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I watch a lot of TV shows in "time-shifted" mode and for convenience I use a specific tape for each show I watch on a regular basis (e.g. Ebert & Roeper), recording over the prior show each week. My question: How many times can I reasonably expect to use a given tape before the quality of the recordings gets noticeably worse? I've been replacing these "rotation" tapes about twice a year (i.e., after about 25 uses). Does anyone else have any advice based on their experience? (PS: I am currently using TDK AQ tapes in a 1995-vintage Panasonic recorder.)
Follow Ups:
We do heaps of time shifting here also and your Panasonic should not be too hard on them. Until this year we used a battery of Panasonics and have tape near 20 years old that is still going strong.I used TDK EHG with good results but have now switched to JVC s-video recorders and TDK XP tape. Maxell is also good tape.
The worst tape I've tried was 300 minute BASF - they did not last long as they were far too thin & gave tangle problems.
Tape is not expensive so it does pay to purchase good quality. I am unfamiliar with the TDK AQ tape so do not know how good that is. However I expect all TDK cassettes have the same mechanical construction with the only differences being in refinement of the oxide coating. Maybe the lower grade oxide coating cause more head wear but I suspect the polish/finish of the tape is more important here - anyone know?
John
Peace at AA
Depends on two things: the tape quality and how hard the machine is on tape. Some recorders are much gentler on tape, especially those with soft start/stop from fast rewind/FF - does your machine do it? But without running a test no one would be able to give you the answer you are seeking.My gut feel is that 25 times is not a bad idea... after all - tapes are cheap, but bad tapes can clog the machine so badly that simply using the cleaning tape will not undo it. On a couple of occasions I had to disassemble the machine to clean it... ain't worth it.
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