Aside from the obvious record to tape and playback from tape, when does the head spin? In particular, is it possible to record to computer using applications like DVRack and HDLink with a tape in the transport without ever engaging the head during the entire recording session? Or, is it advisable to remove the tape during these sessions if you do not intend to record to tape?

Best,
Christopher

AFAIK, the head is in contact with the tape until the drive goes into stanby-mode (green square in EVF). You can hear when that happens - takes several minutes. But the heads might be disengaged from the tape before that - I'm not certain. Any further input welcome!