Tape Issues? at DVinfo.net

David Calvin · July 14th, 2006, 11:16 AM

This may be off topic, feel free to move it if it is. :-).

Where do you all store your mini DV tapes? I am worred about the heat. But I am afraid to put them in the fridge because I worry about condensation. I usually just put them in the coolest part of the house, but it gets super hot in the summer time and I have no AC :-).

Also.. what sort of tapes do you all use? I use strictly Sony Excellence, and I never put them through the camera more than once. I've heard that mixing tape brands through the tape is bad.. is this so? Do people vary their tape brands? Tape brand shouldn't affect image quality right? Because its digital..?

david

Halfdan J. Damskier · August 2nd, 2006, 01:01 PM

I simply store my tapes in my room. Unless it gets unbelievably hot or humid in your house, I think you're safe just storing them in the coolest and most dry room you have - which is what you are already doing. You may want to take a look at this site which has some interesting information on how to store tapes. Simply scroll down to the Video Tape Storage headline. Some of the advice may be a bit sophisticated, but you might find some of the information useful:

http://www.videointerchange.com/tape.htm

I think you are safe using quality tape of any brand that works for you. The general rule seems to be to choose one brand of tape and stick with it, so you don't risk mixing different tape lubricants in your camcorder. Especially some years ago the mixing of different tape brands seemed to cause problems. Do a search in this forum, and you will find lots of information on this topic.

July 14th, 2006, 11:16 AM	#1
David Calvin Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Cupertino, Ca Posts: 63	Tape Issues? This may be off topic, feel free to move it if it is. :-). Where do you all store your mini DV tapes? I am worred about the heat. But I am afraid to put them in the fridge because I worry about condensation. I usually just put them in the coolest part of the house, but it gets super hot in the summer time and I have no AC :-). Also.. what sort of tapes do you all use? I use strictly Sony Excellence, and I never put them through the camera more than once. I've heard that mixing tape brands through the tape is bad.. is this so? Do people vary their tape brands? Tape brand shouldn't affect image quality right? Because its digital..? david

August 2nd, 2006, 01:01 PM	#2
Halfdan J. Damskier Regular Crew Join Date: May 2005 Location: Aalborg, Denmark Posts: 29	I simply store my tapes in my room. Unless it gets unbelievably hot or humid in your house, I think you're safe just storing them in the coolest and most dry room you have - which is what you are already doing. You may want to take a look at this site which has some interesting information on how to store tapes. Simply scroll down to the Video Tape Storage headline. Some of the advice may be a bit sophisticated, but you might find some of the information useful: http://www.videointerchange.com/tape.htm I think you are safe using quality tape of any brand that works for you. The general rule seems to be to choose one brand of tape and stick with it, so you don't risk mixing different tape lubricants in your camcorder. Especially some years ago the mixing of different tape brands seemed to cause problems. Do a search in this forum, and you will find lots of information on this topic.