Hey Dave,

We havn't done any downconversions with the deck using FCP, so I don't have any info on that question. We could not batch capture downconverted output into our four year old Avid Meridian system. It seems machine control is impossible. In general, we have found that using firewire has been problem free in SD mode or capturing HDV with DVHS Cap.

With regards to the sound levels, I agree that the camera's meters persuade one to record on the low side. That being said, we have gotten great sound when running the audio through a mixer and then to the Kona LH card.

Best,

Dave Dessel

I think i just read in the manuel that the component out on the br0 does not do anything higher than sd. Is that true? I know the camera hd out with its' component.

If that's true that's lame.

I hope I misread.

Anyhow I'm sure there will be some kick but converters coming out soon enough.

I feel like we are back in 1996 when DV first started to appear and the whole analoge digital thing was throwing everything off. Now it's sd vs HD changing everything.

Hope I don't make the same mistake I did back then. ;)

The BR-50 does do format conversions on the analog outputs! It's sweet. It can convert just about thing from 720p to 1080i, 720p to 480p or 480i. So it rocks. But we've had problems capturing the output to FCP. If I shoot with the HD100, 720p and try to output analog component to 480i (NTSC), the Kona and FCP definately have a problem. FCP spins with the pin wheel of death (PWD). For about 30-40 seconds before it begins capturing. Then it captures fine. Same PWD when I hit ESC.

If we disengage genlock on the Kona control panel, and shut down FCP, and then switch Kona's genlock to freerun Genlock SOMETIMES it begins capturing correctly with no PWD. Wierd. Capturing BetaSP NTSC vid works fine with no PWD.

I can record the BR-50's downconverted video to BetaSP no prob.

I can also capture the BR-50's 720p output to FCP no prob aside from the deck crashes listed previously. I guarantee anyone using the RS-422 on a first production BR-50 will see the "overheat" or "playback inhibit" and PAL 50 errors eventually. It crops up after about 10-20 captures. Not just in blank tape areas. But during true video captures.

This may indirectly help...

If you don't have lots of video:
Use a KONA HD input and go analog HD out from the camera
into the KONA card live. Use a better compression setting and get better
looking video.

At last year's NAB you didn't see anyone at JVC's booth playing back
any HD-100U tape footage from the deck or cameras on display.
The live HD out from the cameras looked great on display.
It's still cheaper to buy a G5 with a Kona card & capture live
from the camera and then burn on Blu-Ray than to buy a decent
HDCAM recording deck. Maybe that will change this week at NAB?

I have the JVC deck and it is pretty good. Timecode is maintained
using capture in HDVXDV. Nate Weaver helped me fill in the blanks
on getting the 24p footage editable in realtime in FCP. Just do a conversion
using AIC with Streamclip. Just make sure you use the fix timecode breaks
before you convert.

Having the deck would seem more stable than using a firestore device.
Can the firestore product lockup on you during recording? Then you have
to go back to the tape to capture. Other than a ENG news crew, who
would be on such a timecrunch to need firestore?

Rob:

What is the process and hardware used for your suggestion to burn to Blu-Ray?

The Blu-Ray decks I'm aware of are $10-15K, and only do 1080i, not 720p.

Gary

Blu Ray recorders just came out at about $1,000.
And about $20 per blank disc; 25 gigs!!!
http://www.videoguys.com/pioneer.html
Looks like an internal. Maybe has Mac drivers?
Worst case you could put it into a pc and transfer
your AV drive over to the pc. I would guess Apple
will or may already have a Blu Ray solution out?
Just export the HD footage in parts from FCP and
then backup those data files(video) onto the Blu Ray Disc(s).

Rob:

Thanks! This really shows promise. Maybe I could sell my HDCAM deck.

Have you or anyone else on this forum had any experience with these disks; that is their reliability, and longevity? It's been my experience with DVD-R or DVD+R, that the media degrades over time, especially every time it is played.

However, you are suggesting saving as data files rather than DVD (HD?) Video files, so is there any difference? Is this process more like using CD-ROM disks for data storage, which I have found extremely reliable?

Good topic for discussion. I know this is slightly off the topic of JVCProHD cams, decks etc., but I own one, so does that count?

Gary

How long till you think people start to buy blue-ray or hd dvd's for home use?