After removing the tape and sticking in another tape to view.... the picture from the first tape remained in a banded form over the present picture playing now. I have no idea why.

Tony B

What camera (XL1 or XL1S), how are you viewing the images? Can you describe what your seeing in a little more detail? Are you saying it is like a double exposed image?

Jeff

I've seen this phenomena before.....as I recall, some of the old video was displayed in horizontal bands, interlaced with new stuff. The old stuff apparently came out of some kind of memory.

In my case, I had mistracking problems. Several others have had similar problems. The first trip to the factory was for alignment. The final fix was getting a new drum installed by Canon.

If you see 5 or 6 bands, one of the (two) heads is clogged. Changed tape brand?

There is a lot of evidence that the brands of tape have something to do with it, particularly mixing them, as has been documented many times on these boards. Best to pick one and stay with, it my opinon.

There has also been some history about bad heads, as well. A cleaning/realignment by the factory might do it, but I'd be prepared to spring for the drum replacement. It took me three round trips to finally get it fixed.

Now, if we could just eliminate those pesky, random drop-outs.....

I heard that Sony is coming out with a new MiniDV tape that has
some kind of super hard formula. 75% less drop outs is the
claim. Let's hope it doesn't cost 200% more.

When I read about it again, I will post in the news and events section.

Vic hit it on the head.It's my friends camera xl1 no s and he has changed tape brands back and forth from sony to panasonic. I'm sending him your replies. Maybe its still under warranty.

Thanks guys
Tony B