Tdk
 

Amos -
I just bought a TDK head cleaner for mini/HDV and it specifies it is 'dry type.' Not entirely sure if this means their tapestock would be also but it would be a reasonable assumption.

Thanks for your help Dave. And Gary, should I take my cam to get it professionally cleaned or is there a self-clean kit for the tape heads?

If your going to switch tape I would use a cleaner that is from the same manufacturer as the tape you have been using, after that I would switch to the new tape and use that manufacturers cleaner when needed.

PS I would not take the camera to get it professionaly cleaned unless you had a problem after cleaning it yourself.

Thanks gary. Anyone know if a dirty head could damage a tape?

I dont think it could damage a tape but it could prevent you from recording correctly on the tape, drop, static, loss of audio or information ect....

I was told you have to use JVC HDV tapes? This is not the case I take it from reading this thread.

Hi Michael,

Although the GY-HD100U will work with most DV tapes, the best results are obtained when you use the tape that was designed for it. That tape is the JVC model MDV63PROHD. Most of the pro JVC dealers that are actively selling the camera also sell this tape.

Regards,

Carl

How about with the BR-HD50?
 

I'm wondering if anyone has reservations about using some of the longer, 276 minute tapes that are available? Do they thin out the substrate to cram more tape into the cassette like they do with so many other kinds of tapes? it'd sure be nice to be able to roll 4.5 hours without having to worry about swapping tapes!