On Thu, 20 Jun 2002 10:23:59 GMT, mr_sorrow@hotmail.com (Howard) wrote:

>Can you use 80min tapes in the Sony TRV900?
>
>Thinking of buying one as it seems to be the only cam that matches all
>my requirements that isn't a bottom loader, even though it's a bit out
>of my price range and this is the only question I don't seem to be
>able to find an answer to. I've come across one comment from someone
>who had big problems with this combination but would like a more
>definitive answer if possible.

You can use 80-minute tapes in any Mini-DV camcorder I know
of, though a few TRV900 owners report problems after MANY
tapes with clean rewinding from the end of a tape (possibly
from tape residue build-up on rollers - see
www.bealecorner.com [look for TRV900 pages] for more on
this), and the thinner tape may make this problem occur
sooner. If you can reliably use LP mode for record/play
(and are not using it with the 80-minute tape to extend the
time to two hours), this may offer a useable alternative...
Keeping the tape path clean may also suffice. As usual, do
not mix tape brands.