[X4U] OT: utility for erasing mini DV tapes?

[Michael Elliott]

I was wondering if anyone knows how to go about completely erasing a  
miniDV tape back to something like it's original blank state.   
(Where, if you play the tape, it simply shows up as a blue screen, at  
least on my Canon miniDV camcorder).  I would like to erase some  
tapes for later use, as I typically import all of my video into  
iMovie.  I know that I can erase the video just by recording with the  
lens cap closed, but then if I stop-start in future recordings,  
iMovie keeps those small sections as individual clips.

Does anyone know a utility that allows for true erasure, rather then  
over-recording?

(Yes, I've consulted the Canon camcorder manual).

Thanks!