I am getting ready to purchase the Opura 400, and I was wondering if anyone has had any of the problems with the Remove the cassette/Eject error messages that have been a persistant problem especially in the ZR and Elura lines. I have an Elura 50 that I am replacing because of this problem, and I had a ZR which also had this problem--I know that there are several differnt posts that talk about this problem, but I did not see any listed on this forum (btw I had an Optura which I never did have any problems with, which is one reason why I am leaning towards the 400, plus I like the matchbox design). Any input would be appreciated!!!

No one problem like this with the MVX35i (= Optura 500).

After nearly ruining two live recording sessions I decided to investigate why I was having so many errors from my tapes at LP with my Optura 300. I also have a Sony TRV-900, and use the Canon as backup. I used Panasonic Professional Master tapes only.

The Optura 300 has just come back from Canon USA with a $150 repair and upgrade done on it (the chroma noise is much less, have they upgraded Digic recently?)

I bought a program called DVstreamer that embeds a digital file in the data stream going to the Optura 300. That way I can figure out the actual error rate, without having to rely on seeing MPEG2 artifacts.

I found that the problem was the tape.
I bought TDK, MAXELL and FUJI tapes and all worked properly. All, that is, except my prized Panasonic Professional Master tapes with their new super 4x density tape coating

I am now using Fuji 80minute on LP with no problems. Very few errors.

I did learn my lesson, and I will record data onto each tape with the Optura 300 BEFORE going out to a live shoot, just to check the tapes out. heck - it only takes a couple of hours

..Trevor..