Dropouts! at DVinfo.net

Ryan Mueller · July 1st, 2008, 08:42 PM

Just wondering what all of you guys are using for tape? I am using Panasonic PQ (Professional Quality) tapes and have noticed a dropout on nearly every tape! Are HDV tapes actually worth the extra dough? I was thinking that if others aren't having problems with the same tape that I should clean my heads, maybe.

Terry Martin · July 2nd, 2008, 01:20 AM

Ryan,
Suggest head cleaning is the solution. (I use about 5 seconds with Panny cleaning tape)
I originally got an HV20 (using cheap TDK Costco Tape) and an A1 (using PannyAMQ). Both cameras averaged one dropout per tape, so I got concerned and researched in this forum. Many folks recommended cleaning, especially before the first tape. I started cleaning before each important shoot (about 10 hour drum time intervals), and the dropouts went away. I recently got an HV30, cleaned it before use, and have yet to see a dropout.

Dave Daniels · July 2nd, 2008, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan Mueller

Just wondering what all of you guys are using for tape? I am using Panasonic PQ (Professional Quality) tapes and have noticed a dropout on nearly every tape! Are HDV tapes actually worth the extra dough? I was thinking that if others aren't having problems with the same tape that I should clean my heads, maybe.

I use SONY Premium Tapes. Dropouts occur maybe 1 out of 10?? Maybe.

John Palaganas · July 2nd, 2008, 01:32 PM

So what exactly do you guys use to clean the head???

Robert Petersen · July 2nd, 2008, 09:08 PM

I use the Panasonic Dry Type Digital Video Head Cleaner Cassette (AY-DVMCLC). It works great. I use Maxell DVM60SE tapes. I've only run about 5 tapes through my HV30, but have not had any dropouts. Also, I agree that you should run the head cleaner before an important shoot. It only takes a few seconds.

John Palaganas · July 3rd, 2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Petersen

I use the Panasonic Dry Type Digital Video Head Cleaner Cassette (AY-DVMCLC). It works great. I use Maxell DVM60SE tapes. I've only run about 5 tapes through my HV30, but have not had any dropouts. Also, I agree that you should run the head cleaner before an important shoot. It only takes a few seconds.

Thanks! Even if it says for Mini-DV?

Robert Petersen · July 3rd, 2008, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Palaganas

Thanks! Even if it says for Mini-DV?

Yes. The heads don't know the difference, and neither do the tapes (DV tapes are perfectly good for HDV)

July 1st, 2008, 08:42 PM	#1
Ryan Mueller Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Highlands Ranch, CO Posts: 336	Dropouts! Just wondering what all of you guys are using for tape? I am using Panasonic PQ (Professional Quality) tapes and have noticed a dropout on nearly every tape! Are HDV tapes actually worth the extra dough? I was thinking that if others aren't having problems with the same tape that I should clean my heads, maybe.

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July 2nd, 2008, 01:20 AM	#2
Terry Martin Regular Crew Join Date: May 2007 Location: Palo Alto, California Posts: 100	Ryan, Suggest head cleaning is the solution. (I use about 5 seconds with Panny cleaning tape) I originally got an HV20 (using cheap TDK Costco Tape) and an A1 (using PannyAMQ). Both cameras averaged one dropout per tape, so I got concerned and researched in this forum. Many folks recommended cleaning, especially before the first tape. I started cleaning before each important shoot (about 10 hour drum time intervals), and the dropouts went away. I recently got an HV30, cleaned it before use, and have yet to see a dropout.

July 2nd, 2008, 01:32 PM	#4
John Palaganas Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 71	So what exactly do you guys use to clean the head???

July 2nd, 2008, 09:08 PM	#5
Robert Petersen Regular Crew Join Date: May 2006 Location: Girard, Ohio Posts: 103	I use the Panasonic Dry Type Digital Video Head Cleaner Cassette (AY-DVMCLC). It works great. I use Maxell DVM60SE tapes. I've only run about 5 tapes through my HV30, but have not had any dropouts. Also, I agree that you should run the head cleaner before an important shoot. It only takes a few seconds.