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

Tape erasure

Jun 4, 2006 4:17PM PDT

My mini-DV camcorder (Canon ZR100) has a wonderful "end search" feature, which automatically finds the end of the last recording, i.e. the starting point for the next shot. However, this feature can obviously only work with "virgin" tapes, not previously recorded tapes.

Does anybody know how to erase used tapes to "virgin" state? Can magnetic tape erasers be used?

John O.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Mini DV tapes are formated,,
Jun 9, 2006 1:31AM PDT

If you bulk erase the tape you will erase the formatting. John

- Collapse -
Tape erasure
Jun 9, 2006 7:50AM PDT

Thanks for that info, I did not know that. I guess the ''end search'' feature is limited to virgin tapes, or could I bulk erase and then reformat by running the tape through the camcorder with the lenscap on?

- Collapse -
DV Tapes are NOT formatted
Aug 17, 2006 10:20AM PDT

NO, it is not true that DV (or mini-DV, or DVCAM or DVCpro) tapes are ''formatted'' in any way. Camcorders and/or VCRs record everything necessary for playback without reference to any previous information.

Many people are seeking a reliable and affordable method of bulk-erasing these tapes.