Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

how many times can you reuse Mini DV tape?

Dec 28, 2005 9:37AM PST

I am having a problem with my Sony Mini DV Handycam. Whan I record over something there is period at the beginning where the new movie and the old movie both show on the screen in alternating bands. I have tried using a cleaning tape and that hasn't fixed it. Am I using the same tape too often or is something else wrong?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
That's quite normal.
Dec 28, 2005 10:24AM PST

Just record a few more seconds to get over it.

Bob

- Collapse -
Worth over-recording 60min of 'nothing' ?
Dec 28, 2005 11:55PM PST

Is it worth recording over the entire tape lenght shooting a 'blank' wall, before reusing the tape?

- Collapse -
Wierd. Why do this for 60 min?
Dec 29, 2005 12:14AM PST

" there is period at the beginning where the new movie and the old movie both show on the screen in alternating bands. "

That period is typically 1 to at most 3 seconds. You see the same on other tape units such as VHS.

Bob

- Collapse -
Many knowledgeable people do not recommend reusing
Jan 2, 2006 3:50AM PST

mini-DV tapes. If you do so, I would suggest a bulk eraser of the type once used with audio tape. The mini-DV tape is an inexpensive backup of your digital video which is one reason it is not reused.