How to Clean Mini DV Camcorder Heads using Sony Head Cleaner Tape Before & After 📹📼

This video goes over how to use mini DV camcorder tape head cleaner. If you’re looking to transfer to digital MP4 or USB, you’ll need clean heads for the picture quality to be clear.
If you were looking to transfer your home movies on mini DV cassette tapes shot in the late 90s early 2000s I’ll show you the pro tips and tricks to make sure you get a quality camera and also how to make sure the heads are clean. Also, if you were looking for a company to do this for you, the questions to ask any company you’re going to trust with the only copy of your home movies. If you do need Got Memories to transfer your movies please visit www.gotmemories... to get a quote.
MiniDV (Digital Video) is a digital video format that was introduced in 1995 by Sony and Panasonic. It is a small cassette-based format that uses digital video compression to store video recordings on a tape. MiniDV tapes are used in a variety of consumer and professional video cameras, and are also used to store digital video recordings on computers. MiniDV tapes are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from 60 minutes to 120 minutes.

[@RustyTheGeek]

You seem to be extremely dedicated to highest quality with a perfectionist results driven attitude. I didn't think anyone could do a better job than I could. You might actually be that guy. Thinking.....

[@gotmemories]

I am very dedicated to my craft and not only getting quality results but also a ‘wow’ customer service experience as a whole. People trust me with their lives and I do not take that lightly, the safekeeping of them is paramount. I respect that not only their memories are irreplaceable but every scene on the video could be the only moment someone has of a loved one, special visual or audible clip that is priceless, not to mention spending their hard earned money. Doesn’t matter where you go these days, outstanding customer service and getting quality product back is rare in the US and I constantly am underwhelmed as a consumer with things that I can’t control, so in my business, it is something I can control, which is why my reviews on Google are the best for any transfer company in the world, literally. I do tell people if they see a Google score of 5.0 with 315++ reviews, unheard of and please highlight to me if you see better, because I’d like to have a beer with that business owner!

[@beaniedude436]

Man you are a life saver, happened vx2000 and couldn’t find many answers on what it was but you are so straightforward saying what you need and what to do, thanks man🙏

[@gotmemories]

Glad I could help! Thanks for the shout!

[@grnmtnskier]

Hi Phil - Great video and your passion for quality work shows. I just took out my old Sony DCR-PC9 to log some footage that I had forgotten to log years ago. On the first few mini-DVs I played, I was getting those exact same grey bars you showed. They seem to have gone away on other tapes but to be certain, I will clean the head with a cleaner. I was relieved when I saw your video to know that it was a head issue and not a mechanical issue. Thanks again!

[@gotmemories]

Great! Glad you found the video and it helped!

[@neilrobinson5115]

I bought exactly the same Sony head cleaner from eBay for £16.99,I bought a Sony Dcr trv950e and it had dirty heads and a clicking noise on playback,15 seconds and it works perfectly,hello fellow Brit,I’m from Lincolnshire 🎅

[@gotmemories]

Hi there mate! From Cheltenham! There’s some cheap gems out there if you know how to do a few tweaks!

[@neilrobinson5115]

@@gotmemories certainly is,I think the Dcr 950e was a good camera in its day,I used to have a Sony hi8 video Walkman too,I’m on the hunt for one of those too

[@neilrobinson5115]

@@gotmemories Hello,how are you?🎅

[@TheHyperfred]

Thanks for our test. I've just ordered the same cleaning tape, since I have two cameras that have this issue. If it works for at least one, I'm good. 🙂

[@gotmemories]

👍

[@draypaloma1297]

I had same issues with canon zr500, will try thks

[@gotmemories]

👍

[@mmilunsky]

I have an old Video8 cleaning tape, not sure if it was used. Best I've got!

[@gotmemories]

Best of luck!

[@TammyTaylorTV]

Borrowed a friend's Mini DV camcorder (Panasonic) to play and transfer and several of the tapes I have are HD so I'm getting the "wrong tape format" error code. From what you say, these need an HD camera to play, is that right? Both worked fine on my (now dead) Canon camcorder, but it's an HD. Also, many of my tapes look fine but have glitchy sound. I bought a Panasonic Head Cleaner and just ran it. First try, it seemed to help a little, second try, a little better still, but still glitchy. I understand it's not advisable to run the cleaner tape more than twice, is that the case? What are my next steps? Thanks so much - I'm sure I'll be sending some of these precious tapes to you because you're obviously the most knowledgeable about WTF you're doing!

[@gotmemories]

Yes, welcome to my world! HD DV tapes are a pain.

[@TammyTaylorTV]

@@gotmemories Sorry to bug you again, but could you please respond to my issue about the sound being glitchy (but a bit better) after running 2 cleaning cycles? How many times can I run it without damage? Thanks!

[@Fotznerwin27]

Hey mate, I'm really curious about how long this Cleaner tape lasts. Do you know how many times you can use it? I don't have a Mini-DV camcorder yet but I'm planning on getting one and I'm just doing some overall research.

[@gotmemories]

Hi mate, supposed to just use once. Maybe equals 10-15 cleans.

[@jakubrokita2261]

you should not rewind it and as you get a thin slither of tape it won't last you long - better get a bundle.

[@larralph]

Hi Phil. Great video! I got one of those Sony head cleaners on Amazon for €31.13 (£26.23) incl postage. It also came from Japan.

[@gotmemories]

Sealed? … If so, bargain!

[@DGGamer_]

Will a Japanese head cleaner work on an American Sony Digital8 camcorder? Are there differences in NTSC_M and NTSC_J like there is with PAL?

[@gotmemories]

No difference

[@DGGamer_]

@@gotmemories thanks

[@TheChiptuner]

7:07 Do you deliver your videos to customers in .mp4 format? I’m thinking about sending mine off but wouldn’t .avi files be the uncompressed versions?

[@gotmemories]

All MP4, compatibility 100%. AVI has very limited compatibility and uncompressed files are large and imo pointless for home movies, esp when price points people are willing to pay is next to zero. If you’re wanting uncompressed avi from a company, be prepared to pay a lot.

[@angelaellingson8491]

Hey Phil, I'm just starting this project. I bought a new Sony DCR-HC96 off of eBay. It had never been used, still in box, looks completely new. I got one tape to import fine. The 2nd tape was intermittently pixelated so I used the tape cleaner for 10 seconds. Then the 2nd tape wouldn't play back at all, just a blue screen, so I tried the cleaning tape for another 10 seconds. Still a blue screen. The first tape that imported fine now has large bars through it when I try to play that one in the camcorder now. Any thoughts? What would you do next?

[@gotmemories]

As I say in all my videos you’ll need 3-5 camcorders. Budget at least $500-$1500 for equipment, cleaning tapes, parts and repairs. They’re all 30-40 years old and the tapes are oxidizing and constantly clogging the video heads and even worse if you stored in non AC location. It’s a two steps forward, one step back game, constant issues, welcome to my world & best of luck!

[@louiskk6987]

hi i just got some brand new mini dv tapes and are ready to do some shooting,but when i recorded something and get back to vcr there's nothing. i have some old tapes that work's perfectly fine that can be watched so i think it's not the camcorders problem. whats the problem then?

[@gotmemories]

Unsure without a camcorder & tape in front of me, I would find a local camcorder repair business and drop it off for an assessment, could be one of fifty things.

[@atribecalledfilm]

Bought one today and have the same problem hopefully thisbworks

[@gotmemories]

Godspeed! 😂👍

[@jakubrokita2261]

chapters would be a nice addition, for anyone interested in specific steps it is at around [02:00] - you should press PLAY and not REC and let it run for 10-15 secs.

[@gotmemories]

If you’re offering to do chapters for me, by all means let’s talk lol! I don’t have the time. I need to get someone to manage the channel.

[@alepelu]

Hello! Is is possible to use a mini-dv cleaning tape on a 8mm camcorder?

[@gotmemories]

No, need 8mm, they’re about $100.

[@tyc2348]

Hi,my mini dv says condensation operated paused (can’t play tape or record,but it works when it is fully charged)please help 🙏

[@gotmemories]

Not a good sign. If moisture is on the heads at time of recording, the recording is more than likely done. It’s happened to me personally.

[@oliviaross4153]

Hiii! Thanks for the video. When I put the cleaning cassette in it says check tape erase protection tab. And won’t let me record possibly know what it could be?

[@gotmemories]

Need to put tape over the record tab that’s been removed to be able to record

[@nathandeller2565]

Sir I have got a single tape which I would like you to have a look at..I believe there is some footage of my father on it.I had a local person here,look at it and they have said it is blank after the footage of the Mexicans.I bought a cheap Camcorder many years ago in America,for taking footage of a trip with my father.I remember the red light record was seen in the view finder when I recorded.So I believe there is footage there.I compared the last images you showed,in your video of the scratchy black and white with the child.After the Mexicans,the image shown on my tape is just scratchy black and white.Can you do this for me at an economical rate.I am in Germany.My father died in 2021.Thank You Nathan

[@gotmemories]

Hi Nathan! Sorry for your loss. I do have a $500 min on any video transfer services. I’d try a company in the UK called video99 co.uk

[@Vibepng]

Would a Sony tape cleaner work with a cannon camera?

[@gotmemories]

Possibly.

[@freecactushugs]

specifically for 8mm video 8 tapes, are the head cleaner tapes a permanent solution? if not how often would you say they'd need to run through your camera? a camera i got at an estate sale late last year has needed to have the head clean several times and is only good for about 20 minutes or so of playback. videos have been super insightful and helpful cheers!

[@gotmemories]

Glad you’ve enjoyed the videos. Cleaning all depends on a lot of factors. Also the head is more than likely worn if you need to clean every 20 mins.

[@CrowdPleeza]

Are some head cleaners better than others? How do you know which ones work best?

[@gotmemories]

Brand names and sealed

[@carlota4646]

Is It posible to use a head cleaning tape of Panasonic brand to clean a videocamera JVC brand?

[@gotmemories]

Yep

[@swissblade8666]

Hey My stepdad gave me his Panasonic PV-GS31, it was working when he gave it to me but it the screen is fully black. Can you give some advice on how to fix it?

[@gotmemories]

You’ll need a new screen, poss other things wrong. Contact a local vcr repair business if you have one and they can better diagnose in person.

[@comprehab]

Hi Phil. Another great video. I am gradually getting more request to capture VHS tapes. A lady this week was over the moon. Wanted to put copies in her grown up kids stocking for Christmas of them all as children. Just cleaned the heads on my VHS player as your other video shows. Got IPA 99% off Amazon. I have also just cleaned the Sony ccd-tr913e Hi-8 camera using the same technique. I had to take the cassett door off to get access but thats easy enough. Do the mini DV cameras have the same head set up? Is it possible to clean the heads the same way rather than using the cleaning tapes? Cheers :-0)

[@gotmemories]

Hi Glad you’re enjoying the videos. Yes you have to disassemble the mdv, they’re more of a pain though.

[@pollykaur3146]

I watched your video your tape clean worked but mine didn't explain the tapes are from my kids young age 1998 what can I do please

[@gotmemories]

Without seeing your tapes and the issues they have, I can’t make any comment as to what’s going on or to fix the issue.

[@tyc2348]

@@gotmemoriesHi,my mini dv says condensation operated paused (can’t play tape or record,but it works when it is fully charged)please help 🙏

[@RustyTheGeek]

Are there any MiniDV head cleaner tapes to avoid? Are the Panasonic ones as good as the Sony ones?

[@gotmemories]

I use both

[@danielsmyk4053]

Do you have a company phone number that somebody can call for technical support?

[@gotmemories]

We don’t offer any technical support. Google a local camcorder repair business or buy another camcorder on eBay and fingers crossed.

[@Prismit-m7v]

Hi, are new MiniDV cassettes still being produced or is there only remaining stock to buy?

[@gotmemories]

Not sure

[@uhhRadioheadTheBendsuhh]

I see packs being sold on amazon, not sure if they make them or have them in stock.

[@CJCJCJCJCJCJC]

Hi when I play back my tapes they freeze and resume every second like a stutter. I am recording and playing back on a Sony dsr pd170. The camera plays back fine and all the tapes are brand new. The playback is like this on all different programs, iMovie QuickTime and fcpx. I am using FireWire and 2 Mac ports to get it to the computer. Any ideas on what is wrong? It is like this on all the tapes

[@DerpAndy]

honestly could be your tape something that just happened to me is my tape had some wrinkles in it which made it glitch and freeze a lot

[@gotmemories]

Could be a number of things. But more than likely not enough ram on your computer and or you’re capturing at too high a bit rate and file sizes are massive.

[@ssab420]

So I bought a panasonic mini DV head cleaner online and it's a 10 second long and The directions say play tape and if that doesn't do the job u may try 3 times in a row but no more than that then it says but do not rewind immediately afterwards kinda confusing.. It also says could be used up to 30x but no more than that. Do the Sony ones from Japan have the same directions?

[@gotmemories]

Your head is worn. New head required. Good luck!

[@MndoAlmndlauy]

Is that cassette 8mm ?

[@gotmemories]

👍

[@MndoAlmndlauy]

@@gotmemories the cleaning cassette is 8mm? Cuz i found it on ebay but idk if its 8mm

[@theripplewrestlinginvestor01]

Hi Love the videos first off! I would like to ask if I can pick your brain a bit? I am a young upcoming tape transfer student and looking for a good mini dv player to transfer tapes. Is it best to go with something like the sony dsr's or mini dv cameras? or a actual JVC Mini DV player combo. I recently got a old "mint" dsr and its been horrible with the heads trying to clean them and the tapes have been dirty. I don't trust amazon's dv head cleaners because we use to buy them in 2000 as well same kind. I agree with the Japan importing and will try that as well. Thanks again for taking your time and will subscribe for more videos! - The Ripple Wrestling Investor (World Star Productions, PA)

[@gotmemories]

Hello! Phil from Got Memories here! Glad you’re enjoying the videos! JVC DV/VHS player combos are expensive and overkill. I’ve got two and both are wrecked. JVC camcorders are jenke. I use all Sony DCR series. All the best in your endeavors!

[@theripplewrestlinginvestor01]

@@gotmemories Hi Phil, thank you so much for the ki d words and the reply, did you ever run into when playing mini dv tapes you know there is footage on the tape but it shows no time code when playing its just a black screen? I keep cleaning my dsr 11 head and after a proper cleaning I sometimes have a 50/50 shot of finally seeing the footage. Would you consider that a bad head? If its just completely black all the time or just really dirty? Don't get me wrong 25% out of my transfers work but its all different brand tapes sometimes. I kinda figured just going and picking up another player or Dv camera for playback. In the 23 years of doing camera work with my sony cams I never had a issue until now (after so many years). Also would you recommend anything better to clean the head with besides isopropyl alcohol and q tips? I took your advice and ordered the Japanese style cleaning tapes. -TRWI

[@gotmemories]

@@theripplewrestlinginvestor01 sounds like you need a new head / player!

[@RustyTheGeek]

@@theripplewrestlinginvestor01 Never, ever use a q-tip on a video head. If that's what you're using, you likely ruined the head. Phil has a video about cleaning the head and he uses a special flat, non-lint stick pad but even using that is risky. There's a guy on YT named 12voltvids who shows the right and wrong way to clean video heads and he uses simple copy paper and fluid (alcohol).

[@torariders313]

what are they so expensive?

[@gotmemories]

Stopped making decades ago so dwindling supply and increased demand. Aka supply and demand.

[@torariders313]

@@gotmemories can you just take it apart and clean it yourself using q tips?

[@gotmemories]

@@torariders313do not use Q tips and I would recommend handing over to a pro, very small, tools, cleaner, applicators required. All the best!

[@torariders313]

@@gotmemories thank you!

[@Canny977]

I used this but it didn’t work 😢

[@gotmemories]

Time for a new video head or find another camera or it could be your tape