Is there lost quality when reusing a dvc? at DVinfo.net

Sam Knowlton · March 22nd, 2004, 08:36 AM

Hello everyone.
I was curious if its ok to reuse dvc that has been used already? Is there any drawbacks?
Thanks for your help!!

Chris Hurd · March 22nd, 2004, 08:41 AM

This is a good FAQ topic. I'm pretty sure it's been answered before somewhere in here, but the short answer is that paying jobs are always safest going to a fresh tape. Personal jobs not involving money are fine on one-or-more-pass tapes. I've got a couple of cassettes that have been re-recorded numerous times without issue, but I'd never use one of those for business purposes. Besides, tape is the cheapest thing -- the least expensive part of the production chain -- so why bother re-using them.

Bill Pryor · March 22nd, 2004, 03:47 PM

I agree--I always use new tape, except for copying artwork in the studio, or maybe for freebie projects on occasion. If it's a paying job, use new stock.
However, to answer your question, there is no loss of video quality. The only problem is that the more you use a tape, the more chance you will have of getting dropouts or other tape damage.

March 22nd, 2004, 08:36 AM	#1
Sam Knowlton Tourist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Washington Posts: 3	Is there lost quality when reusing a dvc? Hello everyone. I was curious if its ok to reuse dvc that has been used already? Is there any drawbacks? Thanks for your help!!

March 22nd, 2004, 08:41 AM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,379 Images: 513	This is a good FAQ topic. I'm pretty sure it's been answered before somewhere in here, but the short answer is that paying jobs are always safest going to a fresh tape. Personal jobs not involving money are fine on one-or-more-pass tapes. I've got a couple of cassettes that have been re-recorded numerous times without issue, but I'd never use one of those for business purposes. Besides, tape is the cheapest thing -- the least expensive part of the production chain -- so why bother re-using them. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

March 22nd, 2004, 03:47 PM	#3
Bill Pryor Contributor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 4,449	I agree--I always use new tape, except for copying artwork in the studio, or maybe for freebie projects on occasion. If it's a paying job, use new stock. However, to answer your question, there is no loss of video quality. The only problem is that the more you use a tape, the more chance you will have of getting dropouts or other tape damage.