Having read a couple of articles about DV tapes, I am confused. I want to use tapes for archiving but also want good picture quality, so I intended to get either some Panasonic PQ or MQ

However there appears to be 2 types of formulation - ME and MP.

I have been told that MP is more durable (they are also dearer) and they are used in DVCPRO

However
Sony and TDK use MP
Fuji, JVC and surprisingly Panasonic Professional and Master Quality range use ME

Can anyone shed some light on this?

From my experience the quality is excellent on any tape.

[gringottsdirect]

Originally posted by jon1972
Having read a couple of articles about DV tapes, I am confused. I want to use tapes for archiving but also want good picture quality, so I intended to get either some Panasonic PQ or MQ
However there appears to be 2 types of formulation - ME and MP.
I have been told that MP is more durable (they are also dearer) and they are used in DVCPRO
However
Sony and TDK use MP
Fuji, JVC and surprisingly Panasonic Professional and Master Quality range use ME
Can anyone shed some light on this?

Metal Evaporated all things being equal is higher quality than Metal Particle. Tape formulations and shells vary in other degrees so in reality I wouldn't let it sway you.
If possible it may be better to archive your recordings onto DVD-R.
Otherwise, use careful storage and occassional windings to extend life.

I have used Sony DVM60-ME; TDKDVM60-ME; JVC 60ME; PanasonicDVC-ME LinearPlus.
They all produce exelent quality( Mainly function of your mDV Cam's Quality).

Do not mix brands!
I have heard, that it is better for the Video Heads to use same tape only.

Regards,