I thought HDV video tapes were all the same, what’s the difference?
There are multiple types of HDV video recording formats, depending on the manufacturer.
HDV1 is JVC’s format and records at 19Mbs in MPEG-2 with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels (progressive).
HDV2 is what Sony & Cannon uses and records at 25Mbs in MPEG-2 with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels (interlaced).
Even though the tape looks identical for both formats, the Sony HDV will not playback on a JVC nor the JVC playback on a Sony.
*Canon adds to the compatibility issues with an “F” setting on its camcorders that won’t play back on either a JVC or Sony deck.