Posted by Mr. Tapeguy on 04/25/06 13:40

Steve King wrote:

>
> And I'd sure like to know what you mean by "better" referring to Panasonic
> vs. Sony tape. It may be, but without explanation your statement is
> meaningless.
>
> Steve King

Unlike Sony, Panasonic makes a line of professional DV tape. This
product comes from the Broadcast and Professional Division. Sony is
consumer tape unless you buy DVCAM.

Tape quality is generally differentiated in two ways, other than by the
assumption that a professional product is a better one.

Tapes may be, even in the same brand, a different formulation as in the
case between the 63PQ and MQ. In the case of one vs. the other, one
formulation will presumably have lower dropout and perform better in
other areas.

Another way tape may be differentiated is by the selection process as
in the PR vs. the EX. Tape is made in large sheets which are then
slit to the appropriate width prior to spooling it and loading it into
the cassettes. The product in the middle is generally more consistent
and specs out better. It is usually used for the higher grade product
and the rest which still meets minimum specs is used for the lower
grade. In the case where a consumer and professional product are the
same formulation, the same rule applies. The differentiation is made
by the selection.

It is very difficult to get specs on consumer product so we largely
have to rely on experience rather than just taking it for granted that
a pro tape is better. We do get specs on those. THe Panasonic
Professional, Master and Advanced Master tapes are held to a stricter
qc process, housed in a higher grade shell and have a smoother running
mechanism. The selection process is tighter and the AMQ has no
consumer equivalent that I'm aware of. Overall they are tapes with
lower dropout and more resistant to external signal interruptions from
dust, humidity and other environmental factors. They are designed for
use in professional equipment.

As it happens, they are also comparably priced if not cheaper than
their Sony "equivalents" in the consumer line and Panasonic consumer
product is quite a bit less.

This is not to say that Sony makes "bad" tapes - I don't think any one
does. But if you want a really superior Sony tape you're looking in
the $10 and up range.

cb

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