How often to run Tape Cleaner? at DVinfo.net

Ed Khang · July 23rd, 2007, 12:59 AM

I have an HV10 and use Panasonic AMQ tapes.

How often do you use a dry tape cleaner?

-Ed

Eugenia Loli-Queru · July 23rd, 2007, 01:24 AM

They say that using a tape cleaner on a camcorder that uses normal DV tapes is once every few months. However, if you are using HDV tapes, you might not need to clean at all, because these tapes are a bit "rougher" and so they clean up the head themselves just by recording with them.

Mikko Wilson · July 23rd, 2007, 01:32 AM

you only need to use the tape cleaner if you notice any head clog (always check at the start & end of each tape! - If the heads arn't dirty; there is nothing to clean away.

- Mikko

Peter J Alessandria · July 23rd, 2007, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikko Wilson

you only need to use the tape cleaner if you notice any head clog (always check at the start & end of each tape! - If the heads arn't dirty; there is nothing to clean away.

- Mikko

Mikko's right - us only as needed.

Ed Khang · July 23rd, 2007, 10:41 AM

So run it only when you start getting dropped frames? I'd like to avoid dropped frames. Anyone using Panasonic AMQ's can chime in on how long before they start getting dropped frames?

-Ed

Richard Alvarez · July 23rd, 2007, 10:56 AM

There's no set interval, you'll just have to work out a system that works for you. You can pick an interval based on tape numbers. "Every twelve tapes" for instance. Or you can 'try as you go', by putting a tape in, recording a minute or so, and seeing if you are getting any banding or drop outs. This will work IF the heads are dirty enough to leave problems at the start of the tape. It won't help if your heads are slowly getting clogger while shooting and the banding shows up in the middle of the tape.

Me? I load the cleaner in before a paying gig. (Which prolly works out to every ten tapes or so.) Run it for five seconds and move on. Your mileage may very.

July 23rd, 2007, 12:59 AM	#1
Ed Khang Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 32	How often to run Tape Cleaner? I have an HV10 and use Panasonic AMQ tapes. How often do you use a dry tape cleaner? -Ed

July 23rd, 2007, 01:32 AM	#3
Mikko Wilson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Juneau, Alaska, USA Posts: 624	you only need to use the tape cleaner if you notice any head clog (always check at the start & end of each tape! - If the heads arn't dirty; there is nothing to clean away. - Mikko __________________ Mikko Wilson - Steadicam Owner / Operator - Juneau, Alaska, USA +1 (907) 321-8387 - mikkowilson@hotmail.com - www.mikkowilson.com

July 23rd, 2007, 01:24 AM	#2
Eugenia Loli-Queru Major Player Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA, USA Posts: 348	They say that using a tape cleaner on a camcorder that uses normal DV tapes is once every few months. However, if you are using HDV tapes, you might not need to clean at all, because these tapes are a bit "rougher" and so they clean up the head themselves just by recording with them.

July 23rd, 2007, 10:41 AM	#5
Ed Khang Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 32	So run it only when you start getting dropped frames? I'd like to avoid dropped frames. Anyone using Panasonic AMQ's can chime in on how long before they start getting dropped frames? -Ed

July 23rd, 2007, 10:56 AM	#6
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	There's no set interval, you'll just have to work out a system that works for you. You can pick an interval based on tape numbers. "Every twelve tapes" for instance. Or you can 'try as you go', by putting a tape in, recording a minute or so, and seeing if you are getting any banding or drop outs. This will work IF the heads are dirty enough to leave problems at the start of the tape. It won't help if your heads are slowly getting clogger while shooting and the banding shows up in the middle of the tape. Me? I load the cleaner in before a paying gig. (Which prolly works out to every ten tapes or so.) Run it for five seconds and move on. Your mileage may very.