Hi John-
Excellent suggestions! I too am most interested to see how well the 100 Mbps Long-GOP holds up in these conditions. I am betting that we will be surprised and the Long-GOP will perform quite well at these higher rates.

I also want to test with a camera flash, which can really test the Long-GOP as you can generate 1-2 frames in the middle of the GOP which are completely different from the I-Frame.

Mike Schell

PS I was obviously "asleep at the wheel" when I posted the e-mail address to get on the newsletter. So, if you want to be added to the Flash XDR e-mail list, send a note to sales@convergent-design.com

As an XL -H1 owner, I have been following this for awhile - I am super excited to hear it's progressing well.
I may go to NAB, just to see it .
John

Hi John-
Thanks! We are working double time to get it finished. Debug is going extremely well. We will keep you posted on the progress, but NAB is looking good.

Best-
Mike

Mike,

Even from your preliminary brochure, I can see your favourite mounting option for the Flash XDR is the back of the XL-H1 camera... While this is understandable, please tell me: having the PMW-EX1, what will my mounting options be? Between the camera and tripod - OK, but how about shooting handheld? Also, I am using PAG batteries without V-mount (Powerpack 100 Wh model 9370), attached to the plates which either goes to the back of my PAG Orbitor shoulder support, or to my waist with the belt clip (the plates have two PP90 socekts - one is used for the PAG lamp).

Another question is this: on your web site it's possible to preorder with a deposit, but I'd like to buy from your EUR distributor (www.symbiosis.eu), and they don't take pre-orders. What do I do to get the Flash XDR as soon as possible (would like to get the Invoice, dated before the end of March - even if the actual delivery is going to take some more time).

I'll apreciate you answer.

PS Is it viable to record from the EX1's HD-SDI to the Flash XDR, while monitoring on a HD laptop, using Flash XDR's 1394 output?

Obvious Question?
 

Anyone talked to you about taking the XDR and making it the building block for a camera?

Just trying to think of how many 10-bit 4:2:2 uncompressed cameras there are available...

Every camera with HD SDI output.

I meant a one piece camera utilsiing XDR technology for onboard recording.

Mike this question maybe redundant
 

forgive if it's already been addressed, but it occurred to me yesterday, will the xdr also capture uncompressed audio, or is it only a video stream?

thanks

Adam

Dear Adam,

The Flash XDR provides for recording 4 channels of audio embedded in the HD-SDI data stream, or 2 channels of analog XLR input (microphone or line level), with microphone gain up to 65 db.

The analog audio data is recorded at 48,000 samples per second with a word size of 16 or 24 bits (user selectable).

So, yes, the Flash XDR records uncompressed audio (in the usual meaning of the term).

Being able to record 48K/24 Bit can be a real advantage over the usual 48K/16 Bit recording standard.

Note that the analog XLR inputs, direct to the Flash XDR, completely eliminates any issues with less than optimum audio sections of the camera.

Which is an advantage provided the XDR's own section is of higher quality :)

On another note: has anyone got any update about the mounting options with the Sony EX1, and the PAGlock battery system?

Thanks Dan
 

my bad,

It was one of those I'm too exhausted and didn't go through the thread to find out what might have been mentioned in other posts. And I should have looked at the pdf.

Good news though, really amped with part as my HD251 only has 384kbps compressed audio.

Question with that then, does it work in the same manner as the video stream that if it's SDI output, the audio isn't already compressed, or is this possibly hardware restricted within the camera?

thanks

Adam

Dear Adam,

The embedded audio from your camera, output via HD-SDI, should be uncompressed 48k PCM (Pulse Coded Modulation). In other words, it should be uncompressed.

The HD-SDI standard provides for up to 8 pairs (16 individual channels) of embedded audio at 48k 24 bits. 16 bit audio is also accommodated.

You do not need to worry about the 384k compressed audio, it does not apply when using HD-SDI.

Hi Adam-
Just to expound further on Dan Keaton's excellent summary of the Flash XDR analog audio, I would add that we are using top of the line components in this design. The 24-bit audio A/D is a very high-end device with >120 dB dynamic range and very low harmonic distortion. Even the headphone amplifier is a very high-grade design, arguably a notch above the headphone driver circuit in most camcorders.

Hi Piotr-
Our mechanical engineer has completed the Flash XDR box design and is now concentrating on mounting options. We are actively working on support for the Sony EX1.

Also, we are adding numerous threaded inserts into the box to support various monting options. More details soon.

Thanks Dan and Mike
 

mate this is all good news, I'm constantly thinking "If only I didn't have sucky compressed audio for this situation". This will help when I'm soloing in documentary and events land and have no sound man.

Cheers

Adam