Hi George,

Sorry that FS-4 HD did not work for you. I wanted to point a couple of things out though...

FS-4 HD does not support Final Cut Pro in HD mode for direct import of clips into the timeline. In a couple of weeks, DR-HD100, FS-C and FS-4Pro HD will have an upgrade available ($39) that allows for direct import of QuickTime HDV clips into Final Cut Pro.

Regarding your comments on compression and recording quality, please note that none of the FS models (with the exception of FS-2) have a codec. Therefore, it does not change the quality or compression rate that is being output by the camera...it is identical to tape.

FS-4 does have a fan. It only comes on when the temperature sensor reaches a point where it needs to cool the system. We have used a s quiet a fan as possible, but understand that the fan is necessary for relaible operation in hot conditions (for all the same reasons a laptop requires a fan).

Hope that helps clear a few things up.

Matt

Matt,
Thank you for your reply. I stand corrected on the codec.
I understand that the fan makes the unit reliable, but it is audible. In a dead quiet interview situation it would be heard, otherwise it is probably acceptable.
You said that the FCP HDV enabling upgrade will only be available for the Pro version of the FS-4 HD? If I am reading that right this means that Firestore requires a buyer to spend over $600.00 more (FS-4 HD vs HD Pro) in order to even get the option of buying a $39.00 upgrade that allows it to work with one of the most popular NLE systems in use, which their own literature says it is already compatible with (no caveats). Feel the burn!

One other problem with the FS-4 is that it only runs about 75 minutes or so on the standard battery, so it's not much better than HDV tape in terms of continuous recording time. Plus the "on" button is easily bumped during transport hence reducing battery life accordingly: it would be nice if FE made it harder for that to happen.

Besides those two issues I've found the FS-4 to be a useful tool for my purposes, but I agree about watching out for the fan noise. Maybe it would be better if the fan ran continuously?

Kevin,

Just as an FYI, we do have the high capacity battery available if you require longer battery life. It will run for 180 minutes while in record. Your standard battery should run for 90 minutes. Are you sure it is getting a full charge?

Thanks,

Matt

Matt,

I just got my FS-C in today and there are a few issues I am having. It seems that I have to be in SD mode to capture quicktime files. I was hoping to capture HDV to my tape while the firestore captured SD quicktime files (we have a lot of same day edits we do in SD so this would help a lot! and we could keep HDV backups on tape) But I guess there is no support for this? Also, I read the post earlier about an update for the FS-C that will allow HDV quicktime capture, I would like to find out more about this...but the Focus Ehancements site has no additional information on it anywhere.

I just noticed that my FS-4 has ten folders numbered 0-9 on it, in addition to any data folders created during recording. Are these just there for organizing files on the drive, or do they have some other purpose? Can I rename them?

Hi Kevin,

If you have 10 folders on the drive, you have an FS-4Pro or FS-4Pro HD. The ten folders can be renamed and then used with the Reels functionality on the product where you can categorize clips into particular folders during recording. Consult your user manual for more information on Reels. I would recommend that you use the Function keys with Reels or that you use the optional external hardwire remote control.

Hope that helps,

Matt

HI folks,

I recently bought an FS-4 of Ebay. F!?% me I hear you say....but it was a very good deal. Anyway when i recieved it, it looked practically new. I could see no marks are anything and the front still had the protective plastic wrap on it. The dv cable was still in it's sealed bag etc. however the box was missing. I was led to believe it was being sold due to liquidation. However I digress....What i am trying to say it that this thing is practically new.

I have tried the fs-4 on two wedding shoots and some other sports events. I have had problems each time. Sometimes the fs-4 records without problem and others the clip is recorded but all i get is what can only be described as interference. i.e if i recorded 100 clips quite a few would be perfect and the rest just this interferance. I am using and xl1-s and have also tried it in my xm1. If I have a problem who can I contact as I obviously do not have a warranty. I am not exactly sure of the model bout given the record time possible it is definetly an 80g version and from reading posts here it seems to be and FS-4. The frimware version is 1.01.04042605 PAL

Has anyone experienced this before. Could the cable be dodgy? Should i format the hard disc? Any help would be appreciated

Thanks

Stephen

The information on what version you have comes on the screen for a few seconds when you fire it up, FS-4-80gig-Pro-HD, whatever. You may have to do it several times as it goes by pretty quick.

Focus has reps on this forum, so you may get a response from them. Be sure to check your cable etc., and post the exact problem you are having, and what your whole set-up is like.

In addition, just because you do not have a warrantee at this time, does not mean you can't contact them for help through their site.

The following was on their site under trouble shooting:

"If the problem is with video quality, check to make sure that audio and video cables are not running parallel to power cables. If they must run parallel, there should be at least 6 inches between them. Another thing that can affect audio and video quality is having equipment or cables too close to a high voltage radiation source like a monitor or TV. Try moving the monitor or TV further away."



Keep us posted.

Mike

HELLO,
last I acquired a FS4 Pro HD, and have been updating to the versions you complete 1.1. Days ago I acquired the version 2.0 that allows to record in QuickTime.
Is to me stranger who in the manual of operation explains clearly all the formats HD that hdv supports in QuickTime including the format 720p/25. Then I cannot register material to 25p of any possible way, however if 720p/30 can be registered Perhaps there is something I am not doing or, or in the form to form the camera or the disc, but as it said is to me very strange, since I have camera JVC HD100 version “A” and there is no form to register QuickTime to 720p/25. if somebody knows since to do please I thank for it the aid.
greetings.

HDV 720p/25 is not supported in the current 2.0 upgrade. We hope to resolve this issue soon. I will post here when we have more information.

Matt

Then it is an error of Firestore to include in the manual that supports formats 720 24/25 because it takes to error to the buyer.
And now that will happen? when they update for 720p/25 I will have to pay the version again?
You are very amiable Matt, but the respect I feel yet deceived by Firestore, and more if now I must pay to be able again to have support in 720/25. greetings.

Hello,

I think the note in the FS-4 Pro HD manual mentioning 720/25 support you are referring to is for the .m2t file format. We are working on adding 720/25 and 24 support now and there will be no charge to existing FS-4Pro HD and DR-HD100 version 2.0 owners.

It was not possible to add QuickTime 720 24p and 25p support right away as Apple only began supporting it with the version 5.1.2 release of FCP...which only shipped recently. It is a little difficult to benchmark a particular file format when it isn't actually out yet!

Matt

Matt-

When do you expect to have the ProHD 24p support ready?

Hello,

I think the note in the FS-4 Pro HD manual mentioning 720/25 support you are referring to is for the .m2t file format. We are working on adding 720/25 and 24 support now and there will be no charge to existing FS-4Pro HD and DR-HD100 version 2.0 owners.

It was not possible to add QuickTime 720 24p and 25p support right away as Apple only began supporting it with the version 5.1.2 release of FCP...which only shipped recently. It is a little difficult to benchmark a particular file format when it isn't actually out yet!

Matt

We are showing a working beta with 720p24 and 25 support here at DVExpo this week on the JVC booth. I hope it will be shipping shortly. If you are interested in beta testing this version, send me a PM. You will need version 2.0 loaded on your DR-HD100.

Thanks,

Matt

So yesterday, I did my first shoot with the new Firestore. I noticed something I considered odd, but perhaps it's normal.

While watching the timecode roll by on the LCD of my DVX100, I glanced at the firestore and noticed they were nearly 3 seconds apart. Ordinarily this wouldn't concern me, but as I start to worry about running more than one camera, and as I am somewhat concerned about possibly having the Firestore not work (thus rolling tape for backup), I'm somewhat curious as to why the timecode doesn't line up.

They weren't drifting apart, both running drop frame, just had a gap between them.

Also, is it possible to have the FS-4 respond to a "start recording" command from the camera but yet, not stop until manually stopped? I'd like to synchronize the beginning of the roll for obvious reasons, but I'd like to be able to change tape while capturing seamlessly to the firestore.

Thanks for your thoughts.

-P

I assume you have the DISP button set to DV NTSC. As long as you have TC EXT selected in the SETUP menu, you will be frame accurate to tape. There may be some delay between the two displays, but I cannot think why it would be 3 seconds off. Have you checked it against tape in an NLE?

Matt

Sorry Matt, I missed your response.

I have not checked against what went to tape. I did check the unit just now and it was NOT set to show EXT TC. Apparently that was not the default, but I just changed it.

I'll run a test in a little while to see if that solves the problem.

Hmmm...TC EXT is the default out of the factory. Maybe it is possible that someone changed it prior to you receiving the unit.

Matt

Hmmm,

I ordered it from B&H and everything seemed fine. But no matter. The unit worked as advertised, I delivered my 2hr video to the client, and she proclaimed it was the best recording they had ever recvieved. Unit paid for itself right there.

Next time I have to video one of those 7hr conference meetings, I'll kiss the thing! :)



Hmmm...TC EXT is the default out of the factory. Maybe it is possible that someone changed it prior to you receiving the unit.

Matt

I just noticed when connecting my new FS-4 HD on my G4 (OS 10.4.8), that the hard disk shows up on the desktop; but not in the finder window sidebar, as an external firewire drive or CD/DVD shows up. Is this normal?

Thanks!

Opps, I just found the pfreference setting on my Mac... it's there now!

I just noticed when connecting my new FS-4 HD on my G4 (OS 10.4.8), that the hard disk shows up on the desktop; but not in the finder window sidebar, as an external firewire drive or CD/DVD shows up. Is this normal?

Thanks!

Is there any means of controlling the FS-4 with my older Canon XL1?

I have an XL1s that has the DV control setting, it works very well. I was curious if there's a standard XL1 user with input!

Thanks!

If you have a tape in the XL1 and set FS-4 to Syncro Slave control mode, you will be able to trigger rec/rec-pause from the camera.

Matt

How is the FS4 upgraded to a FS4 pro, and how much does it cost?
Is it only a software upgrade and is it possible to download??

How is the FS4 upgraded to a FS4 pro, and how much does it cost?
Is it only a software upgrade and is it possible to download??

Are you looking for different file support, Avid etc., and retro cache which is the upgrade for FS-4 to FS-4 Pro. Or, are you looking for HD support?

It appears to me that the FS-4 can not be upgraded to FS-4 Pro, just FS-4 HD. Either way, this is the website and they can answer all of your questions.

http://www.focusenhancements.com/

Mike

I can confirm that an XL-1 works fine with the FS-4 in the slave mode. I do it all the time.

-vic

Hey all, my team have all been experiencing issues with the 4 firestore FS-4s we've bought. Every now and again we end up with whole sequences corrupt which the FS-4 doesnt manage to repair. After a lot of fiddling it appears that the problem seems to lie with the conenction between the FS4 and the Sony PD 170 cam. The 4-pin firewire connecter is not as secure as a 6-pin and thus if the pin moves event slightly it seems to corrupt the rest of the sequence. Has anyone had experience with this? If so what have you done?

M

Marc...

yeah, this seems to be one of the problems with the 4-pin firewire connector...it's totally worthless. the only solution I've found is that by trying different cable brands, I managed to find one that fits rather snugly.

Hi Marc,

Contact tech support. If a cable looses contact with the 4-pin FireWire port, it shouldn't corrupt the clip the recording should just stop (the TC on the display will stop incrementing. The 4-pin FireWire connector on most cameras is delicate...and we always advise people to be very careful with it. Our original FS-1 product had a 4-pin connector and we moved away from it pretty quickly and have not standardized on the 6-pin.

Thanks,

Matt

Matt, someone on the JVC forum was wondering if the 24P MOV patch that was just released for the DR-HD100 would also get added to the FS-4 since it already can do 30P?

HDV 720p24 support is for the DR-HD100 (JVC version of the FS-4Pro HD) only.

Matt

HDV 720p24 support is for the DR-HD100 (JVC version of the FS-4Pro HD) only.

Matt

There are users as it is my case who we bought FS4 HD before left the version JVC. It means you to me now that for us there will be no support to 25p?
If they do not update frimware for FS4 PROHD, because they removed a version for 30p?
It means to me with that the European clients we are despised by Focus? thanks for its answer

QuickTime HDV 720p/25 (in addition to the already shipping 720p/30 support with version 2.0) will be released for FS-4Pro HD. However, QT HDV 720p/24 support will only be available on the DR-HD100.

Matt

I'm not sure if this is the right place to place an add, but I have a lot of equipment for sale, must sell quick, so if you interested in any of these items, please call me or email me 956.333.5018 or papoyan@msn.com

FS4 PRO (40gb) Almost brand new.
Boegen Tripod with fluid head
Wireless Microphone with receiver (almost brand new)
On Camera 50w light with dimmer and double battry with belt clip. Almost brand new.
Matrox Rtx 100
Cobra 1 crane.
Hard case for Canon XL h1

Please explain. !s this a permanent descision?

Hi again Matt,
That does work; how does one deal with shooting over a period of time, especially, when you have to turn your camera off for a little while? Seems like it has to be reset to Synco Slave mode every time. Is that the case?
Thanks again!
David

If you have a tape in the XL1 and set FS-4 to Syncro Slave control mode, you will be able to trigger rec/rec-pause from the camera.

Matt

Will this have any effect on my footage?

Not sure I understand what you mean.
Matt

As far as I know something like this doesn't exist, but I thought I'd be nice to mention. Since the FS-4 has such a nice firewire interface that lets you daisy chain FS-4 drives, why not add a lovley interface option that lets you 'dump' files on it onto an external HDD. For example; Lacie has nice and fast portable drives for sale that would do the trick. How nice would it be to take your full FS-4 and just dump the data onto a 600gb HDD? Just a thought...

We have an FS-4 Pro HD. When we tried to use it for the first time, all we were getting was audio, and a blank white video. We were using Quicktime Pro to view. Nothing we tried fixed the video, so we called support.

They had us play back the video through the camera, and everything worked fine. They said that Quicktime didn't have the correct codec to properly view the video, but that Final Cut and Final Cut Express does, so if we import it, it would work. We didn't have Final Cut, so after some consideration if it would be worth it, we bought it.

This is the error we get when we import it into Final Cut Express: "Codec not found. You may be using a compression type without the corresponding hardware card."

Did support give me bad advice? Or is there something else?

Thanks in advance!

at one time, Focus Enhancements promised a firmware upgrade to provide exactly that...the capability to record to an external firewire drive. I don't know what ever happened to that sales promise.

HDV native files are only supported in Final Cut Pro, not Final Cut Xpress. You need the codec drives for HDV playback that are only loaded into QuickTime Player if Final Cut Pro is loaded on your system.

Matt

Hi Bill,

I don't believe we ever promised that for the current FS-portable devices...I am curious where you heard that.

Thanks,

Matt

What DV format setting on the FS-4 works best for import into Vegas 6?

AVI Type 2.

AV Type 2 is what I have been using. Thanks for the confirmation.

Is the FS-4 HD Upgrade still available, does anyone know? I did not see it on the Focus Website yesterday.

Thanks,
Matt V.

I believe the upgrades for both the FS-4 to FS-4 HD and the FS-4 pro to FS-4 pro HD are still listed in the webstore section of the Focus Enhancement website. I just ordered one of these upgrades.

Just checked - still there. http://www.focusinfo.com/webstore/webstore.asp