Posted by Pat Horridge on 01/11/09 11:48

"bumperski" <bumperski@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1148472645.239981.224890@j55g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
>I searched the archives looking for this and didn't find it. We have
> Panasonic AGDVC30's and a Canon Xl1. Anything shot in the Panasonics
> does not play in the Canon. We have sent these tapes to the local
> public TV station where they have miniDV decks, and they could not play
> them either. They said something of a head alignment. What is that
> and can it be done?
>
> Ryan

It's the problem with MiniDV. It was only ever designed as a domestic format
as a replacement for VHSC and Hi8.
In a domestic environment compatibility between camcorder mechs isn't
considered a high priority so for a lower cost units can be produced that
will record and play their own tapes but not necessarily play other
recordings.
DVCAM helps overcome this with a faster tape speed and wider track pitch as
well as a more accurately aligned mech.
But you do pay more for it.
In theory it should be possible to decide which Make is the more compatible
(ie what tapes play in most different decks)
And using that tape as a reference align the other camcorder to it by
adjusting guides etc.
Problem then is that all the old tapes recorded on that unit won't play on
it any more.
And finding sombody who has the tools and skill to do that is no easy task.

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