FireStore FS100 various topics
 

I have a couple of FS4's that have been great for SD. I purchased the HDV upgrade for them and I find the FS4's in HD mode to be flakey at best. For reference, I own the Z1, HD100, & H1.

I also have the HVX200, and have been very curious about the FS100. My recent experience with the FS4HD's have had me concerned, coupled with numerous reports of trouble with these units.

I'm also close to picking up the bigger SD Panny P2 - the SPX800. My question is:

1) can you use the FS-100 with the SPX800 - assuming DVCpro25/50 modes, hopefully with all framerates: 60i, 24p, 30p

2) Is it stable with the 800 - can you count on it completely, much as I do using my FS4's with my SD cams.

3) Can you record to the FS-100 AND P2 cards at the same time?

The way I see it, I would want to use the FS100 slaved to the record switch, or free-running, by which I could hopefully record a stream of video to the FS100, and do ad-hoc start-stop recording to the P2 cards (which is what I do with my SD cams - let the the firestore run, and start/stop the tape).

4) Has anyone from Focus tried this unit with this camera, or is it just theory?

I was one of the first people to buy the HD upgrade for the FS4. The support and answer for questions in relation to my HDV cams has been lacking. Big fan of the product in SD (also own three FS1's). Very concerned about HD.

Any clarification is greatly appreciated.

Thanks very much,

Shawn

By the way - referring to 'concerned about HD' for use with my HVX200 as well - I realize that the SPX800 is an SD cam.

Hopefully the FS100 works very well with the 200 in all modes (25/50/HD), and the 800 in 25/50 modes... I don't doubt that even my FS4's might work with the 800 if it was in DVCPro25 mode.

I have to add a 1394 card to get firewire capability in the 800 - so I want to make sure it's not an unnecessary add-on.

Thanks.

Hi Shawn,

To answer your questions...

FS-100 will work with any Panasonic DV/DV50/DV100 device that has a FireWire port. The SPX800 does have a FireWire card option, which as long as it streams out a regular DV/DV50 signal, it should work. Having said that, we have not tested it with the camera in our lab. I will check to see if Panasonic has. We used both the HD1200A and SD93 decks in our lab as test sources and they work fine with FS-100. As far as the frame rates go, as long as the SPX800 outputs the stream in a similar fashion to the HVX200 (base 60fps, but flags frames for 24p production etc), it should work. Control from the camera is also a good question (AV/C). I would assume it would include AV/C support as I would think the FireWire port on that camera would be useful for creating a tape backup. Another question would be if the optional 1394 port were an output only (as playback to the camera from FS-100 may not be possible. But I will see if Panasonic can answer these questions.

On the HVX, you can record to P2 card at the same time as the FS-100. I would assume the SPX800 is the same.

BTW, what edit system do you use?

Hope that helps,

Matt McEwen

Thanks Matt.

Yes, I would appreciate whatever follow-up information you can provide. I believe the firewire output option on the 800 only provides an output stream - so it may not even have any other interaction with the camera (control, etc)? Not sure about that... It's a $900 option, so hopfully it includes whatever anyone would need.

What I do many times for event recording now on my SD cams (JVC DV500/550) is record the FS4 in an un-sync/slave mode. That is, it receives the stream from the camera, and records the whole content (start recording on only the FS4 10-15 minutes before things get going). Then I punch the tape on and off depending on how mission-critical the content is - so I have the very important stuff on tape (basically a backup), and basically everything before/during/after on the firestore. I have tried this method with my HDV cams (Z1, H1, and HD100) and it seems to mess up the FS4 - provides corrupt files, etc. The FS4 HD must be reacting to some trigger event from the recording button. Additionally, even in sync-slave mode I've had trouble when using the HDV mode. Tried the FS4HD with the H1 this last week, and couldn't get the FS4 to record/roll numbers. It was like it didn't 'see' the camera stream. Tried rebooting 3 times. It's happened before and after many reboots finally started working. I didn't have time to keep messing around with it last week, and just gave up. Not a product I'd rely on at this point...

In an ideal world, I would want to record a DVCPro50 stream from the 800 in the same way (or synchro-slave it on other shoots) as I described with my SD cams above, recording to the P2 cards for the 'critical stuff', and having all of the surrounding material on the Firestore. I figure I would need the FS100 for that (for the DVCPro50), or could possibly use my FS4's in SD mode if I set the 800 to DVC25 mode. That would be throwing away a lot of potential information though...

Once P2 cards are big enough, a lot of this becomes a non-issue. Until then, I'm big on backup and functionality. If the FS can fill this gap and be bulletproof, I'll continue to give you guys money. My experiences with the HD line really has me on the fence.

Also for your reference, I have an Edius SP system with the Broadcast upgrade/P2 support, dual 3.6 with 5.2 TB of onboard RAIDs.

Thanks for your note - you were exactly the one I was hoping would reply.


BTW - can I assume that if I picked up an FS100, I'd have no problems using it with my SD cams as well (much as I do with my FS4HD's) - also having it as an 'added FS4' for SD use? I would guess it's just a matter of changing the record settings to SD, type 2 AVI, etc? Hopefully this unit is not just/only optimized for allowing Panny capture? My guess is that it's basically an FS4, with Panny P2/MXF functionality added(?). Same question would apply to the DR-HD100 as well.

Thanks.

Hi Shawn,

My contact at Panasonic did run a test with FS-100 and the SPX800 and it did appear to work fine. Although the test was brief and was not a "full compatibility test", he successfully recorded 60i, 30p, 24p and 24pA of DVCPRO50 and DVCPRO with FS-100. He set 1394 CONTROL to BOTH in the SPX menu (same as the HVX BTW) and was able to record to P2 card and FS-100 simultaneously. TC also worked with FS-100 set to EXT TC. It was necessary to set the TC/UB setting on the SPX to FRM RATE (again, same as the HVX). He also checked the files in Canopus Edius Pro and they imported correctly.

Regarding FS-4 HD and your Sony Z1, did you have the EXT CONTROL MODE in the Z1's menu set to REC CNTRL MODE ->SYNCHRONOUS and STBY COMMAND-> REC PAUSE? That may have been the issue. You also have to switch the FS-4 from DV RECORDER mode to HD RECORDER mode. Also, with the Canon H1, we do have new firmware coming out for that camera shortly (the camera was released after the FS-4 HD) which fixes a playback issue, but record should have worked. The one trick with some Canon cameras is you may need to pull, the reinsert the FireWire cable on occasions. Sometimes, we have noticed that the Canon does not always see the external device.

Hope that helps,

Matt

Forgot to answer...yes, when in DV25 mode, FS-100 will work fine with any FireWire equipped DV25 camera.

FYI...FS-100 has completely different set of electronics than an FS-4/DR-HD100 based unit. It was necessary to redesign the unit so that it could handle 100Mb/s.

Matt

Matt,

Thanks for your very quick and helpful responses. I am now very interested in taking a look at the FS100 as part of the flow again.

Could I impose upon you to check with your Panny contact one more time? The specific test I'd like to see is if you can 'unsync' the FS100 to the camera (either 800 or 200), start recording the firewire stream on the FS100, and then punch the record button (on the camera) at ad-hoc points in time to record to the P2 cards. This is what I do with many SD shoots and it works very well... This way I have a master capture of everything surrounding the events, and punch the record button on/off for critical sections to record to tape (or for changing a tape) - my favorite functionality about the firestores (even the FS1's).

I noticed that with the HDV cams, this ends up being problematic (possibly settings that I need to adjust on the cams themselves), messing with the FS4 recording, and even creating bad/corrupt files.

If you could verify that this can be done with the 800 as well as the 200, I'd be extremely grateful - I'd probably buy 2 units tomorrow...

Thanks again very much,
Shawn

Shawn,

If I understand this correctly, all you should have to do is set the FS-100 to LOCAL control mode, trigger record on it, and then you can trigger REC/REC-PAUSE to P2 card/tape all day, and FS-100 will just continue to record. When any FS model is in LOCAL mode, it ignores control commands from the camera.

Matt

Hey Matt...
 

Matt,

I'm responding from a couple of weeks ago. Would you have the ability to contact your 'contact', just to make sure that the 'local' recording mode won't impact or be impacted (trigger a stop in recording on the FS100, corrupt the stream/files, etc) by ad-hoc recording to the P2 cards (start and stop P2 card recording while the Firestore just records the whole stream straight through) on both the HDX200 and the bigger Panny 800?

This is how I currently record DV content (set the FS1's or FS4's to record straight through an event, and start/stop the DV tape for critical sections, etc). I noticed that this was glitchy in the HDV modes. Likewise, I don't recall seing a 'Local' mode in/on the FS-4 (I remember specific Local mode in the FS1) - I assume it's just a non-syncro/slaved mode(?).

Also - on the FS100, do these files sit in one main .MXF folder structure (like on a P2 card), or are there multiple folder sets/structures for each clip you shoot? I'm guessing that in Windows explorer, it looks like one big P2 card, and that there are mulitiple .mxf files inside the 'video' folder which gets muxed with the audio when you import it into the editor? Additionally, do these files top out at 2 or 4 gig on longer clips (say a recording was for 1 hour - there'd be multiple 2 or 4 gig files for that clip)?

I'm still waiting for my firewire board to come in for the 800, which is delaying my purchase of the FS100. Looking forward to the results and most likely another purchase.

Sounds like firmware and better cables are helping the FS100 these days? Any other current pitfalls or concerns being addressed, or should I expect a nice transition, similar to using my FS4's in DV mode (my HDV modes have been disappointing).

Thanks.

Hi Shawn,

When in Local Mode, FS-100, FS-4, DR-HD etc. ignore the commands coming from the camera. So as long as you are set to this mode, you should be fine.

With FS-100, once you have finished shooting, there is a final step called "organize P2". This step puts all the MXF clips on disk into the P2 directory structure (so that FS-100 will be recognized as a P2 device). Our last 2.0 upgrade added P2 thumbnail support.

We do expect a new software release shortly for the HDV versions of FS-4 HD. I will post here when it is available.

Hope that helps,

Matt McEwen

Can Fs-100 Be Upgraded/Downgraded to Record HDV
 

Hi,
I'm wondering if the FS100 can be "upgraded" to record HDV...or if anyone has tried this?
The larger capacity of the FS100 is appealing. Also for us end users (who often rent/use other cameras) would love to switch between using the Firestore on an HVX200 or a Canon XLH1/Sony Z1U in 60i.
Any comments or suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks,

Brian Broz

FS-100 is the only portable DTE recorder that has completely different electronics than the other FS-4 based models (FS-4, FS-4 HD, FS-4Pro, DR-HD100, FS-C etc.). Sorry to say that HDV support is not available as an upgrade on FS-100. HDV support is available on FS-4 HD, FS-4Pro HD, DR-HD100 and FS-C.

Hope that helps.

Matt

Matt - FS100 - What cables come with it - other brand recommendations?
 

Hi. I'm about to pull the trigger today on the FS100 and I wanted to confirm what cables are coming with the FS100 package.

I understand that there were some glitches in earlier units, be it firmware and/or bad cables. Can I assume that this is all taken care of with new units, or should I look towards other cables that others have mentioned?

I remember someone pointing out good firewire cables to use with the unit (some even had LEDs in the cable tips), but I can't seem to find the link. I'm planning to use this FS100 with the HVX-200 (so I assume a 6pin to 4 pin), as well as the SPX-800 (6pin to 6pin). I'd also like to know if I need the magnetic clips/blocks (ferrites?) as well? I just want to have a good experience from the get go...

Lastly - specifically Matt, are there any dangers using the Anton PowerTap to FS4 plug from B&H to power the FS4 or FS100? Also, should you remove the firestore battery (I'm assuming it's okay to leave it) when powering from an Anton battery, or can you leave it in (and maybe even charge the Firestore battery from it when the unit is turned off)? I may opt to power a camera, light and/or firestore from a Hytron or Dionic, depending on the circumstances. Here is the cable I have:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=409393&is=REG

I'm guessing you could power the FS4, FS100, JVC Firestore, etc with this plug, no problems, etc?

Please advise and thanks much,

Shawn

Hi Matt - was hoping to catch you today...
 

bump on original...

Hi Shawn,

Regarding firmware, always make sure your unit has the latest firmware loaded (even if it is a new unit). The latest version is available as a free download from the Focus support site: http://www.focusinfo.com/support/downloads.asp#expand .

The FS-100 currently comes with a 4-ft., 4-6 pin FireWire cable. Even though there has been some issues reported on forums about the reliability of the FireWire cable we ship, I am not specifically aware of a known fault. It is likely that some customers have experienced issues with the 4-pin FireWire connection on the HVX200. The 4-pin connector is somewhat delicate and with the proper care, you shouldn't have any issues. Both Panasonic and Focus tested and qualified the cable we ship with FS-100. As for alternative cables, here is some links someone posted from another forum (I cannot verify how these works as we have not tested them):

http://www.usbfirewire.com/firewire.html
http://fwdepot.com/thestore/default.php/cPath/2_97

I would warn you to stay away from cables that are outside the 1394 spec (such as long distance cables).

As for the Anton/Bauer FS-4 power tap, this will work fine with the FS-100 (or any FS-4 based version or DR-HD100/FS-C). You should always have a battery on the FS-100 when using external power...the unit was designed to always have a battery connected. There is no downside...the Anton will actually charge the FS-100 battery whenever it is connected. This will also allow you to change the Anton with power not being interrupted on the FS-100. I have run my FS-100 off of a Dionic 90 for about 6 hours.

Hope that helps,

Matt

Thanks very much as always Matt - that helps very much indeed.

Thought I had an FS100 reserved today, and it evaporated in my fingertips. Will have to wait until stock is replenished to test with the new firewire card on the 800.

Anyone know of a place with an FS-100 in stock?
 

This is ridiculous. I can't find a single one anywhere!

Stephen

i ordered an fs-100 from b&h about 3 weeks ago and they're telling me its going to be another month before they can ship it! if anyone has them in stock please pm me/us!

thanks

Matt - FS100 coming - Request general checklist for bulletproof shoot/experience
 

Hi Matt.

I found an FS100 and I'm having it sent overnight so that I may be able to use it Saturday. I don't normally shoot without extensive testing, so I may wait, but if things 'fit right in', I may use the FS100 right away.

I will be using my Panny SPX800, which just currently came back after having the firewire and SDI cards installed. I wish to record to the P2 cards in an ad-hoc fashion (hitting start/stop whenever I want), and record the whole/remaining live stream on the firestore. I have had very good success recently testing and using the FS4 in local mode, accepting a 4x3 (and even 16x9) DV stream from the camera.

If I get enough time to test - I may use the FS100 instead, and set the camera & firestore to record in DVCPRO50, for greater color/higher bitrate, etc. I will want to use the FS100 in the same manner as my FS4 tests - in local mode, perhaps sync slaved later in the day, etc.

It seems like things have settled down from the first units and user reports/bugs, and that there's new firmware, overall recommendations, etc.

Can you please give me a general 'Matt's Checklist' for a new FS100 about to go in the field (including the current firmware checks, updates, and just general last-minute findings/experiences/knowledge), initial FS settings, closing/finalizing/transfering files, etc? I'm hitting the forum here myself, but may benefit from a quick list, in case I miss something (I saw links to the version 2 firmware and user manual - wanted to confirm the newest links, etc).

Then again, I may chicken out and just shoot it DV with the FS4. If you show me a bulletproof path and the tests work out, I may just go DVCPRO50/MXF.

BTW - this will all end up in an Edius SP Broadcast machine - version 3.61. I'm also testing version 4 Broadcast on a laptop.

Thanks again for all of your past advice and help. You are a main reason for this new purchase after I had difficulties with the HDV upgrades.

Best regards,
Shawn

Hi Shawn,

First thing to do is make sure your FS-100 is running the latest firmware (2.0 - see the SETUP menu). If it is not, download the latest version from the Focus support site and load it as per the manual. Once loaded or even if the unit does have 2.0 loaded, do a System Reset (Utilities menu).

Your FS-100 should operate much the same as your FS-4. When you have it set to DV mode, it has the same DTE file format options as FS-4, so they may be more flexible to use than MXF P2 on some NLEs.

If you want to trigger the FS-100 and recordings to P2 card separately, set the FS-100 to LOCAL control mode. This way, FS-100 will record continuously and not be affected by triggers from the camera.

Once you have finished your recordings, stop FS-100 and do an Organize P2 (Utilities menu). At that point, the FS-100 will have the same directory structure as a P2 card and you can import to Edius as if you were importing P2 cards.

Hope that helps, but like with anything, I recommend you get familiar with things before doing your shoot.

Matt

Thanks again Matt.

Can I assume that you do the 'Organize P2' at the end of the day - just prior to import (where you've been turning the unit's power on & off, starting/stopping recording, etc)? Or do you have to do the organize after each shoot/clip?

My guess it's at the end of everything - would you then just see one file structure - kind of like having a big 100 gig P2 card, or does it split the content into smaller GB chunks (like having multiple cards)?

I'll try to bone up on the online manual tonight.

BTW, do you have a sense of the transfer speed for HD content? I've been noticing that transfers from P2 cards is approaching a 1 to 1 transfer (1 hour of content takes close to an hour - 1 hour of DV takes 15-20 minutes...). These aren't hard numbers, but I was surprised - I think it's actually pretty close to 1 minute per gig on the cards. I was guessing the FS100 could spit it all out a bit quicker, being a hard drive, etc.

Thanks,
Shawn

Matt - New FS100 - Cant Syncro Slave to SPX800
 

I just received my FS100. I'm trying to do tests today to examine the feasibility of shooting with it tomorrow.

I have it hooked up to my Panasonic SPX800 - the 800 is set as 60i, 4x3, DVCPRO50.

If I have it in 'Local' mode, I can either start the P2 cards to record on the camera, and/or the FS to record, ad hoc, whenever I start or stop recording on either unit. I haven't transfered the files to the editor yet, but the timecode is jiving, etc. No obvious problems.

However - when I set the FS to Sync Slave - it appears 'ready' to record - I hit record on the camera and the P2 cards start recording, but the FS stays idle, still in Rec pause mode.

I can't seem to get it to jive....

This was working fine with the FS4 in DV mode earlier in the week.

Any menu/sync settings to set in/on the firestore?

Thanks,
Shawn

Use the Tapeless control mode on FS-100 with P2 based camcorders...whether there is a P2 card in the cam or not.

Matt

Thanks Matt - I will definitely try this.

FYI - I just discovered that if you boot the machine up in sync slave mode, it will work. I haven't transfered the data yet, but sync slave recording is occuring. So you have to power the unit down in sync mode - it boots up in sync mode, and you can do either sync or local successfully after that boot up.

I'll have to check the data of course, but this appears to be working.

My first local mode data was working well and looks very good.

Can I ask what happens if you organize the P2 data more than once? What would happen if you shot some stuff in the morning, hit organize P2 at lunch, and then found something quick you needed to shoot. I assume you hit organize P2 again... Does that recombine all P2 style footage on the drive in one 'contents' folder, or are there multiple 'contents' folders now?

I'm experimenting with a longer record session right now - just curious if that all ends up in one folder as well, or if multiple folders get created once the Fat file limits are hit, etc.

So far things are working well - I like the box a lot - knock on wood...

Thanks again,
Shawn

**2nd quick update

Just tried the tapeless selection - unfortunately that didn't do it.

It seems like the only way I can get it to work is to boot down/boot up in sync mode. If I boot up in local mode, I can't seem to get sync slave to work. Then if I hit sync slave, boot down and boot back up, it seems to work... wierd...

Will x-fer the data in a bit - hopefully it all works and this can be the workaround.

Sorry, forgot to mention...you probably need to set the DV Control on the camcorder to BOTH or EXT if you want to trigger the FS-100 from the camera (this is required on the HVX200). On the HVX, it is in the OTHER FUNCTIONS menu under 1394 CONTROL. You should be good to go with TAPELESS then, but having said that, I have not used the Pana SPX800.

Hope that helps,

Matt

Well, I found one. . . but it was HARD. I think I got the last FS-100 available from an authorized dealer in the whole US of A. I got it from the CA branch of AbelCineTech. It was their last unit.

:-)

Amazing that it could be so hard to get.

Now, on the other hand, I have to run a post to figure out how to use it!

HELP WANTED! I can't get my FS-100 to work!
 

Hi all. . .

I'm a desparate man!

I got my new HVX200 and my new FS-100 (perhaps the absolute last one available in the entire country from an authorized dealer!), but whereas I can seemingly get the signal flow from the HVX200 TO the FS-100, I can't get the FS-100 to play back through the HVX200. In other words, I can't see what I've recorded through the camera at all.

I am more than happy to provide some economic compensation to the competent HVX200/FS-100 user to help get me get this unit up and running. And, as an economist, I truly believe that the worker is worthy of his wages. I'd be very happy to send some patient person a few bucks (how about $50 an hour via Paypal?) if we can get this thing working together.

Given that I just got the camera and know next to nothing about it, it might make more sense to do this via telephone. My number is 913-239-0367, but please don't call until after 10 AM Central time nor after 10 PM Central time. If you don't have free long distance, just give me a call and I'll be happy to call you right back.

Anyway, thanks in advance for your help. I really can't do this without you!

Sincerely,

Stephen Pruitt, Ph.D.

Moved to the FireStore forum. Foscus Enhancement reps are more likely to see it here, however, don't expect contact until the start of the business week on Monday morning.

Hi,

Download the FS-100 QuickStart guide which details the steps necessary to playback from FS-100 to the HVX... http://www.focusinfo.com/dynassets/d...uickStart).pdf .

Also, make sure that your FS-100 has the latest firmware (2.0) which is available for download from the Focus support site. If it does not have it, load it and remember to do a system reset after you load the firmware.

Hope that helps,

Matt

Matt,

I thought you mentioned that you have a Panny contact that has used the 800 with the FS100. Can you check with them to see what menu option(s) apply to optimized use between the two? I think there are a couple of 1394 settings in the menu somewhere, now that the optional firewire card is installed. I don't have it in front of me, but I believe there is a selection for DV out somewhere, and that the default is 'Auto', with other choices being DV or DVCPRO. Perhaps there's something that can be set here(?).

Update - considering the short time with the unit to test, my shoot went very well using the FS100 this weekend. I felt right at home, and it seems to have recorded clips correctly.

I haven't been through every second of the footage, and I can't help but think that there is an audio 'pop' or glitch every once in a while (perhaps when P2 sections (files on the drive?) are combined on the editor), but so far (for the most part) it works. I will compare the 'pop' sections with the original P2 card data and report back.

FYI - I plan to shoot DVCPRO50 - P2 files with this camera.

General update: I can't seem to get the syncro slave to work on a consistent basis. Sometimes it occurs when I reboot, or reboot when in REC pause mode. I don't know that I'm getting anything that I can count on. I have just rebooted it until it starts working. When it's working/activated, the files seem fine, no corruption, etc. So it's just a matter of getting it to kick off correctly.

For the most part, I want to run it in local mode anyway, recording to the P2 cards ad-hoc in the middle. So, it's a good problem anyway (for now).

Thanks again,
Shawn

Hi Shawn,

Does the camera have this setting in the menu?

Camera menu, OTHER FUNCTIONS -> 1394 CONTROL = BOTH

This is what you should have set to on to control FS-100 using Tapeless mode.

Let me know.

Matt

Matt? Accessories/AC & Batts: FS4 vs FS100
 

Hi.

I now have a couple of FS4's as well as the Panny FS100.

I'm assuming that the batteries are interchangeable between an FS4 regular or high capacity battery on an FS100 (or the FS100 batt on an FS4)? I thought I saw different product codes for the batteries on the Focus site, and figured the only difference might be the color. I didn't want to experiment and find out that you need to keep them separate.

Likewise, the AC power strip for the FS100 is different than the simpler AC's for the FS4. Can you use an FS4 AC cable on the FS100 without any problem - if you're in a pinch, or if someone does it by accident, or is only the FS100 AC cable for the FS100, etc? So far it looks like the Anton power tap adaptor works fine between any and all.

I just ordered 3 of the high-capacity cradles - so I want to make sure I can swap batts at will, etc.

Also, Matt, is there a product code/price for the regular-sized plastic cradle? I think I'd like to get one more of those as well to fill out the kits.

Thanks,
Shawn

It looks like the SPX800 firewire settings in the menu are (found in 'Option Mode 1' menu):

1394 Type: Auto (default), DV, DVCPRO
1394 Audio In: Ch1/Ch2 (default), Ch3/Ch4
1394 Audio Out: Ch1/Ch2 (default), Ch3/Ch4
1394 Speed: S100 (default), S200, S400
1394 In Ch: Auto (default), or individual numbers 00-63
1394 Out Ch: Auto (default) or individual numbers 00-63

I'd be curious what you and/or your Panny contact would recommend as the ideal settings for use with the FS100.

It's almost looking like if sync slave isn't working, I can unplug/replug the cable and it 'kicks in'. I'm not sure that's the fix, but I'm hoping that's not a problem (dangerous to camera or FS)?

My biggest concern right now are occasional 'pops' in the audio when placed on my Edius 3.61 timeline. The pop doesn't occur on the original files from the P2 cards - just the FS100. I'll have to test more, but for my first shoot with the cam/FS100, I'm going to use the data from the P2 cards, with the FS100 data as backup.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,
Shawn

Try turning off the Alarm in the Setup Screen. I was getting a beep in my audio every time a new segment was written to the HD. Turning off Alarm solved this problem.

Joe
http://www.powerbagjunior.com

Thanks - However, I did have the alarm off. I always turn it off after a system reset. Very Cell-Phoney beeps when that setting is on...

The 'pop' I'm hearing is just that - a pop that is very momentary but loud. It's hard to put a finger on it, because it seemed like I had got the clip to play without the pop as well. It may be an issue with how Edius is playing it, how the P2 files were muxed on import or in the FS100, etc.... Hard to say. It's a longer clip - around 50 minutes long, so I thought it may be an issue on how/where some of the .mxf sections were 'seemed' together.

I will experiment more - but for now, I'm just going to use the original p2 card data on this project (which has no pop - at least in that section of the footage).

I'd rather use/rely on the FS100 footage in the future - more/cheaper storage and faster transfer speeds.

The batteries, chargers and mounts are the same, only difference is the color. So you can interchange them as needed.

BTW, we have FS-4 & FS-100 accessories in stock http://www.videoguys.com/FireStore.html

Gary

Hi Shawn,

I have sent a question off to my Panasonic contact and will let you know when I hear back. We don't have an SPX800 here, so it is not possible to investigate this first hand.

Thanks,

Matt

Hi Shawn,

I have received a response form my contact at Panasonic. Here is his instructions on setting up the SPX800...

The name of the menu is "1394 CONTROL", please follow the steps below.
1) Press menu button below the lens mount for at least 3 seconds.
2) Move to "SYSTEM SETTING" by rotating jog dial next to menu button.
3) Press jog dial to select "SYSTEM SETTING".
4) Rotate jog dial to move to "OPTION MODE 1" and press jog dial to select it.
5) Select "1394 CONTROL" by jog dial. (same manner)
6) Select "BOTH" by jog dial.

Please note "1394 CONTROL" setting has "OFF" or "BOTH".
This menu shall exit when 1394 option board is equipped.

This should work with the FS-100 Tapeless mode with or without a P2 card.

Regarding the pop in the audio, do you only hear this in Canopus? Are you playing back directly from the FS-100 or had you copied it to the local drive? I checked with the guys in our lab and they said that with Canopus, sometimes they heard audio pops when playing back directly from FireWire devices they had heard pops, but copying to the local drive eliminated the issue. This only happened with Edius. Just a thought. My contact at Panasonic did try to recreate this with Edius 4, but did not see the issue.

Matt

Thanks Matt.

Please tell your contact that I don't have the 1394 'control' selection/menu option - only the 1394 options that I detailed above.

Additionally, I did copy everything over to the system harddrive - a large system RAID - where I heard the pops - sporatically. I'm auditioning Edius 4 on my laptop, and my main/large Edius SP system is at 3.61, until version 4 is released for SP, and deemed reliable.

Not sure what else I can do/try based on the advice. Perhaps I need a camera firmware upgrade(?). Any chance I can contact your Panny guy directly? It was a significant broadcast purchase... if that's possible, please email me the name/number to: shawn.alyasiri@verizon.net. Maybe I can get everything answered tomorrow, prior to my next shoot (Saturday).

Thanks again very much,
Shawn