I don't know what the real deal is with this 5 Free Sony Tapes offer, so I deleted the link. I've heard mixed reports about it, so I guess further investigation is due. Sorry for the (potential) spreading of a bad link.

Head cleaning tapes should only be used when you encounter problems and then only following the instructions that come with it. Head cleaning tapes are abrasive and misuse can lead to premature head wear. If you need to use them, by all means do, but again, follow the directions that come with the tape.

In the past six months I've gone through dozens and dozens of HDV and DV tapes, and I had ONE BAD EXPERIENCE with a tape being eaten by a professional Sony deck and guess what? It was an 83 min. tape. I would avoid the longer tapes if at all possible.

no problem and I didn't mean to over react.. was just looking for anyone who can really identify what is happening with that offer.

FWIW, the literature for the Panasonic AQM tape imples is has:

1. significantlyimproved head wear and anti-clogging characteristics compared to their "previous tape" and

2. less drop out thatn ther "previous tape" and "other brand"

While not stated, "othr brand" is likely Sony, but not clear which variation of Sony or theri own "previous tape" Has anyone seen any objective test data published by a third party recently?

Steven,

Please see page 147 of your owners manual!

Yeah, - there it talks about wet vs dry "cleaning" tapes. I can't seem to find anything about wet vs dry "lube" other than advice here to not mix them.