Using used miniDV tapes

azriel · #1 (**permalink**) 08-11-2006, 02:43 AM

Hi guys, can I ask something?

Are there any side-effects of using used miniDV tapes? I mean using tapes that are already have something recorded in it? Are there any tricks before using it?

I have a bunch of miniDV tapes that are no longer in use. And it's kinda ridiculous if i just throw it away.

Any kind of feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks before.

Best regards

Nikosony · #2 (**permalink**) 08-13-2006, 11:02 PM

Are you 200% certain there are no weddings, baptisms, round the world cruises on any of those tapes? Of course you can reuse them, I don't know the exact number of times you can until they start showing wear and tear from being rewound and fast forwarded. Just remember, there is a nasty surprise built into video tapes and that is, once you record over a precious, once in a lifetime, never to be repeated event, that's it ... IT'S GONE.

azriel · #3 (**permalink**) 08-27-2006, 08:16 AM

Sorry for the late reply. I'm positively sure. Me and my friends usualy take wedding videography, company family gathering documentations, etc, as a part-time ( i'm currently attending college). The used tapes were from those. So, after the project was over, the tapes were either thrown away, or stay in a closet.

Anyway, thank's for the reply!

ps:any more info would be helpful

Mark W · #4 (**permalink**) 08-27-2006, 01:28 PM

I try to avoid the first min of any tape as that is where drop outs often occur, and dont rewind on every use, fill the tapes up sequentcially.

The only problem I have ever had with a tape is the mechanism busting once. Expect one drop out per hour, if you start getting lots then considor replacing the tape.

azriel · #5 (**permalink**) 08-28-2006, 12:32 PM

So, the key is to not rewind the tape too often and skip the first minute.

Thank's for the tip

Mark W · #6 (**permalink**) 08-28-2006, 12:59 PM

Passing on what appears to be good advice from others. Argument goes that the first min can sometimes get used over and over and can be damaged by rewinding.