Videonics MXPRODV problems

[Kris Kaufmann]

In our high school studio we have 3 Panasonic AG-DVX100A camcorders and an SVHS vcr as inputs to our MXPRODV. (two cameras are connected via firewire, the third camera and vcr via SVHS) Audio from a Mackie mixer is input to the MXPRO's line input #4 and routed as background. The main out of the MXPRO is then sent via firewire to a FireWriter CG and then via firewire to a Panasonic DMR T3040 DVD/hard disk recorder.

The problem we are experiencing is two-fold:

First, even with all equipment turned on, when left idle for a short time, the MXPRO will "drop" one or the other of the firewire inputs and freeze up, necessitating a restart.

Second, about 60% of the time, after performing any transition from one source to another, the audio will "stutter."

The only successful way to make the MXPRO work properly has been to revert to using all analog video inputs. Then it is rock solid.

Before reverting to all analog sources I tried all the following:

Switching cameras, using Sony DCR TRV70’s
Changing the delay setting in audio set up (happens on every setting)
Routing audio of input four to every source
Muting audio of every source but input four
Performing transitions, with different audio routing combinations in both video only and audio follow video only modes
Every possible combination of power up sequencing between components
Replacing the MXPRODV with another one from our dealer

So, I am open to any and all suggestions, especially if you think I missed something obvious.

Thanks,

Kris Kaufmann
A/V Technology Specialist
North Hills School District
kaufmannk@nhsd.k12.pa.us

[Chris Hurd]

Kris

I moved your post to this forum because Videonics is a Focus Enhancements company. It might take just a little while to get an answer back from a Focus rep because we're right on the eve of NAB (biggest show of the year), but they will address it. Hope this helps,

[Matt McEwen]

Hi Kris,

I would suggest you contact Focus Tech Support on this issue. This obviously should not be happening.

Tech support is free and can be reached at:
http://www.focusinfo.com/support/

E-mail: support@focusinfo.com

Telephone: 408-370-9963. Weekdays 8 am-5 pm, Pacific time. (Hint: Mondays tend to be the busiest.)

Fax: 408-866-4859.

Mail : Focus Enhancements, 1370 Dell Ave., Campbell, CA 95008

Hope that helps,
Matt McEwen
Product Manager
Focus Enhancements

[Kris Kaufmann]

I've emailed Focus Enhanecements three times about this with no replies.

[Kris Kaufmann]

A rep from Focus Enhancements (Videonics) called me today to indicate that they were aware of my problem, were able to replicate it and will be in contact again soon with some possible solutions.

Way to go Focus ! That's good customer service.

[Paul Osborne]

I guess they never got back to you?

I need a firewire mixer, as simple as they come...is the MXPro-DV the only one that fits the bill? and does anyone else have issues with Firewire lock up? I don't need audio.