Hello people!

Still lusty after a suitable budget/workable VTR. Seems like I'm landing on or near to the Sony DSR-11.

Questions:

1 - I've seen various mentions of a DSR11P and here now at http://bssc.sel.sony.com/Professional/webapp/ModelInfo?id=61736 DSR11SW. What do the various suffixes mean? Yes I've searched, I can't find a mention of the "difference". Please assist?

2 - Also at the same website there is a "backview" of the beastie - what does the "Auto Repeat" switch do?

3 - I'm presuming that DVCAM means the full size tapes? And that this puppy also does the miniDV too? Anybody had any issues in physically "switching" between the two - yeah?

4 - Under the "Feature" tab, what is meant by, the slightly concerning comment that, "At the same time, it is capable of recording and playing back the consumer DV (SP) format (The transition from cut to cut may not be smooth when recorded in the DV format).

5 - Does the Kit come with a remote? I see thee is a LANC devise available - but does one actually "need" a remote?

Thanks in advance,

Grazie

The P suffix probably means PAL. I believe the DSR11 can play back both PAL and NTSC, and maybe even record both formats. The analog circuits probably only handle one format.

4- Maybe the deck takes time to switch from DVCAM to DV mode. It definitely has to play back DVCAM footage faster (mini-DVCAM is 40 minutes/tape when mini-DV is 60minutes/tape).

I'm sure someone who has this deck will answer your questions fully.

Thanks Glenn for your speedy reply - Yup you are most likely correct on the "P" . .but what then is the SW? . . and thanks for No.4 . . yup .. understood ..

Grazie

I have a DSR-11 so here is my take:

1 don't know

2 you can set the DSR-11 up to repeat playback of all or part of the tape. It's done with a hard switch so you can put power on a timer and it will automatically play when the power goes on.

3 yes, both sizes, with no separate adapter required. The only caveat is to be sure there's no full size tape in the machine when you insert a small one, otherwise you get the samll tape rattling around in the space inside!

4 This refers to use as an editing recorder - record in DV, stop tape, start recording in DV again. But I doubt you would be using it for that anyway?

5 Yes it comes with a remote. And you do need it to access things like the configuration menus!

The only caveat I have with the deck (accepting it is a low end deck hence lacks higher end functionality) is the door hinge is flimsy.

Regards,

Julian

Graham,
I believe that, in this case, the "SW" refers to the retail package that Sony is offering which includes the "EZEditorDV" software (SW) application.

DVCAM, per se, does not specify a cassette size; it refers to a recording format. The DSR11 can handle MiniDV-size cassettes as well as the larger DV cassettes.

The reference to the potential for jagged transitions between cuts refers to clips that might change between DVCAM and standard DV format on the tape. For example, some bonehead might record in one format on a PD150 for 15 minutes, then switch to the other format.

To my knowledge, the DSR11 does not come standard with a remote. It's an additional accessory.

...and you can resolve that seeming contradiction by noting: I mean a wireless remote control unit (that Sony calls a "remote commander") that comes as standard; I guess (but please correct me if I am wrong) Ken means the Sony DSRM-20 "remote control", that might also be called a jog/shuttle controller, which is an optional extra.

Regards,

Julian

The DSR does come with a remote controll device... and is effectively useless without it. Loaned the deck out two weeks ago, and the guy lost the remote. Now I can't access the commands and change the setups till a new one arrives.

Also, the door hinge IS flimsy. It's been broken, and cost sixty dollars for a new one.

Other than that, its a great low end "Prosumer" deck.

All Sony DVCAM decks from the DSR11 up to the 2000 can accept both mini and standard size cassettes. DVCAM comes in mini and standard. The deck will play DV as well as DVCAM, and it will record only DVCAM. Most of the DVCAM decks will also play DVCPRO.
And it is true that you'll have some difficulty if some bonehead (accurate assessment) does put DV and DVCAM on the same tape. That's true with any DVCAM deck.
The DSR11 will also playback PAL tapes, but it won't act as a converter. It doesn't have audio meters and only RCA audio in and out. I've only used one for playback for video projection, so I don't know how it works with an edit system, but there's no reason it shouldn't be OK. It's the cheapest DVCAM deck that takes standard size tapes.

Bill . .Great detailed response, thanks.

Is there a facility on the Remote to "creep" or shuttle the tape to review it?

I'm intrigued to understand how the DSR11 takes small miniDV tapes and the larger tapes. Are there 2 trays or what? I can't see 2 trays from the photos I've seen on the web?

I'm not too worried about PAL:NTSC conversion . . I've got this within Vegas. As long as I can record PAL or NTSC . . . no problem.

I'm working up a deal, here in the UK, which will provide 20 months 0% PLUS the "Silver" Sony warranty. From what I've seen the price I've been offered represents at least a 12% price drop in a month! Does anybody think a "new" DSR11 is on the horizon?

Grazie

Looking inside the slot reveals a true engineering marvel - it amazes me the thing still works after much use:)

Julian

All Sony decks that take full size cassettes will also take small ones, and this has been true dating back to the 3/4 days. Those tapes also came in "mini" and full. The mini was, of course, about the size of a large paperback book. Same with Betacam decks--20 and 30 minute Betacam tapes come in "mini" sizes as well as full, and all the decks take both. There is an indicator, sort of little indentions that show you where to put the mini. It slips right in, but you want to be careful when you do put it in. I've never had one go in crooked, but it looks as if it could if you just jam it in with one finger or something.

Graham, you can NOT record PAL with an NTSC deck. You can only play it with the DSR11. You'd have to get a PAL version if you want to record PAL.

"Graham, you can NOT record PAL with an NTSC deck. You can only play it with the DSR11"

Both the DSR-11 and DSR-25 will play and RECORD both PAL and NTSC. There is no "NTSC" or "PAL" version of these decks, just one international version with a little "PAL / NTSC" switch on the back.

Graeme

Wow. Guess I was wrong about that. You get that with the NTSC version sold in the U.S.? I thought I went over everything in the one I used--guess I overlooked that very nice feature. My apologies for totally false information!

I have a DSR-25 and the DSR-11 works identically in this respect. It makes them some of the most useful DV decks there are....

Graeme

It most definitely would make them the best deal for the money. The 25 is the upgrade to the old 20, isn't it, ie., half rack size? I used a 20 for a long time, and it was bullet-proof.

Yes, the DSR-25 is half rack size, and it has the little LCD monitor display built in, which is really cute, although what I really like about the DSR-11 is the proper built in power supply (not a wall0wart which is what I think the DSR-11 uses) and the nice big timecode display....

Graeme

Errrmmm .. Thanks fr clearing this up Graeme . . always felt this was a far classier spelling of our name - HAHA!

Anyways, I read Bill's non-PAL thingy and thought - 'allo 'allo 'allo . .what 'ave we 'ear then? A missing PAL option . . ?

Here's the tech and the pictures I saw which somehow stuck in my pea-brain:

http://www.nlesystem.com/NLEsystem/details.asp?item=DSR11

http://www.elicr.com/upload_brochure/R15DSR11_BR.pdf

. . anybody for tiny switches? They are there . .

I see there is a LANC type thingy for shuttling? Is this not on the Remote too?

Thanks lads

Grazie

The little switch is on the back of the deck next to the firewire port and video outs....

Graeme - The Scottish spelling....

Yeah . .it's in the PDF I posted above . .just in case anybody wanted to know . . thanks - Grazie

The issue of PAL and NTSC.

The PAL decks I heard will play and record in both formats. I thought I had heard that the NTSC decks won't record in PAL but will playback PAL. Just throwing in what I seem to remember.

I have access to a DSR-40.

The replacement deck, the DSR-45, comes with about five key features not found in the DSR-40.

Probably the same is true with the DSR-25 versus the DSR-20.

Panasonic makes DVC-PRO 50 and DVC-PRO 25. For sure the Sony DSR-40 will not playback the DVC-PRO 50, I'm not sure about the 25.

The one thing I don't like about the DSR-11 is that it basically works via computer control only. There isn't even a footage counter on the front of the unit.

However, it is the most economically priced of the Sony DV-CAM recorders, although those clam Shell DV-CAM players (do those record also?) are intriguing.

Someone in this thread stated that the DSR11 recorded DVCAM, but only played back DV. No one contested this and the specs I have show that it plays and records both DVCAM and DV. Here's a URL to a specification page:
>http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=NavBar&A=getItemDetail&Q=&sku=212935&is=REG&si=feat/<

Actually, I think the comment that was made was that the DSR-11 plays back both DV-CAM and DV, but records only in DV-CAM mode. That statement definitely applies to the DSR-40, but I don't know about the DSR-11.

The DSR-11 and DSR-25 will record DV and DVCAM, but they won't record or play DV LP.

Graeme

I had a tape recently that was recorded in the LP mode and when I took it to a duplication house it played in 3 of the 5 machines it was tried in.

I seem to recall that it did play in a DSR-11. It did not play in a DSR-40.

I have used a Sony DSR-11 DV/DVCAM deck for about 6 months now with m y Mac dual G5 running FCE (just upgraded to FC Studio). I have had no problems with the deck other than recently the deck will power off for no apparent reason and not power on until I unplug the power supply and wait fifteen minutes. This is, to say the least, very disconcerting. I have yet to have a problem with a live performance (using this deck as a playback source during a live show). However, I know it's just a matter of time. Any ideas?

Also, after upgrading my NLE with FC Studio (with FCP5) I no longer have automatic record when printing to tape. I can print to tape by starting the deck manually. I'm sure I just made an idotic mistake like forgetting a checkmark somewhere. But, I can't see it. I need another set of eyes to help me out here.

Thanks

David in MI

Also, just to make it clear...the deck WILL record and playback both miniDV and DVCAM. It will not play or record LP DV format (long play). I am shooting with a Canon XL2 and have used the LP format for long events that I don't really care about quality. The DSR-11 will NOT play this back. I had to use the XL2 to input to my NLE (not a real problem...just inconvenient).

CHEERS!

All Sony DVCAM decks from the DSR11 up to the 2000 can accept both mini and standard size cassettes. DVCAM comes in mini and standard. The deck will play DV as well as DVCAM, and it will record only DVCAM. Most of the DVCAM decks will also play DVCPRO.
And it is true that you'll have some difficulty if some bonehead (accurate assessment) does put DV and DVCAM on the same tape. That's true with any DVCAM deck.
The DSR11 will also playback PAL tapes, but it won't act as a converter. It doesn't have audio meters and only RCA audio in and out. I've only used one for playback for video projection, so I don't know how it works with an edit system, but there's no reason it shouldn't be OK. It's the cheapest DVCAM deck that takes standard size tapes.

According to the B&H this deck will record in both DVCAM and Dv.

Key Features

•
DVCAM / DV Play and Record

DVCAM is Sony's professional version of the ubiquitous DV format. DVCAM offers better picture quality, superior multi-generational dubbing quality and greater dynamic range in its audio section. DV offers longer recording duration and less expensive tape stock prices. The DSR-11 will play and record in both formats letting the user choose which features are most significant to the final product.

Both DSR-11 and DSR-25 will record DV as well as DVCAM. They're excellent NLE edit decks, especially the 25 with it's cool little in-built monitor which is super for troubleshooting connections and the like, and more portable too.

Graeme

My DSR-11 was not durable what-so-ever. Being fixed for the 4th time in 3 years...and I wouldn't say it's been heavily used. I just ordered a DSR-25, hopefully it'll hold up better.

Hi Mike,

I am thinking about ordering a DSR-25 myself.

How do you like it?

Khashyar

DSR-25 is great. No problems to report.

Graeme

Yup, I like the DSR-25...seems like a big step up from the DSR-11.