Peter,

if the Maxell tapes you're using have been fine and you haven't noticed any weird things happeneing upon playback or recording chances are they're fine to use.........like everyone says- stick to the one brand and keep using them to prevent head clogging.

Here are two things I did in reaction to all the concern and paranoia about DVX100's and head wear. First I got the MQ tapes, and second, I ordered a Mack 4-yr warranty from B&H. Part number is MAEWPDVC5. It only cost $169.95 (much cheaper than other online dealers). Make sure your camera is under 30 days old, otherwise mack won't allow you to register. Do this, new buyers of the DVX100 and DVC80, and you will sleep better at night. I foresee head replacement if things get bad enough that the cleaning tape cannot fix the dropouts.

Speaking of cleaning, do the pro shops use wet cleaning or dry cleaning?