Re-using DV Tapes and is Pro really Pro
 

First off I am mainly using a JVC JYHD10u ( HDV camera) for most taping recently if this pertains to my question.


Has anyone experimented with the re-use or taping over multiple times on a DV Tape? Are there numbers/info on the degredation of quality anywhere?

I bought some Pro 63 minute tapes for twice the money of a standard DV tape at say Circuit City or Best Buy, Is this worth it and why ( if possible) I cant seem to find info on either of these issues.

Thank you so much
Mark

Mark,
a search of the Long Balck Line will reveal this subject has been discussed at length however, IMO and only My Opinion, I do not reuse tapes at all ever. I use Panasonic 63's in 2 PD150's and an old (1995) VX1000. I don't change brands or types and in over 700 hours on each of the PD150s I've not had any problems of note with either the cameras or the tape. I run them in the VX1000 as well when I use it and although I've only been using those tapes for about 2 1/2 years I haven't had a problems with the 1000 either. If you go online to taperesources or pro-tape (both dot com) you will find they have tapes at generally much lower prices than you will pay at best buy,circuit city or the like.

Search thru the tape forum and you'll find that no matter what tape you use most everyone sticks with one manufacturer and one type from that manufacturer. Fewer problems that way.

Hope that helps,
Don B.

From my understanding, re-using a tape does not necessarilly mean a reduction in quality or dropouts, but increases the chance of tape wear resulting in more debris being left on your recording head. The more the tape passes over the head, the weaker it gets I guess. For the costs of tapes vs cost of the camera, I will not re-use either. So my vote, is build the costs into your productions!