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MiniDV Tape Timecode
I’ve been given advise concerning miniDV tapes and want to know how true or how much of a difference is it if I don’t do this.
I was told that with every new miniDV tape, before shooting video (images) to it, to place the tape in the camera, keep the lens cap on, and “record” the time code to the entire tape. Then rewind and the tape will now be ready for regular use.Is this a good idea? I was under the impression that never ever to re-record tapes when in HD. Any advise please.
-Charlie-
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6 Replies
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Absolutely no need to pre-stripe a tape prior to being recorded in a camcorder.
But, it has nothing to do with “re-using” the tape (which would not be a problem, anyway.)A camcorder will completely erase any TC already on the tape, so it
won’t matter if the tape is striped.Just be careful not to let the TC “reset” when you are recording the tape.
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It does make it idiot proof for the reset problem you mention. The camcorder resets to zero when there is no TC at all. Otherwise it performs an assemble edit and picks up the TC. Striping the tape would eliminate TC reset, but not control track break errors.
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#41 – Pre-blacking a tape to avoid timecode breaks.
Shane’s Stock Answer #41 – Pre-blacking a tape to avoid timecode breaks.
Pre-blacking a tape to avoid timecode breaks doesn’t work. It is an urban video myth. All it does is prevent your footage from starting over from 00;00;00;00. But if you record, then stop the camera to review, then stop AFTER the recorded footage, you will have a timecode break. Video cameras don’t INSERT EDIT onto the tape, they ASSEMBLE EDIT. That is, they write over everything that was recorded before, including timecode. So blacking a tape does nothing, really. Only give you better chances to incur tape dropouts as you are now recording on the tape twice.
The best option is to leave the camera rolling for a few seconds after your shot so that when you review your footage, you stop the tape while you still have an image. This way, the camera will pick up where it left off.
Shane
GETTING ORGANIZED WITH FINAL CUT PRO DVD…don’t miss it.
Read my blog, Little Frog in High Def -
Yeah. No sense to stripe a tape unless you will edit by insert.
What is by a good policy is to Fast Forward and let the tape rewind by it self. If the tape have been stored for long time this can help to avoid tracking problems. The same that should be done to tapes in archives, FF and RW at least once a year.
Rafael -
I try to make a habit of shooting :10 bars at the end of each setup and day. That way you have something easy to back into if you reload the tape into your camcorder.
Lee Berger
http://www.leebergermedia.com -
Didn’t I just say all that? :/ Except the drop out part which is true of course, especially with miniDV.
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