Tape drop out problems with XL2 at DVinfo.net

Eric Shimley · September 30th, 2004, 02:49 PM

This may belong in another forum, but I'm having this particular problem with the XL2.
In looking over my tapes, there are a few moments where the tape drops out--you know, the image flickers and the sound cuts out for a second. This has happened with other cameras I've used, but they were rented cameras that I assumed had taken quite a beating. This is a brand new XL2. What causes this problem and is there any solution? Fortunately I was only doing some videography and the blurred sections can be cut out, but what if I was shooting a film? This could totally ruin footage. Is this a problem with tapes, the camera? Any help appreciated.

Barry Goyette · September 30th, 2004, 04:08 PM

I'd probably start out by running a head cleaner to see if thats the problem. If that doesn't fix it, then perhaps either your xl2 (or playback deck...) has a head alignment issue, and one or the other may need to be sent in for an adjustment.

I've seen a few glitches, but mostly when starting up a tape, or at a cut point in the footage...none yet in the middle of a clip.

Barry

Rob Lohman · October 1st, 2004, 03:38 AM

Which tape brand are you using? You might want to try another
brand as well (with headcleaning before switching brands!).

Jay Gladwell · October 4th, 2004, 05:29 AM

I've had no such problems with the XL2.

Along with what Rob said, it may be the quality of tape--cheap, bottom of the line consumer level tape--instead of the brand.

Tape, regardless of the quality, it the cheapest element in the mix. Since I shoot for clients, I use the Sony Digital Master tape (I had been using the DVCAM). The odds of getting any dropout with this tape are none to slim. Yes, it's cost more. So what? You get more!

The Sony Excellence tape costs around $8.00. The Sony Digital Master tape costs about $17. Do you want to run the risk of screwing up a $5,000 shoot and ruin your chances for future work just to save a measly $9.00?! Not me, brother!

If you are going to shoot professionally (video or film, it makes no difference), if you are going to charge professional prices, then use professional materials and delivery professional footage.

Just my two cents.

Jay

Nick Hiltgen · October 4th, 2004, 07:38 AM

Jay are these the tapes your'e talking about?

http://www.taperesources-store.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=DV60X%2DS&dept=6

Richard Alvarez · October 4th, 2004, 07:42 AM

Ahh, more confusion. When our Xl1 had to go in for servicing, the first thing out of the Canon reps mouth was "You're NOT using sony tapes are you??? Stay away from them"

Seriously.

Hard to know who to listen to.

Jay Gladwell · October 4th, 2004, 07:55 AM

Nick--

Same tape minus the chip:
http://www.taperesources-store.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=DV60%2DS&dept=6

Richard--

All I can say is I've used nothing but Sony tape in each XL I've ever owned and not had any problems. Whatever brand you use, use the highest grade and stick to it. Don't jump around from brand to brand or you will run into problems.

Jay

Bob Cetti · October 4th, 2004, 08:56 AM

Here is a link to the Sony Digital Master Tape at Tape Resources.

http://www.taperesources-store.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=DC40DM%2DS&dept=5

Bob Cetti
Audio Video Services

David Clark · October 5th, 2004, 12:58 PM

Stupid question, but these are brand new tapes you are using, recorded on SP? I use Panasonic 83 min. professional grade. No problems (knock on wood)

Jay Gladwell · October 5th, 2004, 01:02 PM

Yes, David, I only record in SP. If the Panasonic tapes are serving you well, don't change! Panasonic and Sony use two different kinds of lubricant, the fromer dry and the latter wet. Mixing the two tape brands will cause problems with your recording heads.

Jay

September 30th, 2004, 02:49 PM	#1
Eric Shimley Tourist Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: United States Posts: 3	Tape drop out problems with XL2 This may belong in another forum, but I'm having this particular problem with the XL2. In looking over my tapes, there are a few moments where the tape drops out--you know, the image flickers and the sound cuts out for a second. This has happened with other cameras I've used, but they were rented cameras that I assumed had taken quite a beating. This is a brand new XL2. What causes this problem and is there any solution? Fortunately I was only doing some videography and the blurred sections can be cut out, but what if I was shooting a film? This could totally ruin footage. Is this a problem with tapes, the camera? Any help appreciated.

October 1st, 2004, 03:38 AM	#3
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	Which tape brand are you using? You might want to try another brand as well (with headcleaning before switching brands!). __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

October 4th, 2004, 08:56 AM	#8
Bob Cetti New Boot Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Florida Posts: 13	Here is a link to the Sony Digital Master Tape at Tape Resources. http://www.taperesources-store.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=DC40DM%2DS&dept=5 Bob Cetti Audio Video Services __________________ Bob Cetti Audio Video Services

September 30th, 2004, 04:08 PM	#2
Barry Goyette Trustee Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: San Luis Obispo CA Posts: 1,195	I'd probably start out by running a head cleaner to see if thats the problem. If that doesn't fix it, then perhaps either your xl2 (or playback deck...) has a head alignment issue, and one or the other may need to be sent in for an adjustment. I've seen a few glitches, but mostly when starting up a tape, or at a cut point in the footage...none yet in the middle of a clip. Barry

October 4th, 2004, 05:29 AM	#4
Jay Gladwell Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,244	I've had no such problems with the XL2. Along with what Rob said, it may be the quality of tape--cheap, bottom of the line consumer level tape--instead of the brand. Tape, regardless of the quality, it the cheapest element in the mix. Since I shoot for clients, I use the Sony Digital Master tape (I had been using the DVCAM). The odds of getting any dropout with this tape are none to slim. Yes, it's cost more. So what? You get more! The Sony Excellence tape costs around $8.00. The Sony Digital Master tape costs about $17. Do you want to run the risk of screwing up a $5,000 shoot and ruin your chances for future work just to save a measly $9.00?! Not me, brother! If you are going to shoot professionally (video or film, it makes no difference), if you are going to charge professional prices, then use professional materials and delivery professional footage. Just my two cents. Jay

October 4th, 2004, 07:38 AM	#5
Nick Hiltgen Trustee Join Date: May 2003 Location: Atlanta GA Posts: 1,427	Jay are these the tapes your'e talking about? http://www.taperesources-store.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=DV60X%2DS&dept=6

October 4th, 2004, 07:42 AM	#6
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Ahh, more confusion. When our Xl1 had to go in for servicing, the first thing out of the Canon reps mouth was "You're NOT using sony tapes are you??? Stay away from them" Seriously. Hard to know who to listen to.

October 4th, 2004, 07:55 AM	#7
Jay Gladwell Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,244	Nick-- Same tape minus the chip: http://www.taperesources-store.com/store/prodinfo.asp?number=DV60%2DS&dept=6 Richard-- All I can say is I've used nothing but Sony tape in each XL I've ever owned and not had any problems. Whatever brand you use, use the highest grade and stick to it. Don't jump around from brand to brand or you will run into problems. Jay

October 5th, 2004, 12:58 PM	#9
David Clark Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Carrollton, Texas Posts: 145	Stupid question, but these are brand new tapes you are using, recorded on SP? I use Panasonic 83 min. professional grade. No problems (knock on wood)

October 5th, 2004, 01:02 PM	#10
Jay Gladwell Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 1,244	Yes, David, I only record in SP. If the Panasonic tapes are serving you well, don't change! Panasonic and Sony use two different kinds of lubricant, the fromer dry and the latter wet. Mixing the two tape brands will cause problems with your recording heads. Jay