FOCUS releases FS-4 HD
 

http://www.2-pop.com/articles/article_13746.shtml


Did anyone ever actually receive their "JVC" branded version?

Thanks Tim -- here's the press release directly from Focus:

http://www.focusinfo.com/corporate/p...lity101705.htm

I'm assuming the "Pro" is only for the HD100? I'm very much interested in this, as is my film school I work at. It's MUCH cheaper than buying two more M10 Sony HDV decks.

heath

Wait, nevermind, I think the Pro is just the bigger drive, though there are two 40 gb drives that are listed as HD and Pro HD. Any thoughts?

heath

The FS-4 Pro comes in two versions - 40 GB HDD and 80 GB HDD.

Only the Pro versions are upgradeable to be able capture using a HDV codec (but maybe I am wrong about that - maybe both Pro and non Pro are upgradeable).

I don't think that the FS-100 exists yet -

I'm guessing that it will be a version of the FS-4 Pro (which is just a software difference from the non Pro versions, I'm pretty sure). I would guess that the only hardware difference will be a 100 GB drive in the FS-100. If we are lucky there will be some P2 optimized software in the FS-100, but Focus didn't mention that in the press release, so I wouldn't count on that. I'm guessing that it will be a black FS-4 Pro with a 100GB HDD and software for capturing JVC's version of HDV.

I'll just grab the 80 gb. Saves me a lot on buying a deck (M10's cost around $3000) and time since I won't be logging and capturing!

heath

Here is my understanding:

The FS4-HD is a new product, available in the standard version and the pro version. Both supports all forms of HDV. The standard is only available in 40 gb configuration while the pro have a 40 gb and 80 gb options. According to the press release, the only other difference between the standard and the pro version is:

That makes sense. I think I'm sold!

heath

Heath,

Don't forget that you are going to need something to store your video footage onto after you're finished with your projects.

I think tape is still the cheapest long-term storage medium.

The FS-4 just makes the step between shooting and editing much quicker, but you will have to dump to tape somewhere down the line. Or start collecting HDDs.

Of course. Then again, I'd like to have each feature film stored on a hard drive, which is what Dreamworks said they'd do when they formed in 1994. I need to buy more firewire drives.

heath