Connections using DV Rack

Michael Best · January 11th, 2007, 02:00 PM

With Firewire ports being somewhat fragile how limited is the DV Rack for moving camera shots, it would seem the ports would receive pressure from movement, firewire ports don't seem to "lock in" like an XLR of even composite. Also, isn't the length of the cable an issue? Is the rack more
for stagnant shots?

Seth Bloombaum · January 11th, 2007, 05:43 PM

True, 4-pin firewire is kinda' lightweight. 6-pin is quite a bit more robust. To DVRack, they're both firewire. My cam has 4-pin, so does my laptop, but, I also have a PC-card firewire with 6-pin. Little velcro cable wraps will help by tying the cable to a handy table leg, camera handle, tripod, etc. so that cable strain is not felt at the connector.

All in all, a laptop is not an easy thing to deal with for run and gun or hand-held. I've a gadget (described in this forum) that mounts my laptop to my tripod, but even that is best for set shots. I don't imagine dealing with tethering to a laptop for hand-held shots.

However, there's more to DVRack than the DVR. Having the reference monitor, and the waveform can be great just for lighting checks, then untether to shoot.

But if you need a run-and-gun solution for DVR it had better be over your shoulder, on your belt, or camera-mounted, like firestore, the new sony dvr, etc.

People are using (premium) 50 and 75 foot firewire cables without repeaters. With repeaters, you can go hundreds of feet if you wish.

Michael Best · January 11th, 2007, 06:47 PM

Much thanks Seth, I would also think that a computer making any sound would be an issue on set as well. I was hoping critical focus could be better achieved with this but it doesn't appear so. Where might one find one of those long firewire cables?

Seth Bloombaum · January 11th, 2007, 08:16 PM

Maybe some other posters have good sources.

I see that forum sponsor B&H has this kit http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation which has 2 66' cables and a repeater. You'd need to add 6 to 4 pin adaptors, though, which make the connector strain worse.

I don't know anything about this cable from B&H, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation, but it is 4-4 pin.

My experience has been with cables from markertek.com, who sell TecNec and datavideo in some handy lengths http://www.markertek.com/ProdList.as...&search=0&off=.

Markertek is not a forum sponsor, but they got the stuff in this case.

Leonard Levy · January 13th, 2007, 12:35 AM

Seth,
Are you sure you can run 50 - 70 Firewire cables with an HVX?
Is that while recording DVCPro100?
I thought you were limited to about 20' without repeaters.

Seth Bloombaum · January 13th, 2007, 12:48 PM

Sorry, no direct experience with the HVX or DVCPRO-100. Sony & JVC DV/HDV here...

I guess you'd have to try it.

January 11th, 2007, 02:00 PM	#1
Michael Best Major Player Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Oceanside Harbor, CA Posts: 443	Connections using DV Rack With Firewire ports being somewhat fragile how limited is the DV Rack for moving camera shots, it would seem the ports would receive pressure from movement, firewire ports don't seem to "lock in" like an XLR of even composite. Also, isn't the length of the cable an issue? Is the rack more for stagnant shots?

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January 11th, 2007, 05:43 PM	#2
Seth Bloombaum Trustee Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,369	True, 4-pin firewire is kinda' lightweight. 6-pin is quite a bit more robust. To DVRack, they're both firewire. My cam has 4-pin, so does my laptop, but, I also have a PC-card firewire with 6-pin. Little velcro cable wraps will help by tying the cable to a handy table leg, camera handle, tripod, etc. so that cable strain is not felt at the connector. All in all, a laptop is not an easy thing to deal with for run and gun or hand-held. I've a gadget (described in this forum) that mounts my laptop to my tripod, but even that is best for set shots. I don't imagine dealing with tethering to a laptop for hand-held shots. However, there's more to DVRack than the DVR. Having the reference monitor, and the waveform can be great just for lighting checks, then untether to shoot. But if you need a run-and-gun solution for DVR it had better be over your shoulder, on your belt, or camera-mounted, like firestore, the new sony dvr, etc. People are using (premium) 50 and 75 foot firewire cables without repeaters. With repeaters, you can go hundreds of feet if you wish.

January 11th, 2007, 06:47 PM	#3
Michael Best Major Player Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Oceanside Harbor, CA Posts: 443	Much thanks Seth, I would also think that a computer making any sound would be an issue on set as well. I was hoping critical focus could be better achieved with this but it doesn't appear so. Where might one find one of those long firewire cables?

January 11th, 2007, 08:16 PM	#4
Seth Bloombaum Trustee Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,369	Maybe some other posters have good sources. I see that forum sponsor B&H has this kit http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation which has 2 66' cables and a repeater. You'd need to add 6 to 4 pin adaptors, though, which make the connector strain worse. I don't know anything about this cable from B&H, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation, but it is 4-4 pin. My experience has been with cables from markertek.com, who sell TecNec and datavideo in some handy lengths http://www.markertek.com/ProdList.as...&search=0&off=. Markertek is not a forum sponsor, but they got the stuff in this case.

January 13th, 2007, 12:35 AM	#5
Leonard Levy Major Player Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Rafael, CA Posts: 547	Seth, Are you sure you can run 50 - 70 Firewire cables with an HVX? Is that while recording DVCPro100? I thought you were limited to about 20' without repeaters.

January 13th, 2007, 12:48 PM	#6
Seth Bloombaum Trustee Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 1,369	Sorry, no direct experience with the HVX or DVCPRO-100. Sony & JVC DV/HDV here... I guess you'd have to try it.