Formatting a MiniDV Tape

[N715DP]

How can I format (i.e. erase) a miniDV tape after I have dumped the content down to my computer? I am using Vegas 4.0 and have searched far and wide for a way to do it with no luck. If it matters, I have a Panasonic Palmcorder DV102D.

Thanks in advance!

[stiltman]

insert into camcorder
rewind
record

[N715DP]

I thought of doing that, but I was kind of hoping there was a way to black out the whole tape without recording the back of the lens cap

[Deekkeed]

Page #45 of your users manual (PDF), states that you can record form one camcorder to another via i-link connection buy placing the power switch to VCR and Hold down REC and press PLAY. I would assume that if you did this without connecting any other source, you would record a blank picture. This is also the way I blank a tape on my sony TRV-33.

[redwudz]

You are talking about 'erasing' a tape. Very few recorders 'erase' any tape. They just record over what is present on the tape. Erasing can be done with a bulk eraser that applies a alternating magnetic field to the magnetic media on the tape. The problem is that some media, like on zip drives, have a format that the bulk eraser can remove, making the media unusable. I would just re-record over what you have on your tape. You don't need to 'blank' it out, you're just wasting your time.

[Sugar]

Do as redwudz says. Just be careful though if your camcorder keeps record a timecode on the tape not to rewing or skip forward between video shoots so that you do not lose your timecode. This information is useful when capturing.

[sitlet]

what i do is in adobe premiere, i create a black video. it doesnt matter how long. then hook up the cam via firewire, and play the black video. then hit record. this records a black video on the cam, and also erases the timecode.

[proxyx99]

Page #45 of your users manual (PDF), states that you can record form one camcorder to another via i-link connection buy placing the power switch to VCR and Hold down REC and press PLAY. I would assume that if you did this without connecting any other source, you would record a blank picture. This is also the way I blank a tape on my sony TRV-33.

If you want to erase the tape as a precautionary measure then method above is the way to go. Simple and foolproof.

[N715DP]

You are talking about 'erasing' a tape. Very few recorders 'erase' any tape. They just record over what is present on the tape. Erasing can be done with a bulk eraser that applies a alternating magnetic field to the magnetic media on the tape. The problem is that some media, like on zip drives, have a format that the bulk eraser can remove, making the media unusable. I would just re-record over what you have on your tape. You don't need to 'blank' it out, you're just wasting your time.

I guess I should have RTFM... thanks!



Thanks to everyone for your input!