Which Tape Should I Use?

R

reddPLANET

Member
I know I should only use Panasonic tapes with my dvx, but it doesn't matter if i switch which Panasonic tape does it?  I've been using dvm60s for general stuff, but I'm gonna be shooting a short movie and I want to use a higher grade tape...  which tape should i use?

also... is it bad to reuse a tape? and which tape cleaner should i get?
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

try to use only Panasonic AY-DVM63MQ tapes, they use so called dry lubrification and work best with the DVX.
try to avoid switching brands and even different tapes from one manufacturer, as they might
use different types of lubrificants and that can seriously clog up your cams heads.
It is advisable to clean the heads before switching tape brands. Manual cleaning would be preferred but only if you exactly know what you are doing. A cleaning tape is somewhat abrasive and frequent use could wear the heads but it is still better to use the cleaning tape than just swap to another tape brand and clog up the heads.
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

There are hundreads of topics 'bout this subject here...
You should search for these ones!


BTW: Stay with DRY lub tapes!!!
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

how about the AY-DVM63ME ones? My camera came with one of those, and I use the DVM60ME ones as well.

Are those dry?
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

honestly... i did a search for this topic and i can't find it... sorry for the repeat...

as long as i stick with panasonic tapes, it's not a big deal to switch between the pro tapes and the dvm60 is it?
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

The rule of thumb is to always use the same Panasonic tape. The MQ is the recommended tape around here...
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

good to know... thanks a bunch Paul... should i do some type of headcleaning before I switch to the MQ tapes?
 
Re: Which Tape MQ vs PQ

Re: Which Tape MQ vs PQ

i am in buying some tapes and some sites have AY-DVM63PQ
instead of the AY-DVM63MQ. on the panasonic site one is refered to as Professional: High quality digital-media ensures peace of mind from start to finish.

while the other is described as MAster:Ultimate high density, professional DV tape for mission critical DV applications.

They both seem high end.Has anyone used the PQ and would you still recomand the MQ
10x.
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

Hello,

I have spoken with reps at two tape vendors (PRC of America and Edgewise) and both said the know of no significant difference between MQ and PQ series. The MQ's supposedly have stricter quality control specs, but neither vendor has heard any complaints about the PQ series.

I was part of a feature shoot where the whole thing was shot on PQ's without any problems. I am also currently shooting a doc on the PQ's. After nine hours of tape, I have only seen one or two dropouts, and they were so minute that the takes are useable.

I ASSUME PQs also use dry lube, however, I have found not specifications on the Panasonic site to confirm this. I emailed their tech support and asked for a specifications comparison between the PQ and MQ series. If they send a response, I will post it.

Since DV is a digital signal, there should be no difference in image quality regarldess of what tape you use (assuming no dropouts). I feel it comes down to an issue of cost. The MQ63s lowest price is around $5.65/tape. The PQ63s is around $4.15. So, is it worth a $1.50 savings an hour to you to use the PQs? If you're burning tons of tape, perhaps so. If you're burning just a few tapes, perhaps not.

Donny
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

Hey guys, can someone please answer me regarding the DVM60ME tapes? I have been using those and I would like to know if I can use the DVM60MQ ones. Will there be a problem? Do I have to clean the head first?

What do I do?

Thanks in advance.

Fidel.
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

Hi All,

Well, I was mistaken in my assumption that PQ's are dry lubrication. Attached is the the email I received from Panasonic's tech support. I guess I'll be changing to MQ's:

"Hi,

The PQ tape is a wet tape and the MQ is a dry tape. The PQ is our
professional line and the MQ is master quality. As the tape transports
are used they adapt to the type of tape being used. It is not
recommended to switch between the two. The MQ is the newest and
considered the best type to use. When switching it is recommended that
the tape transport is cleaned to allow them to readapt to a different
kind of tape. Keep in mind the transport should be cleaned
professionally to provide uninterrupted service.

I hope this helps.

Regards"
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

well that letter screws everything up. ??? so which is which. Is this
letter speaking truth or is the poster just messing with us? :P I'm
just confused all over again. As I was set to stick to Sony (wet) for
the sake of keeping all tapes, from previous cameras/etc., all the same
so to not mess my new camera and dsr11 up.
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

Howdy Ian,

I'm not trying to mess with you - just trying to figure out the best route too. The email I posted is unedited and what I received directly from Panavision support. Perhaps high quality wet tapes will cause no problems. After all, the guy said MQ is "the newest and best" not the only tape that will work. And of course Panasonic would prefer to sell us their most expensive tape option. At the same time, $1.50 extra an hour of shooting time may be worth it if it will cause less wear on a $3500 camera. Perhaps the best option is to stick with your wet Sony tapes and insert a small sponge with the tape to absorb the wet lube. This will save you money and keep the camera heads dry. ;D
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

"Since DV is a digital signal, there should be no difference in image quality regarldess of what tape you use (assuming no dropouts)."

With this in mind, what does a master quality or a professional quality tape hold over the standard dvm60ej tape?  And do I need to get my camera professionally cleaned before I make the switch to mq or can I just use a head cleaner tape... thanks
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

[quote author=donnyshawn link=board=Links;num=1090427431;start=0#10 date=07/27/04 at 09:02:42]The PQ tape is a wet tape and the MQ is a dry tape.  The PQ is our
professional line and the MQ is master quality. As the tape transports
are used they adapt to the type of tape being used.  It is not
recommended to switch between the two.  The MQ is the newest and
considered the best type to use. When switching it is recommended that
the tape transport is cleaned to allow them to readapt to a different
kind of tape.  Keep in mind the transport should be cleaned
professionally to provide uninterrupted service.[/quote]

What this does is establish once and for all that there is absolutely no upside in risking the use of anything other than MQ. Guys, this is a no-brainer... why does everyone continue to screw around with other tapes?
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

But Mitch, if I buy a $1.99 tape from Walgreens, this costs me $.06 less a minute to shoot. That means all I have to do is shoot 959 hours of tape and I've saved myself enough to buy a new 100A! :o

You're right. It seems when you invest several thousand $'s in equipment, it makes no sense to save a buck or two per hour of tape and risk shortening the life of your camera. I emailed Panasonic back to see if there is significantly more wear on a 100A from wet tapes when compared to dry. I'll let you know what they say.

REDDPLANET - I've read in other postings on this site that head cleaner tapes put excessive wear on the video heads and dramatically shorten the life of the camera. If I learn more about this, I'll let you know. Also listed on other postings, there are tips on cleaning your cam. So, yes either learn to do it manually yourself or have it professionally cleaned. As to getting the cam cleaned before shifting, according to Panasonic, this is highly recommended since the cam adapts to the lube. So if you've shot just a couple tapes, probably not the end of the world to not have it cleaned. But if you've been shooting on other tapes for a while, I'd suggest it.

About DVM60EJ's - don't know how they compare to MQs and PQs. The only edge MQ/PQ (excluding MQ's dry lube) could hold over the EJ's id better construction (more solid cassette and mechanisms) and stricter QC resulting in better tape and less dropouts. Since digital signals are recorded in a series of 1's and 0's, you either have the info or you don't.

Hope this helps
Donny
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

Donny...
I really appreciate your post... I've done about 30 hours of usage on the EJ tapes... is that a lot? should i clean it before the switch? Really appreciate the info Donny...
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

Does any of you know the DVM60ME tapes?
Nobody seems to point those out, and if they are good or not.

Am I the only one using this tapes?

If it came with the camera, that can't be, right?

Come on guys, is it safe to use MQ tapes after using ME ones?

Thanks in advance

Fidel.
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

I use DVM60ME, too... not EJ... i wrote EJ by mistake... but I figured ME and EJ are pretty similar...
 
Re: Which Tape Should I Use?

So its cool to use those. Thanks!
That is what I wanted to know. In that case, I am going to order a big pile of them.

All the best

Fidel.
 
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