Video dropouts and head clog

[Norman99]

Just finished taping a wedding a few weeks ago using a total of 3 mini DV tapes, the first two tapes played back fine but the third one at the receptin started from the beginning of the tape to have pixelation throughout the full 28 minutes of it, although the audio is fine.I have tried playing it back on several different cameras and decks but with no improvement.The head clog indicator only came on after the pause at 27 minutes into the filming, as it was one huge non-stop clip.Prior to the indicator showing up, all seemed fine during the recording (27 minutes) as no indicator was seen.Now the problem is that there was a lot of important dancing, speeches, etc on it. I have heard in the past that if I play it back from the AV out terminals to another DV deck , that it may work out. If not, is there any place that can have a good chance of recovery? It may be expensive but that's fine as long as it can be possible. This wedding is very important. Any suggestion is appreciated.

 

[Allan Black]

When did you last run a DV cleaning tape, and did you use NEW DV tapes at SP speed for the wedding?

Do NOT play or record ANY tapes on your 100B until you've run a new DV cleaning tape, the same brand as your recording tapes, following its instructions .. except run it for 20secs not 10, it won't do any harm.

Then try a new recording tape for a few minutes, if it still shows bad distortion on play, try the cleaning tape once more for 10secs then the recording tape. If it still plays up, send the 100 into the shop for a pro head clean.

If the 3rd tape still shows trouble playing, microgrit and dust has embedded itself in the tape surface causing tape dropouts and I'm afraid it's probably stuck there forever. It most likely got in the open transport when you were changing tapes, so ALWAYS clean the top of the 100 before you open it.

You could copy the audio off to your editing program and make up the vision using stills of the reception and match other stills to whatever the speeches are about .. when the couple were kids .. stills of the bucks party, hens night etc. Get creative mate, is there other video from the reception?
It sounds like a tough job, but it might not be all that bad after you talk with the photogs. Even shoot more video at another reception from outside the place.

Everyone should run a new DV cleaning tape before every important event.
Follow its instructions.

Cheers.