The Gigantic Mini DV Deck / Camcorder as Deck Thread

James Sudik · April 1st, 2004, 10:43 PM

I don't need that kind of portability, and I do need a clean (ie non-cluttered) work area. I have a home office and two young kids that are always trying to climb/grab everything. I want to install this deck in a shelving unit and have it securely stowed away. Somebody use this deck with positive report?

Dan Euritt · April 3rd, 2004, 04:37 PM

i have a gv-d900, which i believe is the ntsc version of what you have, except with an lcd screen.

it constantly beeps and flashes a yellow warning code... i have to shut off the power for awhile, often multiple times, to get it to work... i guess that you can't tell what error code you are getting without an lcd monitor? how about deciphering the beep code?

these lousy decks never shut off fully even with the power switch on the deck is turned off... the power supply stays warm all the time, so a real reboot involves unplugging the power line from the wall.

i have had to take the cover off of this deck several times and clean it with that radio shack head cleaning kit... it used to junk up on a regular basis, despite fairly low hours... not something i'd recommend if you don't know what you are doing, and the alcohol cleaner will dry out the rubber pinch roller.

Ed Smith · April 6th, 2004, 07:37 AM

Hi Dan,

Thanks for your reply.

I can hook it up to a TV but I get no error codes what so ever!!! It just shuts itself off.

To get an estimate done for the repair is going to cost me about £50 which is quite a lot of money, especially if I decide not to go a head with it.

I have not tried a head cleaner in it yet, and I don't really fancy opening the thing up.

Thanks for the tips,

Ed

Thomas Gay · April 8th, 2004, 08:49 PM

<<<-- Originally posted by James Sudik : These negative expieriences with the JVC MiniDV/SVHS have got me spooked. I was planning on buying one very soon, and at $800+ for a new one (plus decent respect for the JVC brand) I was thinking it would be a solid performer. Can anyone with this deck offer up some positive support? -->>>

I too would like to hear any pro's or con's of the JVC MiniDV/SVHS unit. I was looking at one that B&H often has on sale at just under $700.00. But if this type of unit has problems I don't want to waste my hard earned money on it.

Anyone?

Murad Toor · April 11th, 2004, 12:53 PM

Hi Jason,

I use a JVC GRD70 as my capture, analog-digital and digital-analog pass-through device. The only difference between the GRD70 and the GRD30 is the digital still camera function, which is close to useless. I should have bought the GRD30 instead.

The only disadvantages of using a cheap camcorder as a deck is batch captures and cueing (interrelated I guess) supposedly take more time, because the tape transports neither as robust nor as fast (again, interrelated).

It's good to save more than $1000 once in a while, and I'm not working with non-vanilla DV anyhow. If I needed other formats then I'd go for a dedicated deck. But this works great and does exactly what I need.

I'm using the JVC to save wear on my XL1s.

My setup is: Mac G5 to JVC GRD70 via FireWire, A/V cable from camcorder to VCR for R/L sound, S-video cable from camcorder to VCR, and S-video + R/L audio cables to TV.

When capturing analog I just switch the cables from "in" on the VCR to "out."

Scott T Anderson · April 12th, 2004, 09:27 PM

Ok I have read in different places about using a lower model MiniDV camera as a deck... I have an XL1 and I was thinking about using my old JVC DVL120U as a deck... does this retain the quality of the XL1? I am thinking it lowers the quality to whatever it puts out, or is it just playing what is exactly fed off of the tape?

Thanks in advance...

-Scott

Ignacio Rodriguez · April 12th, 2004, 09:54 PM

Any DV camera actually processes the same quality images, if you use the camera to output via Firewire to a computer or to a DVD writer, the camera where you are playing back makes no difference. Now if you are using the camera's analog audio and video outputs that's a whole different story. Some cameras may have better DA and output levels, some pro equipment might even have component output and that's great for feeding a projector, a high end monitor. However any camera with S-video out should give you a decent image indisinguishable from your main camera. If your JVC cam can read the tapes and has an S-video output you will do just fine with it.

James Sudik · April 12th, 2004, 09:56 PM

Hey Scott. Data is data, there is no loss or change due to the cam you use as the mechanism to transfer it to the HD. (I assume your are connecting via iEEE1394) I'm not a pro, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night ;)

Bryan McCullough · April 12th, 2004, 10:13 PM

I use a ZR40 for a deck.

About the only thing that camera is good for. If you're not shooting on the surface of the sun it's going to be grainy.

Scott T Anderson · April 12th, 2004, 11:03 PM

Yeah It's going to be done throught Firewire... thanks all. That's good news...

Jaz Garewal · April 13th, 2004, 01:38 PM

I use this deck at work and haven't had any problems with it - I use it to go through 2-4 hours of tape a day. Video comes out good, audio is fine, and the DV to SVHS dubbing is a nice little feature.

Mike Cavanaugh · April 13th, 2004, 02:20 PM

I use this deck (JVC SR-VS 30U) mini DV and SHVS and really like it. In addition to the dubbing features, you can import vhs/svhs into your NLE through it without a seperate BOB. By using the s-video inputs (both front and rear) you can also import 8mm and Hi-8 from cameras to DV and/or directly to the NLE.

One thing I'd like to mention, though... The menu options are complex and seem to have a logic that doesn't work with my rather arcane brand of logic!

Also, I do wish it had audio meters and headphone jacks.

Good luck

Juan Parra · May 6th, 2004, 05:59 PM

I have read few threads on the subject, and looked at the pros and cons of having a miniDV deck vs miniDV cam. At this moment my budget does not allow me to consider a miniDV deck. Having said that, I would like to know which camcorder you consider to be the best to use as a deck based on inexpensive price/quality?

These are the few cams mentioned in the threads:

Sharp VL-NZ55U
JVC GR-DVL100U
Panasonic PVDV100
Sony TRV8

Another important feature to have is firewire pass through (Computer NLE -> Firewire -> Cam -> A/V ouputs -> TV Monitor)..and as a bonus, it'd be nice to use it as a back up cam. Are the camcorders above meet these requirements?

Thanks for your comments.

Juan

Frank Granovski · May 6th, 2004, 06:37 PM

Buy any miniDV cam with the best warranty. Consider extending the warranty also, if you intend to be putting on the head hours.

Adam Beck · July 1st, 2004, 12:55 PM

I plan on getting a tape deck to transfer my GL2 footage to the Computer throught Premiere Pro. I am wondering what would be a good reliable deck?

April 1st, 2004, 10:43 PM	#286
James Sudik Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Port Lavaca, TX Posts: 64	I don't need that kind of portability, and I do need a clean (ie non-cluttered) work area. I have a home office and two young kids that are always trying to climb/grab everything. I want to install this deck in a shelving unit and have it securely stowed away. Somebody use this deck with positive report? __________________ It's not a bug, it's a feature.

April 6th, 2004, 07:37 AM	#288
Ed Smith Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Hampshire, England Posts: 1,545	Hi Dan, Thanks for your reply. I can hook it up to a TV but I get no error codes what so ever!!! It just shuts itself off. To get an estimate done for the repair is going to cost me about £50 which is quite a lot of money, especially if I decide not to go a head with it. I have not tried a head cleaner in it yet, and I don't really fancy opening the thing up. Thanks for the tips, Ed __________________ Ed Smith Hampshire, UK Good things come to those who wait My Skiing web www.Frostytour.co.uk For quick answers Search dvinfo.net \| The best in the business: dvinfo.net Sponsors

April 8th, 2004, 08:49 PM	#289
Thomas Gay New Boot Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Silver Springs Nevada Posts: 24	<<<-- Originally posted by James Sudik : These negative expieriences with the JVC MiniDV/SVHS have got me spooked. I was planning on buying one very soon, and at $800+ for a new one (plus decent respect for the JVC brand) I was thinking it would be a solid performer. Can anyone with this deck offer up some positive support? -->>> I too would like to hear any pro's or con's of the JVC MiniDV/SVHS unit. I was looking at one that B&H often has on sale at just under $700.00. But if this type of unit has problems I don't want to waste my hard earned money on it. Anyone? __________________ Once you start you just can't stop!

April 11th, 2004, 12:53 PM	#290
Murad Toor Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 125	jvc camcorder / deck Hi Jason, I use a JVC GRD70 as my capture, analog-digital and digital-analog pass-through device. The only difference between the GRD70 and the GRD30 is the digital still camera function, which is close to useless. I should have bought the GRD30 instead. The only disadvantages of using a cheap camcorder as a deck is batch captures and cueing (interrelated I guess) supposedly take more time, because the tape transports neither as robust nor as fast (again, interrelated). It's good to save more than $1000 once in a while, and I'm not working with non-vanilla DV anyhow. If I needed other formats then I'd go for a dedicated deck. But this works great and does exactly what I need. I'm using the JVC to save wear on my XL1s. My setup is: Mac G5 to JVC GRD70 via FireWire, A/V cable from camcorder to VCR for R/L sound, S-video cable from camcorder to VCR, and S-video + R/L audio cables to TV. When capturing analog I just switch the cables from "in" on the VCR to "out."

April 12th, 2004, 09:27 PM	#291
Scott T Anderson New Boot Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Tempe, Az Posts: 24	Using lesser model for Tape deck? Ok I have read in different places about using a lower model MiniDV camera as a deck... I have an XL1 and I was thinking about using my old JVC DVL120U as a deck... does this retain the quality of the XL1? I am thinking it lowers the quality to whatever it puts out, or is it just playing what is exactly fed off of the tape? Thanks in advance... -Scott

April 3rd, 2004, 04:37 PM	#287
Dan Euritt Trustee Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Carlsbad CA Posts: 1,132	i have a gv-d900, which i believe is the ntsc version of what you have, except with an lcd screen. it constantly beeps and flashes a yellow warning code... i have to shut off the power for awhile, often multiple times, to get it to work... i guess that you can't tell what error code you are getting without an lcd monitor? how about deciphering the beep code? these lousy decks never shut off fully even with the power switch on the deck is turned off... the power supply stays warm all the time, so a real reboot involves unplugging the power line from the wall. i have had to take the cover off of this deck several times and clean it with that radio shack head cleaning kit... it used to junk up on a regular basis, despite fairly low hours... not something i'd recommend if you don't know what you are doing, and the alcohol cleaner will dry out the rubber pinch roller.

April 12th, 2004, 09:54 PM	#292
Ignacio Rodriguez Contributor Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Santiago, Chile Posts: 932	Any DV camera actually processes the same quality images, if you use the camera to output via Firewire to a computer or to a DVD writer, the camera where you are playing back makes no difference. Now if you are using the camera's analog audio and video outputs that's a whole different story. Some cameras may have better DA and output levels, some pro equipment might even have component output and that's great for feeding a projector, a high end monitor. However any camera with S-video out should give you a decent image indisinguishable from your main camera. If your JVC cam can read the tapes and has an S-video output you will do just fine with it. __________________ Ignacio Rodríguez in the third world. @micronauta on Twitter. Main hardware: brain, eyes, hands.

April 12th, 2004, 09:56 PM	#293
James Sudik Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Port Lavaca, TX Posts: 64	Hey Scott. Data is data, there is no loss or change due to the cam you use as the mechanism to transfer it to the HD. (I assume your are connecting via iEEE1394) I'm not a pro, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night ;) __________________ It's not a bug, it's a feature.

April 12th, 2004, 10:13 PM	#294
Bryan McCullough Major Player Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Richardson, TX Posts: 842	I use a ZR40 for a deck. About the only thing that camera is good for. If you're not shooting on the surface of the sun it's going to be grainy.

April 12th, 2004, 11:03 PM	#295
Scott T Anderson New Boot Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Tempe, Az Posts: 24	Yeah It's going to be done throught Firewire... thanks all. That's good news...

April 13th, 2004, 01:38 PM	#296
Jaz Garewal New Boot Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 10	JVC mini DV/SVHS I use this deck at work and haven't had any problems with it - I use it to go through 2-4 hours of tape a day. Video comes out good, audio is fine, and the DV to SVHS dubbing is a nice little feature.

April 13th, 2004, 02:20 PM	#297
Mike Cavanaugh Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Albany NY Posts: 311	I use this deck (JVC SR-VS 30U) mini DV and SHVS and really like it. In addition to the dubbing features, you can import vhs/svhs into your NLE through it without a seperate BOB. By using the s-video inputs (both front and rear) you can also import 8mm and Hi-8 from cameras to DV and/or directly to the NLE. One thing I'd like to mention, though... The menu options are complex and seem to have a logic that doesn't work with my rather arcane brand of logic! Also, I do wish it had audio meters and headphone jacks. Good luck

May 6th, 2004, 05:59 PM	#298
Juan Parra Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 110	Best mini DV camcorder as deck? I have read few threads on the subject, and looked at the pros and cons of having a miniDV deck vs miniDV cam. At this moment my budget does not allow me to consider a miniDV deck. Having said that, I would like to know which camcorder you consider to be the best to use as a deck based on inexpensive price/quality? These are the few cams mentioned in the threads: Sharp VL-NZ55U JVC GR-DVL100U Panasonic PVDV100 Sony TRV8 Another important feature to have is firewire pass through (Computer NLE -> Firewire -> Cam -> A/V ouputs -> TV Monitor)..and as a bonus, it'd be nice to use it as a back up cam. Are the camcorders above meet these requirements? Thanks for your comments. Juan

May 6th, 2004, 06:37 PM	#299
Frank Granovski Outer Circle Join Date: May 2002 Location: Hope, BC Posts: 7,524	Buy any miniDV cam with the best warranty. Consider extending the warranty also, if you intend to be putting on the head hours.

July 1st, 2004, 12:55 PM	#300
Adam Beck Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Visalia, California Posts: 41	Which Tape Deck Should I get? I plan on getting a tape deck to transfer my GL2 footage to the Computer throught Premiere Pro. I am wondering what would be a good reliable deck?