Recording problem with Sony D50 at DVinfo.net

Mark Summers · February 14th, 2010, 07:07 AM

We have had our D50 for a few months now, using it only occasionally, but over the weekend it started to misbehave. The problem was that it would start recording but nothing would show on the levels and the files would be completely blank. I am as sure as I can be that I did everything the same as normal. However, when a friend held it in his hand it started working, showing levels and recording sound. He did not press any of the buttons.

I tried again later and the problem was solved by flicking the switch to line input and back to mics, but that wasn't consistent. When that didn't work, I gave it to my friend and again it started working simply by placing it on his palm. Even if he is magic or has a special equipment-healing forcefield (which I doubt), it is impractical to have him around all the time as he lives 300 miles away.

Has anyone else had this intermittent problem and know of a solution? I wonder about whether we should send it back to be checked.

Jeff Kellam · February 14th, 2010, 09:20 AM

Mine has been trouble free for over a year.

Daniel Epstein · February 14th, 2010, 09:24 AM

Mark,
You have to try and figure out if the intermittent problem is coming from the recorder or your inputs to the recorder. Does the recorder have a problem using its internal mics or only external inputs? Do you have a different cable for the external source to see if the problem is there? Stereo mini inputs or cables do wear out or break rather easily so you have to be methodical in eliminating the variables so you can decide if it is your recorder (less Likely but not impossible) or the input cables (more likely but not always)

Allan Black · February 14th, 2010, 02:59 PM

No trouble here. Remove and re-connect the batteries their box and the card. Even if I'm not using them I flip all the switches on all my gear occasionally.

Using a spot of brasso, wipe all minijacks they oxidise in the atmosphere.

Cheers.

February 14th, 2010, 07:07 AM	#1
Mark Summers Tourist Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: UK Posts: 1	Recording problem with Sony D50 We have had our D50 for a few months now, using it only occasionally, but over the weekend it started to misbehave. The problem was that it would start recording but nothing would show on the levels and the files would be completely blank. I am as sure as I can be that I did everything the same as normal. However, when a friend held it in his hand it started working, showing levels and recording sound. He did not press any of the buttons. I tried again later and the problem was solved by flicking the switch to line input and back to mics, but that wasn't consistent. When that didn't work, I gave it to my friend and again it started working simply by placing it on his palm. Even if he is magic or has a special equipment-healing forcefield (which I doubt), it is impractical to have him around all the time as he lives 300 miles away. Has anyone else had this intermittent problem and know of a solution? I wonder about whether we should send it back to be checked.

February 14th, 2010, 09:20 AM	#2
Jeff Kellam Major Player Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 656	Mine has been trouble free for over a year. __________________ Panasonic HMC150/Canon A1/JVC HD1/Sony Vegas 8.0c

February 14th, 2010, 02:59 PM	#4
Allan Black Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney. Posts: 2,931	No trouble here. Remove and re-connect the batteries their box and the card. Even if I'm not using them I flip all the switches on all my gear occasionally. Using a spot of brasso, wipe all minijacks they oxidise in the atmosphere. Cheers. __________________ Drink more tap water. On admission at Sydney hospitals more than 5% of day patients are de-hydrated.

February 14th, 2010, 09:24 AM	#3
Daniel Epstein Trustee Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New York, NY Posts: 1,267	Mark, You have to try and figure out if the intermittent problem is coming from the recorder or your inputs to the recorder. Does the recorder have a problem using its internal mics or only external inputs? Do you have a different cable for the external source to see if the problem is there? Stereo mini inputs or cables do wear out or break rather easily so you have to be methodical in eliminating the variables so you can decide if it is your recorder (less Likely but not impossible) or the input cables (more likely but not always)