Re-using dv tapes

Jet Nine

Jet Nine

Well-known member
Can Panasonic master tapes be re-used in a dvx?

Would this cause any image quality problems?

thnx
 
I asked this about a year ago. I have the DVX100A. I was told it is ok to reuse tapes as long as I am using them for unimportant stuff. Reusing can cause image problems not being as sharp and also causing drop-outs.

As far as camera damage, if you use the same type tape always reuse won't damage it. Just don't go overboard.
 
JJ alexander couldn't have said it better, but i'll say it again. JUST DON'T REUSE IT for your own sake!
 
Ok, great.

Just thinking of doing it for things like auditions and location scouting. Just stuff for my own reference.
 
its not bad until you do it like a third of fourth time. it stretches the tape a tiny bit, but its enough to make dropouts and glitches slightly more likely.
 
A lot has already been written on reusing tape, do a search in DVXUSER on the subject. I wouldn't reuse tape, and I do not reuse tape at any time.
 
I have one tape i have reused more than 80 times and it give no dropouts. If tape was made for only one time, it should not go to play it. But i save the original tape.
I hope my English is not to bad :beer:
 
I just shot a week long horse show using DV Monitor Pro and recording to miniDV as backup. I had just two tapes which I rotated the whole time. After a good 50 or so records the footage still looks free from dropouts, although I didn't review every frame by any means! I would think you'd be okay to reuse tapes in a pinch, but wouldn't recommend it for your money shots. This was with PQ's too, not MQs.
 
I have also used MQs 50-100 times. Not in a Panasonic camera, but still Panasonic tapes. They do last quite a while.
 
Since the advent of video tape, I've always followed a few rules that have served me well to "stretch" the life of tape, #1) Before using, completely fast-forward and re-wind the tape once to make sure the tape is properly packed. #2) Store it correctly in it's case at an appropriate temp and humidity and on it's side. #3) If tape has sat on shelf awhile, see #1. #4) Minimise pausing, and short re-winds and fast-forwards in reviewing footage in camera. #5) Make sure tape transport is in proper mechanical condition (tensions correct) and that heads and tape path are clean. Tape can last a long while if it's stored and handled correctly. That said, I normally use it once in a critical situation, then use it for things like b-roll shots later. Today, I just pulled a 3/4" tape (camera master) off of the shelf from 1980 that has been properly handled and it looks pretty darn good!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top