[RLT]

I'm using Sony tape with my HV20, but have a Canon miniDV head cleaner.
When the occation arrives to use the head cleaner, would there be any detrimental effect using these two different Branded products ?
I know there could be a possibility of problems switching tape brands as regards lubrication goes, (although maybe not so crucial these days), but does that apply to cleaning tapes ?
Or, is this just paranioia setting in................
How does the cleaning tape actually clean the heads anyway, whats the material used ?
Also, should I clean the heads only when problems arise, or periodically ?

Many thanks
RLT

[jetinder]

Mini DV tapes + heads in camcorders are smaller versions of VHS tapes and VCRs.

Using cleaning tape is the best way to clean to them.

As for one brand damaging another ........... unless you buy cheapo dodgy bargin basement ones i feel the Canon one you have wont do any damage.

But if your really worried about it
:-

1) buy a Sony head cleaner

or

2) Go to your local camera shop on advice on how to clean the heads

or

3) Phone Canon UKs and Sony Uks support lines for advise.

As for how many times to clean the head .............

Depends on how much you use it.

Some people clean the heads regularly others only clean the heads when they are dirty.

If you dont use the camcorder that much just clean them when they are dirty.

[senu]

Jetinder has covered it well.
Using one brand of head cleaner with another brand camcorder is unlikely to be a problem unless it is specifically advised against.
I have used JVC, Panasonic Head cleaners with Sony kit. not problems
What is likely to be a problem is to use the cleaning tapes ( especially "dry" ones) too often , and beyond the no of specified cycles.. you might be doing the camcorder more harm than good
An unrelated issue is to try to stick with one tape brand, where at all possible