mini DV re-recording

[hatchmar]

I wasnt sure what search terms to use to try to search for an answer to this so here it is: I am a new mini DV camcorder owner and one thing i am having problems with is using the same Mini DV tape more than once, After my tape is full, i transfer it to my computer and rewind it so that I can use it again but when i watch the 2nd recording, it looks terrible- there are times when the old recording shows up with the new. its hard to describe other than the screen looks like a bunch of stripes and every other stripe is the old recording... uh oh, my baby is crying , ill check back in a couple... thanks!

[daamon]

Hi hatchmar,

Sounds like the heads need cleaning.

[cdb]

Another thing you might try is recording over the tape with the mic turned all the way down (if that's an option) and the lens cap on) -- basically recording black screen and no sound.

Did the original recording look OK (no "stripes" as you called them or digital noise)?

[hatchmar]

THE org. recordings look fine, and this thing is less than 3 months old so unless the heads were dirty when i got it, i cant see that being the problem. I will clean them anyway... so this isnt a normal thing with miniDV? when i had a VHSC, i could use the same tape over and over but i wasnt sure if minidv were different

[daamon]

I've got two miniDV cams - the first one I got was around 6 years ago. At no point have I had the problems you describe, and have only ever used 4 tapes at most, each of which has been re-used many times.

[hatchmar]

I have a little break between baby feedings to explain a little more- the "stripes" are fairly wide. they are horizontal and id say there are about 5 of the old rec. and 5 of the new, alternating. there is also wierd noise, instead of the plack and white normally seen on tv, it is colorful and doesnt cover the whole screen. so far this only seems to happen after i record over something and the noise and stripes dont appear together. it is usally the noise followed by the stripes. I dont know if that helps any. Oh.. its a JVC GR-D270U Digital Video Camera bought in Nov.

[rumplestiltskin]

The camcorder needs servicing. Could be misaligned heads, dirty heads, etc. Not your issue; let the service tech fix it.

[davideck]

the "stripes" are fairly wide. they are horizontal and id say there are about 5 of the old rec. and 5 of the new, alternating

I have seen this alternating stripe behavior on my MiniDV Camcorder.
I think this happens if one video head is dirty while the other is not.
Cleaning the heads with a cleaning cassette solves the problem for me, but use sparingly. IMO, it is certainly worth a try before a trip to the repair shop.

[Richard_G]

I had this problem with one of my MiniDV camcorders and it was the back tension on the tape that needed adjusting. If it is only 3 months old, take it back under warranty.