What are users' latest experiences of the PHU-60K Hard Drive - is it reliable, and what are the consequences of "Media needs to be restored' message - does it simply mean the device isn't seated properly and needs re-attaching (are clips ever lost)?

Don't have one but found this in the Canon area... so might as well bring it down here
for those that have the unit.... this is a software solution to joining split footage...

HVR-DR60 | Hard Disk Recording Unit (http://www.sony.ca/hdv/HVR-DR60_60i/products/HVR-DR60/soft.html)

I have been using the PHU-60K for 4 months and haven't had one media related problem.

The downsides to the device as i see them:

1) makes the already awkward hand-held ergonomics more cumbersome.
2) transferring the files is a bit slower than the cards

[QUOTE=makes the already awkward hand-held ergonomics more cumbersome.
[/QUOTE]

Cheers - can imagine that; am considering it for a series of 8x 2hr discussions we'll be filming - static/tripod stuff - seems ideal.

Mark why don't you use sdhc cards in the camera instead ?, loads cheaper than the hard drive.

Paul.

Hi Paul, I have a couple of 16gb SDHC cards in eFilms adapters but haven't tested them fully; the job will be 18hrs of material in Dubai for BBC with possibly not time to offload between shoots so want the most reliable solution. First time I put my SDHC in the Ex1 I got a 'Media Needs to be Restored' msg - seems like that just means it's not seated properly, but confidence wasn't inspired!

What sdhc cards did you try ?
I use the transcend 16gb, me and my colleagues haven't had any problems with them.
I'd rather buy enough cards for the 18 shoot than the hard drive.
The hard drive i believe only records in the sp mode, ie 1080/50i sp, where as the cards record all modes except overcrank.
Let me know if you want a reliable place to buy the cards.

Paul.

Ta - SanDisk cards; further testing this week. Will check out about the drive / SP only - that wouldn't be much use!

I've been using the PHU-60K since last September and never had a problem with it. The only thing to note is that you can't overcrank with them (just like the MxR). I have two set-up giving just under 8 hours of recorded footage!

Ta Paul - does it only record in the sp mode, ie 1080/50i sp ?

I've been using the unit without a hitch. I use it for interviews, so I don't have to stop and change cards (good for 3+ hours) , so camera is on stix. Then use cards for when I'm moving.

The PHU-60 will record all standard frame rates/modes at HQ. It just can't do S&Q modes.

We just purchased an EX1 and the drive. It works well, but I have not really put it through the paces yet. I do like the LONG record times and it is much cheaper than the 32 gig SxS.

Ta Paul - does it only record in the sp mode, ie 1080/50i sp ?

Sorry for the delay! The PHU-60K will record all modes but other than Quick and Slow Motion!

Other than no slo-mo, it is also inadvisable to use the PHU-60K on a plane as data may be damaged in low pressure environments. The altitude limitation is 9,800 feet. Although the cabin may be pressurized, most planes bring the cabin altitude down to 10,000 feet only.

Although the cabin may be pressurized, most planes bring the cabin altitude down to 10,000 feet only.

I believe they keep it quite a bit lower than that. 10,000 feet is the threshold for needing supplemental oxygen. The 2 dings you hear shortly after takeoff and during the approach are when the aircraft passes through 10,000 feet altitude. This lets the cabin crew know whether or not oxygen is critical in the event of a loss in cabin pressure.

Some people will begin to experience the effects of hypoxia at altitudes of 10,000 feet. Above 14,500 feet, pretty much everyone needs supplemental oxygen.

-gb-

Hi - you mean don't transport it on plane with material on it?

I believe they keep it quite a bit lower than that. 10,000 feet is the threshold for needing supplemental oxygen.

-gb-

Although symptoms of Hypoxia can occur at different altitudes for different people, I still stand corrected, regulations state 8,000 feet for cabin pressure. How closely that's adhered to I'd think depends on the structural specs of the particular plane.


"Hi - you mean don't transport it on plane with material on it? "

Can transport but not operate, according to Sony.