Problems with 80min tapes
 

Hi,
I've been taping some shows using Sony Premium MiniDV 80 minute
tapes using an HC3, FX1 and Z1. I hadn't had a problem taping 60-70
minute shows with the HC3, but with my refurb FX1 and a borrowed
Z1 I've been getting drop outs around 63 minutes.

This last show was a 2 camera show using the Z1 and FX1, since
they were separated by about 30 feet I don't think they both started
at the same time. When I read in the 80 minute tapes (78 minute
show) I used HDVSplit with the HC3, read of the entire tape.

When I put it on the Vegas 7Pro timeline I had lockups around 63
minutes on both tapes. So I did another read using the FX1, same problem,
appears to be the same place. Still cann't regenerate audio but have
managed to work around the lock up otherwise. Hopefully Vegas9.0
will be out soon and handle this without locking up.

Since it happened on both tapes, and I had the same problem last week
with another 70 minutes show I wonder if its a generic problem with
the Z1/FX1?

Have you experienced a problem like this?

thanks
jim cowan

Hi Jim,

We regularly use Panasonic 80 min miniDV tape in 2 FX1s and a Sony A1 with no problem.

Mike

I can't find a reference to it at the moment, but somewhere I read that Sony recommended against using 80 minute tapes due to concerns about stretching causing errors (the tapes are thinner than the 60 minute ones). I also shoot long performances with my Z1 where it would be nice to get 80 minutes onto a tape, but I have avoided them since I don't want to chance a problem.

Of course the 63 minute issue is curious since that would be the length of a standard cassette.

I agree with Boyd, best to avoid 80 minute tapes due to material thickness (or in this case, the lack of). If you could by thinner car tires that promised you increased mileage, would you trust those?

I have used the Sony 80min Premium in both my FX1, HC96 and TRV50 with no problems. All of these camcorders have never had any other tape formulation run through them, always Premium Sony. They have all even run 80 min in LP with no problems.

Ron Evans