Remote Camera: Does the XH A1 Lan-C conform to "true" LanC specs?

[Isaac Babcock]

I am trying to do some remote camera work using an infra-red Trailmaster sensor/trigger. I inquired to Trailmaster about using it with Canon HDV cameras and their response was as follows:

"We have not tested the TM700V with the XH-1. However we have tested it with the XL-1 and XL1s and found that it does not work. The Canon Lan-C implementation does not quite adhere to all of the specifications in this camera. We have found that it does work with some of the canon cameras that implement Lan-C but not all. We have found that every Sony video camera that has Lan-C that we have tested did work with the TM700v."

I think Lan-C is a Sony thing... But I'd prefer the XH-A1 (or the HV20, but it doesn't have Lanc). Does anyone know if Canon's Lan-C for XH-A1 conforms to the true Lan-C specifications? (whatever they may be??)

I haven't purchased either the camera or remote sensor/trigger yet, trying to research what will work first. Perhaps I'll have to be a test bunny.

Anyone have better suggestions for such a set up? Many thanks...

[Larry Chapman]

The XH-A1 does not work with my SignVideo controller that works fine on my Sony cameras. SignVideo had a similar response "We haven't tested it on the A1".

[Piotr Wozniacki]

Manfrotto also confirms that their controllers' software must be updated to work with the XH series.

[Don Palomaki]

LANC is a proprietary Sony specification developed a long time ago, probably in the early 1980s if not before. You can (or at least could 10 years ago) buy a copy of the specification document from Sony, but it is dated and speaks mainly to control of consumer electronics like VCRs. Many features found in today's gear are not documented in the published LANC specification. You may also note that JVC and Panasonic generally do not support LANC.

LANC worked for +/- 2 frame accuracy linear editing in systems with time code; e.g., prosumer Hi8 systems with RCTC from Sony and Canon. (Time code information was kludged in to the LANC signal.)

The LANC is a 9600 BPS serial data protocol that operates over one wire based on a master and slave relationship. (Normal PC serial data involved two wires and was far more flesible and capable.) One unit sends out a continuous stream of LANC packets. A LANC packet is something like eight bytes, each byte containing 8 data bits plus parity and synchronizing data. Certain bits are defined for status, and certain for command/control. Commands and status are sent by pulling down certain bits within specific bytes. Both master and slave monitor the stream and read the level of each bit for status/command information. Precise timing between the master and slave is required to make it work. And because it is not an industry standard implementations (and thus results) may vary.

[Annie Haycock]

Isaac - did you ever get an answer about this, or get the TM700V? If so, did it work ok? And what sort of subjects were you using it on? It costs twice as much to buy in the UK as in the US, so I'm keen to find out more before shelling out the cash.

Thanks