On Mon, 28 Aug 2000 19:54:00 -0700, gja1 wrote:

>I've heard of problems using other than sony tapes with their dv
>camcorders. I bought six panasonic dv tapes two years ago and have been
>afraid to use them. Is this problem present if switching between brands
>or is your camcorder permanently damaged if you do so.

I have been using Mini-DV camcorders for a few years now,
and I'm almost afraid (well, heck, I AM afraid...! ;-)
to use my stock of Sony type II, at least while I have any
Sony type I stock available. It used to be true that mixing
Sony type I tape with any other brand was a very BAD idea,
for tape lubricant incompatibility and resultant head-clog
reasons. The rumor is (and it is VERY difficult to get any
"real" information on this!) that Sony Type II (there is a
"2" at the end of the designation on the box and wrapper,
but not on the tape itself or its plastic case) is
compatible with other tape brands, but I hesitate to try
another Panasonic tape (the one I tried as my first tape
in a used camcorder that had been used only with Sony
type I tape produced a lot of drop-outs, and I never used
that tape again). My suggestion: check to see if your
Sony tape has been type II; if so, get a Sony cleaning
tape, but do not use it; try one Panasonic tape; if
you see virtually no drop-outs, things are probably OK;
if you see several drop-outs, put the Panasonic tape away
and don't replay it; run the Sony cleaning tape through
the camcorder in "play" mode for 2-3 5-second periods,
with at least a few seconds between play times; report
back here on your results, either way. And, those with
experience mixing Sony types I and II, and Sony type II
with other brands, please report your experiences here...