Multiple copies of miniDV tape
 

Is there any miniDV vtr capable of copy 2 or more miniDV tapes simultaneously?
We usually have to copy 6 tapes for distribution and would like a single vtr to make copies.

None that I know of. I would suggest an analogue workflow (splitting via distribution amps) and see if anyone notices the difference in the quality of the video.

I guess it depends on what you are making the dubs for as to whether exact digital copies are required.

Andrew

The copies are distributed to external parties.

You're not really telling us all that much.

Andrew

I think maybe he's looking for something like a CD/DVD duplicator where there is one reader and several wrters stacked up in a box where you put in a recorded disk and get a bunch of copies at more or less the same time.

Just my guess but that's what it sounds like.

I think because MiniDV tape isn't a distribution medium -- certainly there were never any movies dubbed in bulk in this format like VHS -- that it's unlikely such a device exists. I sure haven't seen one.

It should be easy enough to daisy chain a number of DV cams together running at real time, using a better quality multi port Firewire to Firewire hub.

Even using some pre-loved smaller DV cams, as long as they'll record via the FW input.

Cheers.

firewire is bi-directional so daisy-chaining most likely will be a frustrating and unproductive endeavour as the back and forth and crosstalk will get all the devices wringing their proverbial hands and lamenting "what should I do, what should I do? ...
sounds like gray screen time!

Heh heh but that's what FW hubs are for. As long as you have a single one way signal without any dropouts, feeding a few machines in record mode will work. I've got an early Belkin model for external hard drives, high speed DV tape copiers would be a pain to produce and have limited sales.

This might not apply here but from my studio days, to run a successful duplication operation you have to establish and really stick to some ground rules.

I'd only use new name brand DV tapes for the copies, spool them end to end first and use AC power for all machines. Checking copies is another drag, you should spot check all copies and run the cleaner tape for a few seconds .. after EVERY pass. Then slide the record tabs to safe and label them in pencil to reuse later.

If you use say 20x30min DV tapes per month try for a bulk price somewhere. If the customers return the copies for reuse, be careful. Play the first ones they send back, if you find they have over recorded their own stuff, don't use those tapes again. If this is a free service for say, a charity, call the offenders and warn them you'll be charging them in future.

Don't put a teenager in charge of the dubbing operation.

IMO for the OPs app something like this F5U526-APL Belkin FireWire 6-Port Hub is the only game in town. HTH.
Cheers.

Problem is you don't have a one-way signal because of the device control query which is always present
In an attempt for backup redundancy at live events I've tried severalhigh quality fw hubs in live from dv camera (firewire) to two dvd standalone recorders with no luck. It's the device control signals which go back and forth from the camera to the recording devices and if there are more than one back and forth senarios as proposed in your daisy chained arrangement, the gear literally becomes confused because more than one set of commands are being shouted louder and louder so as to be heard above all the hubub so one or more will shut down.
Might be easier using some sort of s-video hub

Read the features of that Belkin I linked to above.
Cheers.

I assume you are saying that the Belkin HUB does not pass the two way data that firewire usually has? I am using a Kramer VS4FW hub and it pass ALL of the firewire signals. All that does is confuses the decks I have plugged in. For example: I have a Sony EX1R, and two Sony DVD burners plugged via firewire into the Kramer HUB. When the signal to play is sent to the hub and out to the EX1R the DVD burners ALSO see this play signal and the do not go into record. If I keep playing with the burners hitting stop, record many times some times I can get one of the burners to see the record signal and start recording. But I am NEVER able to get all the recorders to go into record when the EX1R starts playing.

But I assume you are saying you can get 4 recorders or burners to record when one player is playing?

If that is the case I will order a Belkin,

Thanks
Dean

Hi Dean,

Yep, that's what I'm saying but to make sure that's what you want, give Belkin a call, and you might find more here Belkin : Support Find Answers

Cheers.