Hi Everyone:
I just received an email from a company called "Tape Online" offering 60 minute Panasonic mini tapes for $3.59. At our FCP users group in Chicago we have been told it is a good idea to buy your mini tape in bulk and use the same tape from the same mfg as often as possible. I want to buy about 100 tapes as I do a fair number of video projects a year. I have been using Canon mini tapes, Sony, Panasonic and JVC. And although some of these tapes have given me problems in the past (especially during Post when all of a sudden I get some major tape drop outs or little "flecks' in the tape that weren't there before). I would like to hear from all of you which tape brand you recommend. Is $3.59 is a good deal OR are there places to go where I can get an even better deal. Sorry to be asking so many questions but I do appreciate all of your help and I am always looking for ways to save some $$$. Thanks
Fred

I generally recommend the Panasonic AY-DVM63MQ Master Quality tapes. You are probably looking at the PQ or Pro Quality tapes, which are not bad either.

While that is not a bad price at all, why give one of the DVinfo Sponsors (http://www.dvinfo.net/sponsors/index.php) da' bizzness. These sponsors help make this board possible. I think Pro-Tape's (http://www.pro-tape.com/) is very close to that price.

Tapes are probably the most talked about accessory on DV Info. Use the Search button in the right corner to search topics of interest.

You should not switch brands of tape. That's been the source of many a head clog story. If you do switch, use a head cleaning tape before you use the new brand. Use a head cleaning tape exactly according to the instructions.

Tapeonline.com is selling the DVM60EJ for $3.59. I just bought 25 of those from Pro-Tape for $2.98 each, so it's not just a matter of supporting a sponsor -- you'll get a better deal. The master quality tapes are double the price.

I found Pro-Tape before I found DVi. The prices are good, the service is great, and the people are friendly. In the first order, one of the jewel cases was crushed (but the tape was okay). I sent an email and Pro-Tape sent out a replacement case the next day. They spent, what, 80 cents to mail me a 5 cent case, plus their time? And locked me in as a customer.