SD tapes?

[stubble]

Can the HV30 play SD tapes from other cameras?

Specifically I've got tapes created by a Panasonic GS500. I'd like to know if the HV30 will be able to allow me to play and capture from these tapes.

Thanks!

[Rumpelgeist]

Umm... I wonder are all HDV cams also DV cams, or are there HDV cams that are just HDV cams?

[Lunchbox]

Yes it should playback DV tape from other camera especially record in SP mode. Not a high chance if tape was record in LP mode.

[Arla]

Although be careful if you are using different tape brands, there are concerns about that screwing up your camera.

[craig198]

ya is that because of the different lubricants used on tape?

[CycleWriter]

ya is that because of the different lubricants used on tape?

Lubricants, tape formulations, transport design can all vary between brands. It is best to stick with one brand of tape. Most in here prefer Panasonic. I have had bad results with Sony Premium.

[bluegrass]

Guys, aren't you getting a little overly cautious here. If he just wants to lock his HV20 in DV to capture one tape from another camcorder that he no longer has or has access to, I say let her rip for the one tape. He could always run his tape cleaner after he has finished capturing.

The catch though for capturing an SD tape though as I recall is to lock the camera in SD(DV) mode or it will give an error saying it can't read the fomat or incompatible format.

That's my two cents.

[2Bdecided]

Supposedly one "different" tape is enough to coat the heads and guides such that a professional clean is required - a standard head cleaning tape won't help.

This was certainly the case when switching between tape brands a decade ago. Some people claim the problem isn't so great with newer tapes.

Some camcorders seem to have more robust tracking and mechanisms than others, so the effect of getting them coated (or "used to") the wrong tape type can be greater or lesser.

The effect is real though - I swapped between Panasonic and Sony tapes a few times on my old camcorder. On the HV20, the old Sonys which were recorded immediately after several Panasonic tapes don't play correctly. Those recorded after several other Sonys play fine. I've no idea how the Panasonics play - they're not going in the HV20!

Cheers,
David.

[berighteous]

I have tapes from sony, panasonic, jvc, maxell, and who knows what else. I have used them interchangably with all kinds of DV camcorders for 8 years. I live in the boonies and you use the tape you can find at the store if you're in a pinch. I often reuse tapes. The horror stories are exaggerated. I run head cleaners regularly, and have never had an issue. I've received a few gunky tapes from clients, but nothing a head cleaning didn't fix. Of course, your mileage may vary.

I've been using mostly Maxell tapes the last couple years - it's what Sam's club sells in the 8 pack for $20. I have no idea if they are "good" tapes, but it's what's available and cheap. I haven't tried them for HD stuff yet.

I use LP mode all the time for sd stuff, and it is hit and miss reading LP tapes from different camcorders. I do a christmas pageant with 6 cameras and it isn't uncommon to have to switch between 3 different cameras when it's time to capture the tapes into the computer for editing.

[craig198]

i have the sony premiums dvc in my hv20. never had a problem. I ran a head cleaner before ever using them as I purchased my camera used and had no idea what the previous owner used for tapes.

[SenorKaffee]

Umm... I wonder are all HDV cams also DV cams, or are there HDV cams that are just HDV cams?

All HDV cams are also DV cams - like all BluRay players are also DVD players and VCD players.

[Rumpelgeist]

All HDV cams are also DV cams - like all BluRay players are also DVD players and VCD players.
I thought they have better sense of sarcasm in Europe. BTW, Blu-ray players don't have to play DVDs, though all of them do, though with different level of compatibility. And very few of them play VCDs.

[SenorKaffee]

Sorry, I did a quick Google check but should have checked Wikipedia instead.

Though not compulsory, the Blu-ray Disc Association recommends that Blu-ray Disc drives should be capable of reading standard DVDs and CDs for backward compatibility.[71] A few early Blu-ray Disc players released in 2006 could play DVDs but not CDs (the LG BH100, Pioneer BDP-HD1, and Sony BDP-S1)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluray#Backward_compatibility

[stubble]

Sorry to resurrect this post, but I figured I should follow up:

I did purchase an HV30, and have had no problems capturing my GS500 DV tapes with it. Works like a charm, and I haven't needed to change any settings on the camera.