Question
I had some mini dv tapes and i noticed that everytime I record a video, the starting of the tape will have a screeching noise. Can you indicate some signs of when a mini dv should not be reused anymore and to be disposed?
I had some mini dv tapes and i noticed that everytime I record a video, the starting of the tape will have a screeching noise. Can you indicate some signs of when a mini dv should not be reused anymore and to be disposed?
Answer
miniDV tape is an evaporate metal formulation which is not as durable as the old oxide tape used in analog recorders. i would recommend putting a limit of 200 passes on the tape. count a pass each time it is recorded, and for each subsequent playback viewing. depending on how much need to review a tape, it should be reusable for 50 times or so. now if you have a deck that is chewing tape, then it might be shot after just one pass, so keep the equipment clean. screeching noise is serious business and should be investigated professionally. i have worked at television studios and been responible for managing tape stocks for wear. i have even re-loaded cassette shells with new tape when needed. Unless you are working in a high usage environment like a television station, there is little likelihood you would wearout a tape.
miniDV tape is an evaporate metal formulation which is not as durable as the old oxide tape used in analog recorders. i would recommend putting a limit of 200 passes on the tape. count a pass each time it is recorded, and for each subsequent playback viewing. depending on how much need to review a tape, it should be reusable for 50 times or so. now if you have a deck that is chewing tape, then it might be shot after just one pass, so keep the equipment clean. screeching noise is serious business and should be investigated professionally. i have worked at television studios and been responible for managing tape stocks for wear. i have even re-loaded cassette shells with new tape when needed. Unless you are working in a high usage environment like a television station, there is little likelihood you would wearout a tape.
