What are the differences between Mini DV tape format and Digital8?
• Size The Mini DV tape format is approximately 56% smaller than an 8mm technology that Digital 8 uses was developed a decade earlier, in 1984. The DV format is supported by over 56 companies worldwide, ensuring compatibility with other DV equipment, while Digital 8 is currently supported by only two companies (Sony & Hitachi). Can you Mix brands/manufacturers of MiniDV/DV tape ? Yes and No. According to Mr. Weideman you can the issues have been resolved, but this is not my practical experience. The issue seems to be the formulation of tape lubricants. When Sony and Panasonic manufactured tapes are mixed the lubricants intermingle and become tacky. The result is that the tape mechanism will stop. (On a Canon XL-1 this is shown in the viewfinder by “Eject Tape” flashing in the viewfinder.) The best advice seems to be to stick with tapes from the same brand. This includes continuing use of Head cleaning tape from the same manufacturer. The problem is that it is not always practical or de
