Are you using DV or HDV tapes when recording in HDV? Also, I plan to use Sony Premium for general work and Excellence for anything important. Do I need to clean the head when switching? Just got my HC1!

I've been using TDK "Superior Grade" since I got my Sony A1 in November. I've gone thru 8 tapes only one drop out (in the last 30 seconds of the tape.) On the second try, in captured OK.

The main thing I seen on post about tapes in that Sony uses a different type of lubricant, than most other manufacturers. It appears, the best thing is to either use Sony tapes or one of the other brands.

This site has a good FAQ on tapes:

http://www.tapestockonline.com/minidvtapefaqs.html

Thanks for that link Vic and your reply.

As long as you use new tapes for every job, I don't see the need of getting a $20 cassete, just get a normal Maxel for $4

To be on the safe side, I’d stick with the Sony tapes and the only time a cleaning cassette should ever be used is when the camcorder tells you to. A cleaning tape can destroy the heads if used too frequently.