On Tue, 17 Oct 2000 09:38:49 -0400, "Kevin Patrick" wrote:

[...]
>Anyway, to give my experience regarding the original question:
>
>I own an XL-1 and began using Sony Excellence tapes out of the box. Used
>about five or six (some more than once as I was getting acquainted with the
>camera).
>
>Then I shot some commercials for a producer who had already procured
>Panasonic tapes in bulk. Having not heard much on the tape clog issue, I
>used three of them. Then went back to Sony's for another one or two tapes.
>
>Then most recently, I was assisting with several small productions for the
>internet -- and ended up using Sony, Panasonic, and TDK interchangeably.
>
>The bottom line? I have yet to experience any clogs, dropped frames,
>dropouts of any kind, etc. I use an external Sony DV deck to shuttle and
>view footage in the field and while editing, but did use my XL-1 as a source
>deck the first three months of ownership.
>
>I'm also concerned about the clog issues...but again, haven't noticed
>anything at all. But my opinion is to stay with one brand when possible. I
>plan on buying some bulk tapes and using them from now on. And with someone
>else's production, I will either insist on the brand I've decided to stick
>with, or use my own tapes and bill 'em.
>
>But I would still like to hear any facts on the current status of this
>issue.

More on the above: Sony has made two versions of their tape
(rumor has it that the second version was intended to
correct the brand-compatibility problem [if it existed - and
I have nothing solid on any of this but: a problem mixing
Panasonic and Sony tape on my first Mini-DV camcorder, a
problem when I used the later Sony tape on a heavily-used
TRV-9 {with exclusive use of the earlier tape, and visible
haze on the drum - drum replacement was necessary soon after
trying the new tape though no dropout problem had existed
before with the old}, and no problem mixing older and newer
type Sony tapes on low-use camcorders...).
Not much to add, but....;-)