How to Erase Mini DV Tapes

Erasing mini DV tapes is a simple yet time-consuming process. Unlike old analog videotapes, mini DVs aren't magnetic, so you can't erase them just through magnet exposure. A mini DV must be manually erased and then re-cued to avoid unwanted tape slack. If done correctly, a mini DV tape can be reused about 3,000 times.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Mini DV tapes
• Video camera that uses mini DV tapes

1. Gather the mini DV tapes that you want to erase. Make sure they are all of the same format and that they will fit into your video camera. Check the contents on each tape to make sure you want to erase them. Once you record over them, your old video footage will be gone forever.

2. Take a look at the "Record" tab on the front edge of the mini DV tape. This is a small plastic switch that prevents you from accidentally recording over footage you've already filmed. If the switch is open to the left, it is in save mode. If it is closed to the right, it is in record mode. Use your fingernail or a pen to switch all the mini DV tapes you wish to erase to record mode.

3. Open the tape chamber of your video camera and insert the mini DV tape you wish to erase. Make sure the tape is facing the right way and that you do not force the door closed. This could break your camera. Rewind the mini DV tape to the beginning.

4. Place the video camera in "Record" mode and press the "Record" button. Leave the lens cap on and allow it to record to the end of the tape. This will black out the mini DV tape. It's possible to just record over old video with new video. This often works fine, but new video could bleed over into old footage. To avoid getting mixed images, black out the mini DV tape before using it again.

5. Rewind the mini DV tape to the beginning again. Many video cameras do this automatically when they reach the end of the tape. Rewinding removes tape slack. If you don't do this, you could get uneven tracking and DV tape glitches.

Resources

• Copy Old Video