View Full Version : Sony DSR-20: Black & Code: Mini-DV timecode?


Otto Bartsch
September 5th, 2005, 12:36 PM
I am using FCP 5 and a Sony DSR-20. I want to use that deck to stripe tapes for use in my Canon GL-2s and in my new Panasonic AG-DVX100A. I know that the benefit or lack thereof of striping has been discussed on these forums ad naseum, and this isn't a question about the relative merits of striping tape. For me, since I have 2 other people shooting who I cannot be sure will not mess up the timecode, it is simply less frustrating for me to stripe the tapes. So if it means more wear, so be it.

BTW, I am using Panasonic AY-DVM63PQ tapes.

Here is my problem: If I stripe the tapes in any of the camcorders, they run out to about 1:04. If I stripe them in the DSR-20, the time code only runs out to 0:42. I know this means the DSR is recording in DV-CAM mode, which runs about a third faster. However, this negates the benefit of striping, since the camcorders will start laying their own timecode, and the 2/3 difference in timecode rate has the net result of allowing timecode breaks if careful practices aren't maintained. And as I mentioned, I cannot count on careful timecode practice.

My question is, can I force the DSR to record at Mini-DV speed? I am using the Black and Code feature of FCP, which will run the DSR, but which does not seem to force it to record mini-DV.