Metal Particle (MP) vs. Metal Evaporated (ME) Tapes at DVinfo.net
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Old July 27th, 2003, 11:35 PM   #1
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Metal Particle (MP) vs. Metal Evaporated (ME) Tapes

First off... I have done a search and read the current discussions available on ME and MP issues. Still have a few questions though.

1) I remember a discussion in grad school about the 'real' difference between ME and MP tapes. One was less prone to breaking apart in use thereby leaving gunk on the video heads.

2) Currently I black burst a tape on a JVC GRD30U Mini DV camcorder, then rewind the tape on a FF/RW Mini DV rewinder. THEN record on the GL2 and rewind on the rewinder. From there the tape goes back into the JVC to 'dump' to an iMac and FCEx.

3) I purchased a box of 10 Fuji Mini DVM 60 tapes from sponsor "Pro Tape" in Austin, TX. Cool folks. Before those came in I needed tape so went to "BJ's Warehouse" in Cary, NC. They carry a 6 pack of Fuji DVM 60's for about $24. The tapes are labeled the same "DVM 60". The only difference is that the 10 pack from pro tape has a clear window all the way across both tape wheels and the 'rec/save' slider button is grey. The tapes from BJ's have a small vertical window on the left side only and a green 'rec/save' slider. I can't find any other differences.

I've always used Fuji products and have been very happy with them. Does anyone see any 'red flags' in the process I'm using? I'm hoping to do ONLY one pass recording on the GL2. Absolutely no dumping, rewinding or taping over on those heads. The Mini Rewinder can FF or Rew so that tightens the tape. The JVC is used as emergency back up and as a deck to dump tape to the iMac.

If there is anything in this system that I should reconsider PLEASE let me know. Trying to keep the whole process as clean as possible. I would also do a slight off angle burst of air if necessary and recommended on the tape carriage area. But so far the gear is brand new and everything is great. Hoping to keep it that way as long as possible. I have a head cleaning tape but would only use that under dire circumstances in the field. Really trying to avoid ever using it.

Any and all opinions, advice, good jokes greatly appreciated :-) Have an awesome week!

p.s. a few new things have been added to our website and a few more images. still digging out from the move :)
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Old July 28th, 2003, 12:58 AM   #2
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I'm only aware of 1 type of Fuji miniDV tape, 1 in the 60 min flavour, the other in the 90.... Here's a link:

http://www.fujifilm.com/JSP/fuji/epa...11285&product=

Why get caught up in all this?

http://www.dvfreak.com/tape.htm

A good joke?

Hmmm. Since I've been on my diet, I've gained 23 pounds.
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Old July 30th, 2003, 04:51 PM   #3
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I think all mini-DV tapes are metal evaporated. You can get digital8 and DVCPRO tapes that are metal particle.

ME allows a stronger signal/more information on the tape.
MP is more durable.

If you are vigilant about timecode breaks then you can save head wear and not have to blank tapes. However, FCE does not get along well with TC breaks (you have to manual queue up the tape as a new reel) and if you don't shoot that much then head wear isn't too much of a problem.
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