Another tape question

[uhrgl]

What are the consequences of using LP mode or the 83 minute panny master tapes in my baby?

I'm going to join a crew shooting a concert next month. I requested the director get the 63 minute Panasonic MQ tapes, but he replied that he intended to use the "93 minute master tapes" so we don't miss anything.

I'm not sure if he means the 83 minute masters or using an LP mode or what.

I know the manual says not to use LP mode nor the 83 minute tapes but why? I'd like to be informed before I reply to this guy. Thanks in advance, ya'll.

 

[Barry_Green]

Re: Another tape question

He probably means LP mode. LP mode works okay, but is much more prone to dropouts, and the tapes shot in LP mode are *not* guaranteed to play back in any other camera or deck. More dropouts and sketchy playback don't sound like bonus features to me...

83-minute tapes are made of thinner tape stock and may be more prone to crinkling or jamming... or maybe they'll work just fine... but it's riskier. The manual specifically says not to use 83 minute tapes. It doesn't say not to use LP, but there are reasons one would need to be careful with LP mode.

Another option would be to attach a deck or cheap camera to the firewire port and use it as an external record deck that can start recording when the DVX's tape is about to run out... that way you can execute a tape change without losing any recording...