sony is wet and Panasonic is dry. So check Google and the forums and decide for yourself.

Cheers.

videotape: Definition from Answers.com (http://www.answers.com/topic/videotape)

FINALLY! I now know how to pronounce "videotape" :D

just to have updated model info on the forum, panasonic has changed some of the tapes and model numbers (slightly) recently, here's info i received from them:

>The current Master Series 63 minute tape is model: AY-HDVM63AMQ (my note--this replaces the AY-DV...which was also marked for hdv/dv)

This is an enhanced version of the previous tape. It will perform in the same manner as the previous tape so no head-cleaning will be required when switching to this tape. There is no 83 minute tape in this Master Series Tape line.

In the Professional Series Tape line there is an 83 minute model: AY-DVM83PQUS
This tape also will not require cleaning the heads when switching between Master and Professional Series tape.<

i was originally startled when shortly after buying my camera i discovered the tapes i'd bought with it, the AY-DVM63AMQ, were discontinued!

I and others say you should use a DV cleaner tape the same brand as the DV tape you use to record with. There are dry and wet lubrication types, Sony is wet and Panasonic is dry. So check Google and the forums and decide for yourself.

Cheers.

Is this true for head cleaners as well (dry/wet)? I'm gonna be using pana PQ tapes in my XHA1, I have a sony head cleaning tape. Does it really matter or is it really a small thing I shouldn't be worrying about? I want to run the sony head cleaner before I start with my Pana tapes.

Tom Hardwick: "You can use any tape head cleaner you like."

does it matter?
thanks

In my community of friends, we have 3 heavy tape users. One will use virtually only Sony Premiums. He did buy some of the Sony Pro HDV tapes in the big box but he has never used them. Another will use anything "but Sony". He said he has had drop out problems with every Sony he has tried to use. His tape of choice right now is Maxell but he will use any other brand as long as it isn't a Sony tape. I have been extremely happy with either Panasonic AMQ's or the high end Sony Pro HDV tapes. The only drop out that I have experienced in the last 2 years was on a Sony 80 minute Premium tape. And everyone seems to think that all 80 minute tapes are more prone to problems. I rarely re-use tapes. But that is mainly because I want to preserve the footage that I have shot.

Adam, even though others say 'it doesn't' in fact it does matter. I use Panasonic AY-DVM83MQ DV tapes (now discontinued) without problems and they have the dry lubrication, so I use Pana cleaning tapes.

They actually say 'hard type' (dry) on the tape label.

Cheers.