Mini DV Tape Information
Frequent Head Clogging
or Dirty Heads
Mini DV tapes
are manufactured using a process called Metal Evaporation. This process applies
an ultra thin, smooth layer of magnetic particles to the plastic tape base. On
top of this, a lubricant layer is applied to minimise friction between the tape
and head drum in your camera (which spins at 9000rpm during playback and
recording). The chemical composition of this lubricant varies with different
tape manufacturers, and some use a wet lubricant on their tapes, while others
use a dry lubricant.
These
lubricants leave residues on the head drum and tape path, and when mixed with
dust, debris or other tape lubricants, can form a foreign material which may
clog the camera's recording/playback heads.
Therefore,
we strongly advise users NOT to mix mini DV tape brands. This
is VERY IMPORTANT to ensure good operation of your camera.
USE ONE
BRAND ONLY.
There is
enough evidence to suggest mixing mini DV tapes in your camera will result in
premature head clogging. Our statistics show that when multiple tape brands are
used, the chances of head clogging increases dramatically.
Feedback from other service organisations supports our findings as well.
Leaving
the Tape in the Camera.
We strongly
suggest that you do not leave tapes in you camera when not in use for long
periods. All cameras have a moisture detection (dew) device to prevent you
inserting a tape if the camera is damp or very cold. BUT, it the tape is already
in the camera, what then? Well the tape will frequently stick to the video head drum
as it starts to rotate, which will strip the oxide off the tape - the inevitable is badly clogged
video heads, or worse still tape oxide coating the head drum surface - a very
costly repair may be needed.
An RTD SERVICES
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