reno@bunker.UUCP (Jim Reno) (02/15/84)
I'm interested in hearing about people's experience with various types of tape, and what it cost them. I have a Panasonic VHS machine, and have had the following results with T-120 tapes. I don't know about Beta, but around here (southwestern CT) the Beta and VHS tapes sell for the same price. Tape Best Price Comments Maxell HGX 11.99 Excellent tape, but in my opinion not worth the premium. I'm surprised I haven't found it any cheaper; in Chicago I was usually able to find their audio cassettes greatly discounted over the usual price on sale in quantity. But I haven't seen these any cheaper out here. TDK SA 7.99 Pretty good; up until recently my standard tape. Sony 10 Not significantly better than the TDK, so not worth it. This is the usual price, so you might do much better on sale. BASF 6.99 I was very surprised by this one, which seems routinely available at this (sale) price, and has given me performance as good as the Sony and TDK. Now what I use most. Scotch * Not sure of the price on this. I only tried one tape, and was disappointed. I have never had really good results with their audio tape either, although firends have. Memorex * Also disappointing. Grainy. Has a nice plastic case with it, but I'd rather pay for the tape. Certron * About the same as the Scotch and Memorex. Fuji * Ok. Almost as good as the BASF and TDK; different, though. The Fuji seems to produce a much stronger (brighter; more vivid colors) picture but with less resolution. Might be a good choice if used at high speed. I should point out that the above results were from tapings made at the lowest (6 hour) speed, which is what I most use. The differences seemed much less evident at high speed. I do have a couple of tapes made at high speed with the Maxell HGX, and they are indistinguishable from the original source.