Posted by Peabody on 08/25/07 14:58

Tom says...

> Hi,

> I found three techniques for preparing a new blank video
> tape. After inserting a new blank video tape into the
> camera:

> 1) Record a muted black video signal onto the entire
> tape and rewind

> -or-

> 2) Fast-forward once to the end of the tape and rewind

> -or-

> 3) Start shooting the subject since no preparation is
> required.

> Between the so-called lining up of magnetic particles
> and/or re-packing and re-tensioning, to nothing at all
> -- there is quite a big difference between the three
> techniques. And, maybe I not aware of a forth or fifth
> technique?

> So, I guess my question is, which is the better
> technique when opening a new DV tape?

Is there anything on the tape as it comes from the
manufacturer? I hope not, because I use a bulk eraser on
tapes after I've done the transfer to the computer and don't
need the original anymore. I just assumed that at the least
this wasn't doing any harm.

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