Well, perhaps "eating" is too strong a word ...

NIBBLING, perhaps?

Overall, I *LOVE* our DVX100, but two or three times we have shot footage which showed MAJOR glitches and drop-outs ... only to discover "crinkling" along one edge of the tape ... like you sometimes see created by old/cheap VHS machines ...

Of course, we didn't MANUALLY INSPECT the entire length of the tape before using it, so we can't be sure we didn't get a bad tape to begin with ...

Anybody want to weigh-in on this?

It could be tapes ... it could be some sort of tolerance problem in the tape insertion/transport mechanisms creating an intermittently bad tape load ... could be ???

Advice appreciated!

- Udai

what tape is it?

of all the pana cams i have used, i have NEVER experienced this...

I think it was a Maxell in this particualr case ... up to now, I have not necessarily been picky about brands/types of miniDV tape ...

Perhaps I should be?

- Udai

with the DVX, i would strongly recommend that you DO become picky.. LOL

seriously, the PAna MQ dry types are VERY good, however i have been using the DVM60's and havent had an issue.

Thanks, Pete.

Having heard all sides of the "which tape" argument over the years, (varying, or course, depending on format, equipment, etc) it is always difficult to sort out the signal vs. noise, but in this case, it doesn't make a HUGE difference to spend a few extra $$ so I will check out the MQs ... finding them may be a bit harder, but I'll probably just order some bulk to get a discount anyway ...

BTW - What do you do with your cam?

- Udai

Udai,

I've been experiencing similar dropout problems and will soon send my camera into Panasonic for repair. I'm only using MQ tapes, however, so upgrading tape may not be the solution to your problem if it is anything like mine. I have never inspected the tape surface for crinkling as you describe and I will be sure to do that to see if that's happening on my camera. In any case, I will let you know what I find once I get my cam back from panny. Keep me posted on your issue as well. Best,

Peter

www.tapestockonline.com

very professional, quick, something like 5.50 a tape for quantities of 50 or more.

Peter

I would also suggest Pro-Tape, (http://www.pro-tape.com/index.html) one of the sponsor of this site and community. they help to keep the forums banner and pop-up free.

Pete:

Will do on keeping you posted ...

Would *VERY* much like to hear your report from Panny on your camera ... as I'm sure would many other owners.

Feel free to drop me a direct email at:

denarista@earthlink.net

I will definitely keep posting things as I learn them ...

I'll be sure to report back as soon as I send the cam in. Right now I'm filming a doc an dcan't afford to have the camera gone for a week or two, so I won't be sending it in for another three weeks or so. But as soon as I do I'll let everyone know what I find out.

Peter

I had to send my camera in today... it was "eating tapes" and displaying error messages like "auto off T reel lock" or "auto off S reel lock" or "Cylinder Lock" and when I called Panasonic Tech help they referred me to the Chicago repair center (the only DVX service site 1-847-468-5270) they said that it was not normal and to send in the camera. Luckily Digital Megastore (Jim ext 758) agreed to exchange it for a new one.
THe Panasonic tech Dennis Huntowski said that I should be using Panasonic MQ tapes because the dry lube didn't cause problems. (I was using Panasonic AY-DVM60EJ that I got with the camera)