Sony and Panasonic miniDV tapes do not mix

[edong]

Am I the only one who does not know this? Looks like it's a common knowledge ever since. Perhaps I did not read the manual very carefully.

After using two Sony HDV tapes, then two JVC tapes, then two Panasonic tapes, my barely used HC-3 suddenly won't play or record. The error message - "head is dirty." After using a Sony head cleaner, it kind of works albeit with occassional dropouts.

For six years, I have used a Digital8 with a mix of tapes (whatever on sale) and this did not happen to me.

I also read that, years ago, Sony already reformulated its lubricant so that is does not react with the other brand. NOT.

[Dubber]

After all that Sony has done to @#$% us ... you still are buying their products?

[thecoalman]

Interesting, I've heard this before and others have declared it a "urban myth". Could be it's not the tapes that are the cause of your problems and it's just a coincidence. Whatever the case to be on the safe side I've only purchased one brand of tape and intend on sticking with it.

[edong]

http://www.tapestockonline.com/minidvtapefaqs.html

I'm not sure about the accuracy of the statements but there are many others about this topic.

BTW, I used the $12 Sony HDV tape and the Panasonic brand which are both made in Japan. I read that you should use a head cleaner first before using a different brand of tape if you are not sure of the lubricant used.

[davideck]

After using two Sony HDV tapes, then two JVC tapes, then two Panasonic tapes, my barely used HC-3 suddenly won't play or record. The error message - "head is dirty."

A similar thing happened to me with the same three tape types. I had been using only JVC with no problems, but found some Sony and Panasonic tapes on sale. Big mistake.

After several passes with a cleaning tape, I was able to restore the performance of my camcorder. Ever since then I have used only JVC tapes, and things are fine once again.

[robertazimmerman]

I can't believe people are still buying Sony products.

Roberta

[jimbucc]

It is known that Sony uses a wet lubricant while some others use a dry lubricant. Mixing tapes can cause problems as you've already seen.
Once you get your tape head fixed choose one tape and stick with it.