HVR MRC1 and a 32GB card?
 

Has anyone used a 32 gb card in this yet? Sony doesn't state the use in any of it's documentation. Has anyone tried copying to a stand-a-lone DVD recorder with the docking station?

Thanks

Possibly because they didn't exist when the manual was compiled. There's no reason why they shouldn't work (or a 64GB when they become available) - it's no different to replacing a 250GB HDD with a 500GB HDD in a PC.

When I bought my digital camera, the maximum capacity on CF cards was about 512 MB, so I bought a 1GB microdrive - there was no mention of them in the camera manual at all and it only mentioned CF cards up to 512MB. I currently use 4GB CF card in it with no issues and the 16GB Sandisk CF card from my MRC1 works in it just fine too (although it would be slight overkill to use it in there as a matter of course). The technology is the same - the only thing changing is the capacity and (AFAIK) there is no current hardware limit (along the lines of the old 8-bit max drive capacity type issues).

Having said that, I haven't actually had the opportunity to try it, so there is an outside chance I *could* be wrong.

I haven't tried copying to a DVD recorder and I'm not sure it would work because I don't think the recorder will recognise the files from the MRC1. It may depend on the particular machine's support of file formats.

Possibly because they didn't exist when the manual was compiled. There's no reason why they shouldn't work (or a 64GB when they become available) - it's no different to replacing a 250GB HDD with a 500GB HDD in a PC.

When I bought my digital camera, the maximum capacity on CF cards was about 512 MB, so I bought a 1GB microdrive - there was no mention of them in the camera manual at all and it only mentioned CF cards up to 512MB. I currently use 4GB CF card in it with no issues and the 16GB Sandisk CF card from my MRC1 works in it just fine too (although it would be slight overkill to use it in there as a matter of course). The technology is the same - the only thing changing is the capacity and (AFAIK) there is no current hardware limit (along the lines of the old 8-bit max drive capacity type issues).

Having said that, I haven't actually had the opportunity to try it, so there is an outside chance I *could* be wrong.

I haven't tried copying to a DVD recorder and I'm not sure it would work because I don't think the recorder will recognise the files from the MRC1. It may depend on the particular machine's support of file formats.

32 gb card
 

I am using a 32 gb transend card everyday and it works great!

Sandisk Extreme III 32GB
 

In response to the original post, I have been using 32GB cards and have suffered the following problems - please note! I am not necessarily blaming the cards as this is my first foray into flash capture, but I am merely revealing my experiences:-

1 - Occasional 'dropout' on cards, lasting a frame or 2, despite being told "Use CF cards and leave dropout and all those other tape problems behind!"

2 - Frequently fails to rec to CF card when REC button pressed (despite tape recording OK) - rather awkward when filming dance shows and weddings like I do, having to stop the show and ask them to start again (joke) It is REALLY frustrating

I have posted a new thread on this just now asking what cards and experiences other members have

I have only experienced problems in the middle of a clip when I was ignoring the fact that the manual says not to format cards in your computer. After I learned that little point and only formatted in the MRC1, those issues disappeared. If you have drop-outs at the end of long clips (4 gig limit because of fat32 file size limitation) try using the Sony utility for stitching long clips together.

Are you using the cache mode? If you are starting to record a second clip in this mode while the first one is still being saved, then MRC1 won't start recording the second clip.

Yes, me too.
However, I have learned NOT to format the cards, but just to delete the files on it.
Formatting these 32GB cards seems to make them useless! I've had to send them back for replacement as they're not recognised by MRC1K or computer after formatting in MRC1K.

what about formatting on the computer???
 

what about formatting on the computer???

this is worrysome when the sandisk gives a person problems... any solve?
 

this is worrysome when the sandisk gives a person problems... any solve?

When I first started using the MRC1, I had numerous problems that seemed to be related to the cards. At that time, I was always formatting my cards in my computer. When I discussed my problems on this forum, someone pointed out to me that the manual says to format only in the MRC1. When I quit formatting in the computer my problems decreased a lot. However, I am now having other problems with my MRC1. Problems that have absolutely nothing to do with cards. So I am going to have to send it back to Sony for out of warranty service. Oh joy.....

This bothers me - just as I was getting ready to buy three MRC1s. I make wedding video programmes and see the move to tapeless recording as inevitable. However, whilst I can I want to retain and use the option of recording a backup to tape simultaneously.

Because we also multicam edit the three cameras the FAT32 limit on file size is a real bugbear. May I ask a couple of question from MRC1 users here? Does Sony guarantee that there is not even a frame drop between consecutive files? How long does it take for Sony's stitching software to work? Presumably it's installed on the host computer?

I wish I was clever enough to understand why manufacturers insist on using FAT32 and not NTFS. Trusting invaluable video recordings to a system even basic PC's OS have dropped seems a serious retrograde step.

I started a thread on this very question a while ago. It generated lots of really good, if unsatisfying, answers. Do a keyword search or just scroll back through the thread titles and you'll find it.You can, no problem. Just be aware that if you change tapes while you are recording on the MRC, you'll get an audio dropout. Obviously no problem if you are paused or are recording sound to an external device independent of the cam.

Philip,

You download the Sony utility onto your hard drive and use this to transfer clips from the MRC1K into where you want to save them. The files that are over the 4gb limit (about 20mins) are "stitched together into one file. I've just checked a dance show I did using the MRC1K and it joined two files together without any audio glitch.

It's easy to check. When you line up your clips on the timeline, use the wav files to line them up at the beginning and then go to the very end of the clips and see if they're still lined up. If they are, great, if not just go backwards until you find where the wav files don't line up, cut the clip and re-align it. I do this when using tape as well, as sometimes there is a drop out in the picture we film in HD so it can be anywhere up to a second long sometimes, depending on whereabouts in the GOP the drop out has occurred. It's more difficult trying the find the "glitch"/drop out with pictures, much easier using the wav files.

Peter

I just got two Kingston 32GB 133X CF cards today. Both were usable at first, but I thought the workflow was to format them on the MRU itself, so I did. In doing so it gets stuck at "FORMAT" and even when left alone for 30 mins, it doesn't stop. It just hangs. I have to disconnect the battery to shut it off... it won't even turn off on its own.

I can format them on my Macbook Pro (Snow Leopard) as DOS but then the MRU says "FORMAT ERROR" shortly after I turn it on.

Any suggestions on how to properly format these so the MRU will accept my cards?

Couple of other threads on this... if you put the Kingstons into the Mac you may have killed them permanently.

I have a couple that I put into the MRC and it showed up as already formatted.

I searched, but cannot find such threads.

I guess these are toast, then. I'll send them back.

Any recommended brand of 32GB CF card that I *can* format with the MRC1? At this point I'm willing to pay a premium just so I can get this working. Transcend?

I use the Transcend with no issues, "knock on wood".

However, after much reading I came to the conclusion to either not format the card at all and simply put in the MRC1K and run as usual, which I have done with three 32GB Transcend cards. Or, to format the card in the MRC1K only and not in your computer. The MRC1K manual even says this.

BTW, I am using the MRC1K with Sony FX1 cameras.

Thanks, Michael. I read the manual and these forums, so I tried formatting the card with the MRU first. That failed, which is why I tried my Mac.

Have you tried formatting the Transcend cards on the MRU? Thanks!

Chris sorry, as I said I have never formatted the Transcend cards.
And they have functioned fine with the MRC1K.

As for card reading, I simply use an external card reader, SanDisk I believe.

Ok, so it sounds like you might run into the same problem with the Transcend as I did with the Kingston. Guess the general rule here is to just never format these 32GB cards with the MRU or your computer unless you want to render them useless!

My mistake... the Mac killing cards issue was with Transcends. The Kingstons just suffered from bad batches and unreliability, as described in these threads:

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/converge...ease-read.html

and

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/converge...eopard-os.html

Sorry to add to the FUD.

I think I'm giving up on the sporadic behavior of the 32GB cards and will just return these and get a bunch of 16GBs instead. I don't want to run the risk of someone else (other than me) accidentally formatting a card and thus rendering the card useless. If anyone has had good luck with a 32GB card (including formatting it on the MRU), I'd still love to hear about it.

I'll pay the price for my SanDisk Ultras IIIs and IVs. I've never been fond of Transcend anyhow, but I'm a little surprised by the reports of issues with the Kingstons. Aren't they supposed to be a top RAM manufacturer? Anyhow, I've never had an issue with a SanDisk product. I'm using the 32GB cards quite successfully.

Anyhow, I see a lot of people talking about Kingstons and Transcends and problems, and I haven't seen SanDisk mentioned in the same context, plus I've used SanDisk products before in other applications. Therefore, I was much more comfortable buying the SanDisk.

Must my $0.02. US.

Thanks,
Matt

Had the same problem
 

I recently picked up a used MRC1K through the classifieds here and got three Kingston 32GB 266x Ultimate cards to go with it. I recorded successfully on the first card and then went to format the card in the Sony unit. I had the same problem as others with the unit displayed "Format" forever without completing the task. Reinserting the card just gave me an error message. Format on the mac was NG and I was about to send the cards back to Kingston when I plugged the cards into my iMac running Parallels and fired up Windows xp. I don't believe the card and reader (Lexar FW) were recognized but when I put the card back into the MRC1K, it formatted fine and seems to be OK. I will be taking it out for a shoot this weekend and will report back.

Dunno, maybe a fluke or a workaround for the formatting problems......

After being steered into the direction of getting the Transcend card I got the 32g one which gave me no problems when put into my MRC. When it was full I formated it in the MRC after downloading all of the video and have had no problems with it.

I have since erased the video from that card after downloading it because of other threads stating this was the way to go, and still have not had any problems.

I now own a second 32g Transcend which has only been erased after downloads with no problems to report. So, I have nothing but good things to report on my 32g Transcend cards.

Melvin

Ridata 32Mb Cards
 

Just received a "Black Friday" email from newegg.com and they have 32gb Ridata "lightning series" 233x Compact flash cards for $85.99 each plus free shipping.

Add my voice to those who have had issues with the Kingston 32 GBs. Four out of seven, tested on four different MRC1ks, showed up as DOA. One would not format (hanging on the same FORMAT forever issue described above) and three showed the A:12 error on the MRC (not fast enough). So back to Amazon they went today.

On the plus side, one retailer has a really good deal on the Sandisk Extreme III 32GB three-pack, $459, and then there's a $200 Sandisk rebate. After another 3% cashback from Bing, that works out to less than $82 per card to my door -- less than the Kingstons.

I have had no issues with the one Transcend card I use.

I've had no problems with any of my Sandisk Extreme III 30MB/s 32GB or 16GB CF cards (or SDHC cards).

Looking into getting a 32gig card. Any new info? Good/Bad/Indifferent?

What sort of recording time are you getting on the 32 gig cards?

The two 16 gig Kingston 266x are working fine - but I'd like to record double that time if possible without changing cards.

My Sandisk Extreme IIIs have been working flawlessly. They're good for 144-150 minutes.

Thanks Adam - that's the sort of feedback I'm looking for. Do you format them in the reader? On the computer? Never?

Some cards come pre-formatted, but the Sandisks need formatting. I do the first format in the reader, as the manual recommends. Then I never re-format, simply "erase all." No issues so far.

What Transcend cards are people using?

Transcend 32GB Extreme 400x CompactFlash Memory Card

Specifications:

Capacity: 32GB
Speed: Read: 90MB/sec (Max) Write: 60MB/sec (Max)
Conforms to CF Type I standards
Supports Ultra DMA mode 0-6*
Support high-end DSLR
CompactFlash 4.1 compliant
Built-in hardware ECC technology for detecting and correcting errors
ATA interface
Low power consumption
Multi-platform compatibility
RoHS compliant


From Transcend 32GB Extreme 400x CompactFlash Memory Card : COMPACT FLASH : Memorybits.co.uk

I also use San Disk cards 32GB but after talking with Sony the state you must use at least a 60mb per second card or it may cause problems. I have formatted my cards in my unit many times and have never had a problem, not have I noticed any dropouts. - theses are the cards I am using - http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/646870-REG/SanDisk_SDCFX_032G_A61_32GB_Extreme_CompactFlash_Memory.html

Anyone tried a 64gb card in the mru hvr1?
 

I have successfully utilized 32gb cards but have some long dance recitals coming up and was thinking of buying a 64gb card?

You'll be going more than 2-1/2 hours without a break? Wow, that is long....

I use 2 Transcend 32gb 400x. They work flawless. I.m thinking to buy 2 more.