What are some indications that a mini dv needs to be disposed?

I had some mini dv tapes and i noticed that everytime I record a video, the starting of the tape will have a screeching noise. Can you indicate some signs of when a mini dv should not be reused anymore and to be disposed?|||miniDV tape is an evaporate metal formulation which is not as durable as the old oxide tape used in analog recorders. i would recommend putting a limit of 200 passes on the tape.





count a pass each time it is recorded, and for each subsequent playback viewing. depending on how much need to review a tape, it should be reusable for 50 times or so. now if you have a deck that is chewing tape, then it might be shot after just one pass, so keep the equipment clean. screeching noise is serious business and should be investigated professionally.





i have worked at television studios and been responible for managing tape stocks for wear. i have even re-loaded cassette shells with new tape when needed. Unless you are working in a high usage environment like a television station, there is little likelihood you would wearout a tape.