Are master quality mini dv tapes worth it?

[neojapsz]

I’ve been happy using the bog standard Panasonic Digital Video Cassette DVM60 for all my needs so far, just getting into filming and editing. I bought about 20 tapes for using in my JVC camcorder. I will stick with Panasonic as I known you should stick to the one manufacture.

Now im currently archiving some VHS footage, I was going to put it on my standard panasonic tapes then I saw the tapes below, the PQ are 3 times the price and the master 4 times the price of the standard tapes.

Thing is are they worth such an increase in cost, i've spent 30mins on the net and this forum and not found any consistant advice.

Also I was thinking of perhaps trying some 83min tapes, are they just as good for archiving?

Panasonic DVM MQ MASTER QUALITY AY-DVM63MQ

Panasonic Mini DVM83PQ AY-DVM63PQ

[J. Baker]

Panasonic AY-DVM63MQ Master Grade

Master Grade MiniDV tape, utilizing a new evaporation technology called S-AME (Super Advanced Metal Evaporation) that improves the videotape's magnetic density by 400 over prior Panasonic MiniDV models.
higher output power for more precise recordings; low head wear
reduced head clogs thanks to the use of a dry-type lubricant
superb linearity that assures high performance in severe conditions

[J. Baker]

This looks to be the replacement for those. Notice the model number.

Panasonic AY-DVM63AMQ Advanced Master Grade

A newly developed robust lubricant and a durable diamond-like carbon (DLC) film with extra thickness dramatically boost durability during still frame playback, which places considerable burden on the tape. This rugged durability stands up to the repeated rewinding, fast forwarding and playback of professional editing.
63 minute (42min DVCAM)
High output level
Superb total performance
Low head wear
High-precision cassette design, with 2 way opening
Replacement for DVM63MQ and DVM83MQ

[edDV]

The main market for the "pro" tapes is the broadcast and post production market. Their problems are most likely different than yours. They shoot with one camera, edit on a high speed pro deck that winds tapes 20x faster than your camcorder. In other words, they need tapes with maximum interchange and durability for fast winding.

You won't get better video quality out of these tapes, just more stability and higher magnetic performance to help with playing on a different machine than the one that recorded it. Better magnetic performance is also found on the premium consumer Panasonic MiniDV tapes.

Archive tapes are a different category. These optimize stability for long term storage.

As for 83min tapes, I'd avoid them for archive. Like TC-180 8hr. VHS tapes these are thinner and packed tighter to get the extra record time. That lowers robustness and won't play as well on an old worn camcorder.

[neojapsz]

thanks for replies, edDV just to confirm you put "Archive tapes are a different category. These optimize stability for long term storage"

Which are archive tapes? Are they the MASTER QUALITY ones? and the pro ones the PQ tapes. Am i reading that right?

I will go with the 60 min tapes for my archiving, but are the bog standard Panasonic tapes good for this?

[edDV]

thanks for replies, edDV just to confirm you put "Archive tapes are a different category. These optimize stability for long term storage"

Which are archive tapes? Are they the MASTER QUALITY ones? and the pro ones the PQ tapes. Am i reading that right?

I will go with the 60 min tapes for my archiving, but are the bog standard Panasonic tapes good for this?

Archive tapes are different. They are made for libraries for long term storage. They are expensive. Pro tapes are made for rough handling and interchange. Consumer tapes are made for light duty and low price.

I'll try to find you some links.

[edDV]

The previous archive tape formulations seem to be discontinued. What is left is consumer tape, pro grade tape and general data storage. Now that video has gone digital, long term tape archive seems to be less of an issue than in the analog days. That or video is considered in the same boat with other data.

http://www.adamwilt.com/DV-tech.html
http://www.tapestockonline.com/mini-dv.html
http://www.shortcourses.com/video/chapter04.htm
http://www.edgewise-media.com/lodastwhisbe.html

Typical Pro Grade - These mostly talk to magnetic output and backing stability rather than longevity. In other words, surviving rough handling on a pro deck.
http://www.tdk.com/professional/camcorder/prodvc.html
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/professional_av/dvcam.html
http://www.fujifilm.com/products/professional_av/dvcpro.html

For volume, enterprise backups are probably best so long as they are searchable.
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/markets/10002/docs/FINALSonySAITWhitePaper.pdf

[neojapsz]

edDv, thanks for all the links, think i will be fine with basic panasonic for archive, and i will avoid the 80min tapes

[sorinicu]

I am using for my family videos ONLY the Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ tapes - the 63 minutes ones.
Output is higher when are new, I suppose that after 10 years it will be still higher than a regular tape.
On the other hand, I am not playing those frequently, I have DVD copies for them.