Panasonic Master Tape Quality Better? at DVinfo.net

John Threat · July 17th, 2003, 11:45 AM

Anyone here using the AY-DVM63MQ or equivelants Mini-dv tape to shoot on? These tapes are easily distinguishable by the fact that the case is white and that high price.

Is there a visible difference to shooting on this stock over the lower level Panasonic stock? I have used a lot of the lower level stock for a while and found it comparable, but I haven't done extensive tests.

http://www.tapeandmedia.com/mini_dv_...nic_master.asp this link is an example of this stock

Jeff Donald · July 17th, 2003, 11:59 AM

The higher end MQ tapes (more expensive) should have fewer dropouts and withstand FF and REW better then lesser tapes. No visible image difference would be seen (except fewer dropouts). The shell is said to help promote the fewer dropouts and long term stability (archivalness) with the use of better components and the use of anti-static materials.

I use the DVM60EJ tapes and have no dropouts. I never shuttle my tapes or pause them. If they were subjected to that type of abuse, I would use the MQ tapes.

Bill Markel · July 17th, 2003, 12:47 PM

John,

I've switched to the AY-DVM63MQ tapes and have noticed fewer dropouts and glitches. It's a bit more expensive, but it's worth it.

HTH

Bill

Ron Little · July 18th, 2003, 03:07 PM

I never get drop outs.

I use Maxell tape six for 22 bucks at Sams.

Do any of you get drop outs?

Jeff Donald · July 18th, 2003, 05:13 PM

I did get drop outs with the Maxells my clients provided. Since then, I supply the tapes and bill the client.

Michael Westphal · July 18th, 2003, 09:59 PM

I use the Maxells from Sam's and get a dropout on probably 1-2 of each set of six tapes (I'm at tape number 89)
I switched to the AY-DVM63MQ's for my important gigs and have had NO dropouts in 15 tapes.

Bob Benkosky · July 19th, 2003, 11:41 AM

I stick with the highly recommended Fuji DVM60 tapes. I put them thru some abuse while editing and they stay looking good. I have also gone over old footage already and had no real problems. I don't think Fuji makes a head cleaner though.

Ron Little · July 19th, 2003, 12:26 PM

Were do you buy your tape I can’t seam to find that much variety around here?

Bob Benkosky · July 19th, 2003, 04:19 PM

I actually got a great deal from Ebay from someone in Hong Kong. I think I paid $23 for 5 Fuji tapes shipped. Totally worth it.

Mark Moore · July 19th, 2003, 05:31 PM

I started using the AY-DVM63PQ from Pro-Tape (around $3.99 each), when I got my GL1 back from a factory cleaning/adjustment. What is the difference in that tape and the "MQ"? No matter - I've been happy with it!

Ron Little · July 20th, 2003, 06:55 PM

Thanks for the reply I will check out Pro Tape.

Nathan Gifford · July 20th, 2003, 08:43 PM

One of the differences between MQ and PQ is where they take the tape from. PQ tapes are spooled from the ends of the reel while MQ comes from the center. According to the people I have talked to, the MQs use the better section of the tape.

I'd rather pay the $1-$2 difference.

Mark Moore · July 21st, 2003, 06:42 AM

Thanks, Nathan. I didn't know that, and I was sure there was reason for the price difference.

Arnaldo Paixao · July 22nd, 2003, 02:33 AM

I'v been using the Pro and Master series and I'm happy with both.
But, that's since I started "striping" (recording black video and time code) them. Some time ago I posted this issue and a lot of people told me that it was just a waste of time and camera ware. The fact is that I shot a wedding with fresh out of the box tapes and it took me long hours on post to get rid of all the dropouts and glitches. I was MAD, realy MAD. Since then, I stripe all my tapes and never ever had a dropout, not one. The reason? I don't know the exact explanation, but I would suspect it could have something to do with fresh tapes not having time code. I'm aware that this represents more camera head degradation, but I prefer that, then seeing my footage spoiled.

Best regards
Arnaldo

Nathan Gifford · July 22nd, 2003, 04:52 AM

I never stripe my tapes. The only time I have problems is when I am not cautious about starting my camcorder over a valid t/c.

July 17th, 2003, 11:45 AM	#1
John Threat Major Player Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: New York Posts: 322	Panasonic Master Tape Quality Better? Anyone here using the AY-DVM63MQ or equivelants Mini-dv tape to shoot on? These tapes are easily distinguishable by the fact that the case is white and that high price. Is there a visible difference to shooting on this stock over the lower level Panasonic stock? I have used a lot of the lower level stock for a while and found it comparable, but I haven't done extensive tests. http://www.tapeandmedia.com/mini_dv_...nic_master.asp this link is an example of this stock

July 17th, 2003, 11:59 AM	#2
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	The higher end MQ tapes (more expensive) should have fewer dropouts and withstand FF and REW better then lesser tapes. No visible image difference would be seen (except fewer dropouts). The shell is said to help promote the fewer dropouts and long term stability (archivalness) with the use of better components and the use of anti-static materials. I use the DVM60EJ tapes and have no dropouts. I never shuttle my tapes or pause them. If they were subjected to that type of abuse, I would use the MQ tapes. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

July 18th, 2003, 05:13 PM	#5
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	I did get drop outs with the Maxells my clients provided. Since then, I supply the tapes and bill the client. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

July 18th, 2003, 09:59 PM	#6
Michael Westphal Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 166	I use the Maxells from Sam's and get a dropout on probably 1-2 of each set of six tapes (I'm at tape number 89) I switched to the AY-DVM63MQ's for my important gigs and have had NO dropouts in 15 tapes. __________________ Michael A Westphal

July 19th, 2003, 11:41 AM	#7
Bob Benkosky Major Player Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Lake Park, Florida Posts: 202	I stick with the highly recommended Fuji DVM60 tapes. I put them thru some abuse while editing and they stay looking good. I have also gone over old footage already and had no real problems. I don't think Fuji makes a head cleaner though. __________________ http://www.veoh.com/channels/filmmaker My clips and films.

July 17th, 2003, 12:47 PM	#3
Bill Markel Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sicklerville, NJ Posts: 59	John, I've switched to the AY-DVM63MQ tapes and have noticed fewer dropouts and glitches. It's a bit more expensive, but it's worth it. HTH Bill

July 18th, 2003, 03:07 PM	#4
Ron Little Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pensacola Fl. Posts: 627	I never get drop outs. I use Maxell tape six for 22 bucks at Sams. Do any of you get drop outs?

July 19th, 2003, 12:26 PM	#8
Ron Little Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pensacola Fl. Posts: 627	Were do you buy your tape I can’t seam to find that much variety around here?

July 19th, 2003, 04:19 PM	#9
Bob Benkosky Major Player Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Lake Park, Florida Posts: 202	I actually got a great deal from Ebay from someone in Hong Kong. I think I paid $23 for 5 Fuji tapes shipped. Totally worth it. __________________ http://www.veoh.com/channels/filmmaker My clips and films.

July 19th, 2003, 05:31 PM	#10
Mark Moore Major Player Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 301	I started using the AY-DVM63PQ from Pro-Tape (around $3.99 each), when I got my GL1 back from a factory cleaning/adjustment. What is the difference in that tape and the "MQ"? No matter - I've been happy with it! __________________ Mark Moore Sugar Free Productions

July 20th, 2003, 06:55 PM	#11
Ron Little Major Player Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Pensacola Fl. Posts: 627	Thanks for the reply I will check out Pro Tape.

July 20th, 2003, 08:43 PM	#12
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	One of the differences between MQ and PQ is where they take the tape from. PQ tapes are spooled from the ends of the reel while MQ comes from the center. According to the people I have talked to, the MQs use the better section of the tape. I'd rather pay the $1-$2 difference. __________________ Nathan Gifford Southern Cyclist Magazine & Productions For quick answers try our Search! To see me and Rob Lohman click here

July 21st, 2003, 06:42 AM	#13
Mark Moore Major Player Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: North Carolina Posts: 301	Thanks, Nathan. I didn't know that, and I was sure there was reason for the price difference. __________________ Mark Moore Sugar Free Productions

July 22nd, 2003, 02:33 AM	#14
Arnaldo Paixao Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Vimeiro - Portugal Posts: 255	I'v been using the Pro and Master series and I'm happy with both. But, that's since I started "striping" (recording black video and time code) them. Some time ago I posted this issue and a lot of people told me that it was just a waste of time and camera ware. The fact is that I shot a wedding with fresh out of the box tapes and it took me long hours on post to get rid of all the dropouts and glitches. I was MAD, realy MAD. Since then, I stripe all my tapes and never ever had a dropout, not one. The reason? I don't know the exact explanation, but I would suspect it could have something to do with fresh tapes not having time code. I'm aware that this represents more camera head degradation, but I prefer that, then seeing my footage spoiled. Best regards Arnaldo

July 22nd, 2003, 04:52 AM	#15
Nathan Gifford Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Tickfaw, LA Posts: 1,217	I never stripe my tapes. The only time I have problems is when I am not cautious about starting my camcorder over a valid t/c. __________________ Nathan Gifford Southern Cyclist Magazine & Productions For quick answers try our Search! To see me and Rob Lohman click here