Need tape head cleaning?
 

So I just got my HV20, ran about 30 minutes of TDK tapes through it (same I was using on my panasonic), mom comes home with new tapes and says Costco switched to Sony. Should I clean, or was I not using it long enough?

Chris
If you haven't got a problem then don't clean your camera; and I suggest stick to one brand of tapes that you find works for your with good results. Most people here use Sony dv premium tapes both for HDV and standard DV.

Stelios

Just remember that if you do use a tape head cleaner, use the brand for the tape not the camera. In other words a Sony tape cleaner for Sony tape and a Panasonic tape head cleaner for Panasonic tape even if it is in a Sony camera.

John

Why is that John? What do you base this information?

Stelios

Because the compounds used on the tapes differ and the tape cleaning cassettes are optimized with cleaners that dissolve the specific compounds for their own brand of tape. They may work OK on others, but I always recommend the specific brand for the specific tape.

John