Thread: Long Play V Short Play ?

Is there much quality loss between Long Play and Normal play modes?

I'm videoing a conference speaker and am wondering about shooting Long Play (something I've not done before).
I've got a decent camcorder: the Canon GL2. MiniDV tapes are JVC.

How much quality loss would there be?
Any comments?

The data rate of dv is constant. I think ep mode just squeezes everything into tighter tracks so less tape is used.

This is likely to increase the drop out rate and make the recording unreliable.

Why bother?

" DV on SP has a helical scan track width of 10 micrometres, while EP uses a track width of only 6.7 micrometres. Since the tolerances are much tighter, the recorded tape may not play back properly or at all on other devices. "

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DV

Originally Posted by Mark W

" DV on SP has a helical scan track width of 10 micrometres, while EP uses a track width of only 6.7 micrometres. Since the tolerances are much tighter, the recorded tape may not play back properly or at all on other devices. "

from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DV

I have first hand experience of this. Frustrating if someone gives you a tape to edit for example (or your cam breaks).

Thanks for your help guys.

It looks like I am OK to use LP if I transfer it quicky to my PC.
The compatibility thing isn't an issue for me. I'll just tranfer it quick.

I feel I have to use it since my speaker is speaking for 1hr30mins at a time.:s
Thanks.

Just check that your capture software works OK with LP material. I have experienced problems capturing LP material in the past.

I would definitely do a trial run before the big day....

If you are worried about the length of the job, you could always go for the "belt and braces" approach....on the odd occasion we have had to do a job in excess of the tape length we have been able to capture direct to our laptops using firewire....the first time we did it we used....windows movie maker !!!!....would you believe....the second time we had got a trial version of DV rack.....it did the best job....so if you need to record more than 60 or 90mins...theres a good method.

here's a really radical idea - Buy more tapes? - LOng PLay is baaaaaad!