Broken DV film in tape!

[Blanchshee]

The film in a DV tape broke in half, and I was wondering if there is any way to fix this and possibly retrieve most of the footage on the tape (Apart from the section that was broken). DV tapes are too small to open, and I'm not sure what to do...if there is anything I can do.

Thanks.

[JohnnyMalaria]

Sadly, DV tapes have such tight tolerances that the old splicing tape method used for audio tapes etc isn't possible.

I think the only option is to find a specialist service that can perhaps spool both parts onto two new tapes. Rather expensive, probably.

[ßsimian]

if it's really got to have, she's going to kill me if it's gone footage, you can splice it like any other tape. just be warned the repair may ruin the cam if not done properly and possibly even if it is done right. tape splicing tools and material are still available at specialty stores.
http://www.tapecenter.com/tapecare.html
minidv is 1/4 inch.

you might want ot buy a used or refurbed cam to play it with, can be had for about $100

[surfmonkee]

i would try to join the tape, rewind a second or two to note the time and then try to play either side of the edit.
a splice in a dv tape can easily rip out the head so try to avoid letting the actual edit play across the head.
at least that way you only lose 30 seconds or so..........

[stantheman1976]

I was looking this up yesterday for someone else. If you try splicing the tape put the adhesive only on the back of the tape where it will not contact the recording head and if you get a successful capture immediately put it back to a new tape and throw the damage one out.