Pd170 tape problem or...?
 

Hi, my 2 year old pd170 has a problem. The problem has only happened 3 times on two new tapes that came from the same pack.
The problem happened within the 1st minute of the tapes all 3 times.

When I record something for 20 seconds and stop, then record some more, the cut between the 2 clips is garbled for a second. The video from the 1st twenty seconds is mixed in at the start of the second segment in 4 horizontal lines across the screen.

The problem showed itself on the DSR11 & PD170 during playback.

I rerecorded over the problem part and it recorded fine.

Is this more likely a tape problem or a cam problem?

Should I send it in for service?

Would cleaning the heads help?

Has anyone experienced anything like this?

Any insight is much appreciated. I think this may be a sign of a bad problem.

my vx2000 had a problem that began that way and fairly quickly got much worse. Eventually the first 20 minutes of a tape was unusable -- but then everything after that was fine.

I head cleaned multiple times to no avail.

I sent it in for service, and was told to replace the entire head assembly: $600

The repair worked, but I'm skeptical as to the diagnosis and charge. I have a suspician that the problem was likely in the belts or something -- but I can't prove it ...

Thank for letting me know. I had a feeling it was bad.

Well, the problem is worse. Shot a birthday and the tape plays garbled. Tried a DSR 11 and the tape worked with a few errors at the beginning. I sent the Cam to Armatos. :(

The cam only has 300 hours on it, is this normal?

Well, the cam is on its way back.

Cleaning, lube, and adjustments and it is said to be working well.

Armatos is a great place.

In hindsight I should have started a maintence schedule on the cam.

Now, for the interesting coincidence. This all started when I changed tapes!

I'm curious... Did the problem start when you switched the brand of tape? I'm not an expert on this at all, so if someone else wants to add to or correct what I say, please do.

An engineer I know told me the it's important to choose one type of tape and stick with it. I guess diferent manufacturers use different resins in thier tape. Mixing these can cause problems with cams, decks and heads. Has anyone heard of this?

The 1st error happened within the 1st 30 seconds of the new type of tape.

The new tape may have aggravated the dirty heads from the lack of maintence on the cam.

This is specualtion.

The thing that I learned from this, more than anything, is that proper maintence of a work cam is critical for a problem free cam.

But, all's well, that end's well. :)

There are numerous cases reported in this forum about the dangers of switching tape brands.

Then there is my posting at the top of the forum about using tape from the company that built the cameras.

Thanks Mike.

I managed to use the same tape with cam for 2 years until my boss said he wanted me to use 60 minute tapes and not the 83 tapes that I had been using for so long.

I use Panny tapes. I am thinking of switching to these tapes, since now would be a good time. Does anyone recommend this tape for professional work?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

What I am amazed at is how Great Armatos is. I sent the cam on Monday from CT to NY and got it back on Thursday. The price was reasonable and they were honest and friendly.

I tested the cam and it is working well.