Vidding

[sydni_64]

So, I went to Eckerd (actually, it was Rite Aid) to replenish my supply of blank video tapes, and was seduced by a sale. TDK Revue Premium Grade 6 hr. tapes for 99 cents each. I was skeptical, but poor, and since the tapes are normally $2.99 each, I resolved to buy all the TDK tapes they had on the shelf, which, sadly, was only about 5 tapes.

Anyway, I usually use Sony Standard Grade 6 hr. tapes, and I've been happy with those. The visual quality in SLP mode is nice, the tapes are good at handling the wear and tear of rewinding and rewatching, and the price is pretty good. However, there is a marked reduction in sound quality from the original source to the SLP recording. Not so bad that it noticeably diminishes the viewing experience, but it is something that has bothered me. I really like nice, crisp sound, especially for shows with lots of sound effects like Andromeda or Stargate.

The TDK tapes have excellent sound quality, even in SLP. However, the visual quality is a little poorer than the Sony tapes. So I don't know how to decide between sticking with the TDKs or the Sonys. Errgh. Maybe I'll use the TDKs for scifi shows and the Sonys for everything else?

Decisions, decisions.

I need to upgrade to a paid account soon so I can add more icons to the rotation on this journal.

Comments

[sidewinder.livejournal.com]

I've always been happy with TDK tapes...probably my default brand to buy. Haven't used Sony enough to compare. I avoid Maxell like the plague, which is funny because I've always liked their audio tapes. The video tapes just don't hold up well at all.

I wish Scotch still made general use tapes, I loved those. Hell, I just wish blank tapes were the quality they used to be. I have SLP tapes dating back from the early 80s that look great today, and in fact the picture quality is BETTER than some of the SP-recorded current tapes I have :-(

Those old suckers were built SOLID. Even if they did cost $10 a pop!

Ah well, I'm still pining for the day I can convert all my tapes to DVD...

[sydni-64.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I'd been buying Maxell because they're reasonably cheap and the video quality ain't bad, but the physical tape itself is so weak. One really should not have to perform emergency surgery with a pair of scissors and some Scotch tape! I was so frustrated when I had to fix a tape full of Smallville eps with scotch tape.

I totally know what you mean about tapes from back in the day. Even my old Woolworth's store brand tapes still play fantastically.

I'm feeling you on the DVD thing. ::wistful sigh::