On Tue, 09 Jan 2001 13:46:43 GMT, "Alexander Ibrahim" wrote:

>I use Panasonic tapes becuse they cost less and work as well as anything out
>there.

They do, so long as tape brands are not mixed, as you point
out. I have heard of long-term problems with Panasonic
tapes, but I have no solid evidence of this.

>Don't mix brands. just pick a brand, any brand and stick with it. Use the
>same brand for claning tapes and recording.
>
>You can get 63 Minute panasonic EB (PRO) tapes for $7.29 each in packs of 5.
>
>You can get the 63XB tapes for $9.15 in packs of five.

Sony PR60s are just under $8, shipping included, from
tapeguys - close enough, I think...

>You asked, why use the better grade of tape ?
>
>Several reasons.
>
>They have more even tensioning in both width and length. This results in
>better head contact, which gives you less dropouts and a more consistent
>image.

I have seen no evidence of this - I have used both, and find
the dropout rate similarly very low...

>They have a thicker layer of metal evaporate. Again fewer dropouts, better
>longevity. (retentivity) You can actually see this if you hold the tapes up
>to a light.

I can believe better longevity, but I have no experience to
support this...

>Panasonic XB uses a finer grain metal evaporate. (I don't know about Sony)
>This results in lower head wear and higher coercivity.
>
>The higher grade tapes allow a higher signal to noise ratio at the recorder.
>(You can only see that with good cameras like the GL-1 or VX1000 and
>better.) They this through a formulation that allows higher coercivity.
>(i.e. the magnets somewhow push the metal around better.)

This should make no difference in the newly-recorded image
or sound quality, since this is a digital medium - though it
may make a difference in the long term for the rate of
increase in dropout rate (again, I have no evidence for
this...;-).

>I use mostly Panasonic EB, I use XB for more critical shots and for creating
>edited masters.

I also prefer to use the higher grade Sony for mastering,
on the assumption that it may age better (as, probably,
will DVCam compared with Mini-DV...). I have heard nothing
negative yet, though, about aged Sony Mini-DV tape - but
they have not been around very long yet...! ;-)