Any Video Quality Difference When Reusing DV Tape?

[SCDVD]

Is there any practicle advantage to using virgin DV tape when recording in a DV cam? Is it worth it to use new tape for recording an important special event?

[zoobie]

Yes...Tapes are so cheap, you should always use a new one.
Everytime the tape passes the revolving head, it scrapes off particles.

[SCDVD]

Yes...Tapes are so cheap, you should always use a new one.
Everytime the tape passes the revolving head, it scrapes off particles.

That makes sense. I also wonder about the noise level on reused tape. Is the overwrite really complete or is there still some of the previously recorded video still there - aka noise on the newer recording?

[jameshgross]

I must respectfully disagree.

If you have a device that uses tape and that device is wearing the oxide coating off the tape then you have a misaligned transport.
The actual pressure on the tape is only a few grams. Tapes are one of the best storage mediums in use today. Most computer network servers are backed up to tape. Millions of hours of TV programs are still stored on tape and for reliable long term storage tape is still the first choice.
Tapes should last for hundereds of plays and rerecording.
When the noise level on a tape becomes objectionable the tape should be run through or past a BULK TAPE Eraser. This will completely remove any residual recordings left on the tape

[gadgetguy]

... When the noise level on a tape becomes objectionable the tape should be run through or past a BULK TAPE Eraser...

And by that point it's too late because Suzy's award winning dance recital is already lost. Tapes are too cheap and the video is too priceless not to use a new tape for every event.

[Ron B]

I've always been told you can use DV tapes at least five or six times with no quality loss.
Coming from the old analog S-VHS and Hi8 era, the tape looks the same to me(you know, brown) so I feel better using a new tape every session unless it's something I don't plan to keep. If it's something important, I always go new.