Are all Panasonic playback heads the same?

H

Hank E

Member
I just bought a used DVX100b. I would like to save some wear and tear on the heads. Is okay to use my Panasonic GS300 to ingest video shot on MiniDV tapes by the DVX100b, or would I be loosing some quality? Are all Panasonic playback heads the same?

Thanks, Hank
 
You will lose no quality. The heads just put the 1s and 0s on tape, they don't change the quality.
 
Current generation DV tape heads have a life of between 2 and 4,000hrs. Over the years it's been proved you'll probably update the camera before you get anywhere near wearing out the heads.

The only problem you'll likely have is with any tapes recorded at LP speed, most of those tapes won't succesfully play on other machines.

Cheers.
 
Raster, thanks a lot for the useful information. I appreciate it.:Drogar-Happy(DBG):

Raster said:
Current generation DV tape heads have a life of between 2 and 4,000hrs. Over the years it's been proved you'll probably update the camera before you get anywhere near wearing out the heads.

The only problem you'll likely have is with any tapes recorded at LP speed, most of those tapes won't succesfully play on other machines.

Cheers.
Click to expand...
 
You do have to worry about tapes that ran through the other panasonic previously. The different tape lubricants can cause issues if you mix brands, and other factors. Best to clean the heads on the GS300 if you've used other tape brands in it prior. Best to pick a tape brand and type and stick with it.
 
Understood. Thanks Andrew.

Andrew McCarrick said:
You do have to worry about tapes that ran through the other panasonic previously. The different tape lubricants can cause issues if you mix brands, and other factors. Best to clean the heads on the GS300 if you've used other tape brands in it prior. Best to pick a tape brand and type and stick with it.
Click to expand...
 
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