Day 2 Remote Asia.

Ok..... todays interview spanned across a fresh SXS card and onto the Transcend card that had stuff on it from yesterday.
I've connected the camera directly to the Powerbook via USB and the card WILL NOT mount on the desktop like it did yesterday when I transfered the Transcend's BPAV folder to the Powerbook.

Anyone know what the issue is now?
ASAP Please!
Huge thanks!

Does your MAC book have a 34mm card slot on the left side? if so just insert the card adapter with the card inside it and it should work. If not any SDHC card reader with a USB connector will also work....if where you are, any local camera shop will have them.

HTH

No Express 34 slot. Older Powerbook...... Rented Package :(

Sony EX1.
DoRelay SXG 16GB ExpressCard with Transcend 16GB Memory.
Mac Powerbook 1.25 Ghz PowerPC G4 1GB DDR SDRAM 10.5.8
Sony SXS Card Reader.

Anyone else want to take a shot?

If you adjust your profile to show a proper address, or let us know where you in the world someone maybe able to come to your aid with some different hardware.

I'm also seeing that when I try to record more to the Transcend card it's giving me a "Media Needs to be Restored" message.

I've been through the menu and can't see a way to restore media.

Any thoughts?

Hi Duncan,

Thank you for your insight but if I thought I could get help by naming where I am I would have done it.

Anyone else have the key?

Unfortunately I have no idea if you did any initial testing. I see several issues in your workflow.

You need to test the SDHC cards first. There are several tests which I've posted before but it starts with putting one card in each slot and recording end to end non stop. You should never get a media restore. If so, the cards don't go into service.

You should be using a tested adaptor. MxR, MxM, Hoodman . . . some will swear by Kensington but I like to know a manufacture has tested and designed for an express purpose.

Never mix cards. Use two of the same SDHC cards. Don't mix SxS and SDHC or the crossover point may get mucked up.

You buy an appropriate device for card transfer (Sony's for SxS which you have) and any number of SDHC transfer devices or maybe the one by the above adaptor makers that allow you to keep the SDHC in the adaptor (which are so inexpensive I can't see why not). It's small pennies for an investment rather than a big risk you take in using the camera.

PowerBook is the wrong rental for this job. Not using ClipBrowser further increase the risk (unless you're using ShotPut). If you couldn't rent a MacBookPro with Express Port (and the new 13" and 15" have built in SDHC ports if you were entirely SDHC based) there are plenty of Windows computers with Express ports. Those ports usually read both PCIe and USB based cards too.

Sorry if the above sounds like 20/20 hindsight but it's the thinking that does need to happen before one finds oneself in a remote location with no way to get the gear if you need an quick alternative workaround.

_____
If you got media restore message and you did it, it should be fixed. You could try copying clip by clip from SDHC to SxS in camera if the camera sees the clips on the SDHC card.

If the media is unreliable you must retire it or risk loosing footage. If it isn't working in the camera you may need either a device with Express USB reader or SDHC reader. The Sony reader want read Express USB cards.

Hi Craig,

Huge thanks for your time and input.
The tools on this job came together in a very haphazard way and without my guidance.

"You could try copying clip by clip from SDHC to SxS in camera if the camera sees the clips on the SDHC card."

- Can you explain how to do this..... it may be my last resort?

Big thanks :)

It s*cks when one gets dropped into a poorly produced job. You then have to put on your firefighter hat but you do have to make sure you don't get blamed for the fire.

I'd make sure you dump all the clips on the SxS card first and then re-format the card to be very safe (no duplicate clips).

Page 84 of the EX-1 PDF Manual

You can copy a clip selected on the thumbnail screen to another SxS memory card.

1 On the thumbnail screen of the current memory card, select the clip you wish to copy then press the joystick or the jog dial.

The Clip Operation menu of the thumbnail screen pops up.

2 Select “COPY CLIP” from the Clip Operation menu.

The information screen of the selected clip appears, and a confirmation message is displayed below the index frame image.

3 To copy, select “Execute” then press the jog dial or the joystick.

Copying begins.

The clip is copied with the same name to the destination SxS memory card.

An execution message and an in-progress bar are displayed during copying. When copying ends, the thumbnail screen is restored.

Notes
• If there is another clip having the same name on the destination SxS memory card, the clip is copied under a name adding a single-digit number in parentheses to the end of the original clip name.
The parenthetical number is the minimum value that does not exist in the destination memory card. Examples:
ABCD0002(1) if ABCD0002 exists
ABCD0002(2) if ABCD0002(1) exists
ABCD0005(4) if ABCD0005(3) exists

• If parenthetical numbers (1) to (9) already exist
as the result of repeated copying, copying to
that card cannot be done any more.

• A warning message is displayed if there is not
sufficient space on the destination SxS memory card. Replace the SxS memory card with one with sufficient space.

To cancel copying on the way
Press the CANCEL button. Copying is canceled and the thumbnail screen is restored.

Craig,

The clip is transferring as I type.

It's more than once you've come to my rescue.....

A huge heartfelt thanks for your time, and talent!

I have 2 Hoodman 16gb cards and 4 Transend 8 gb cards and 2 new Transend 16gb cards... I always test out the cards before a shoot and I have not lost any video. I did have one of the Hoodmans fail on me and they replaced it. since then both have worked with no problems.
The newer 16 gb Transends will show a "media restore" every now and then...so I just take them out and then re-insert... then the message goes away and they both work.

But the thing I am trying to say....always test them out before a shoot.

I feel the real nonsense here is to put your valuable footage at risk by using a shaky alternative to SxS cards. I know they "work" and that some people have had no failures but there is enough reports of issues and side effects that I would not recommend anyone to go the SDHC route, especially for rented gear. I did test SDHC adaptors (still have 2 MXRs sitting on the shelves) and do not feel comfortable using them.

Thierry.

After reading many SDHC threads I was wondering if anybody is having "Media Restore" issues with 8GB SDHC cards?

It seems to be a growing issue with 16 and 32GB cards...

I've had a wobbly moment or two with 8GB SxS, and a colleague has had serious issues with Sony SxS 32GB and 8GB cards.

My rule now is that I don't rent cards (or cameras), I own them. They're soak tested and I know each and every individual bit of kit. Every card, every adaptor, every cable... Thierry, I wouldn't throw mud at anyone in that situation, which ever solution they choose.

I believe (Marcus? Craig?) Media Restore issues are to do with the incomplete writing of the 'Table of Contents' files to the card if pulled out before the LED turns from red to green. I've not known this to be fatal, though. Just a slap on the wrist from your camera to give it more time in the future to complete its paperwork.

After reading many SDHC threads I was wondering if anybody is having "Media Restore" issues with 8GB SDHC cards?

It seems to be a growing issue with 16 and 32GB cards...

It only seems to be an issue with certain brands of cards that seem to remain popular despite people noting problems. The fact is (and I keep on saying this) there seems to be alot of people having problems with Transcend cards. Just because the cards were great in the early days doesn't mean that things can't change. I still read about people buying these cards on here and can only assume that either people simply don't believe the evidence posted on here or are making purchasing decisions based on old information.

I've had media restores and performance issues with Transcend cards. The solution was to ditch the lot of them and use the ATP Pro Max cards instead which seem (touch wood!) to be far better suited to our cameras. No errors and great performance when combined with the MxM lockable adaptors.

I believe (Marcus? Craig?) Media Restore issues are to do with the incomplete writing of the 'Table of Contents' files to the card if pulled out before the LED turns from red to green. I've not known this to be fatal, though. Just a slap on the wrist from your camera to give it more time in the future to complete its paperwork.

Usually. However take note.....

I had one Transcend card that tested OK, but if the first clip on the card was fairly short (30 seconds or so) the camera would sometimes pop up with a media restore and would lose the clip when you pressed the button to record the next clip.

Took me quite a few shoots with this card to realise that it wasn't me pressing record too quickly but was a problem with the card.

So basically in most cases if you cause a media restore by being "trigger happy" you should be OK, but if there is a card problem that causes a media restore you may lose the clip. However, as my example proves, you might end up blaming yourself for being trigger happy without realising it was the card at fault.

The newer 16 gb Transends will show a "media restore" every now and then...so I just take them out and then re-insert... then the message goes away and they both work.


In my opinion (and speaking from experience) you are taking a huge risk with these cards. They may work fine at the moment but sooner or later you will get bitten on the backside. The media restore messages I had seemed to come about because the cards performance is so marginal that the camera was hitting problems when writing to them.

A good card should never cause a media restore unless through user error. It isn't a normal situation and I strongly recommend you invest in some ATP cards.

How many seconds does it take for your Transcends to clear a red light to a green light?

I think what's confusing people is the e-films
FAQ - MxR Expresscard Reader (http://e-films.com.au/shoppingcart/pages/FAQ-%252d-MxR-Expresscard-Reader.html)
still shows Transcend 16GB and 32GB as PASS.
And their retailers are also show it with Transcend cards
New Magic (http://www.newmagic.com.au/)
and AbelCine, which sells the cards in USA
SxS Cards :: Tape Stock & Media :: Tape Stock & Expendables :: Equipment Sales :: Abel Cine Tech (http://www.abelcine.com/store/home.php?cat=802)
Show 32GB Transcend under SxS.
and even describes its use in Hoodman adaptor on Product Overview.
Transcend 32GB Class 6 Secure Digital High-Capacity Flash Card :: SxS Cards :: Tape Stock & Media :: Tape Stock & Expendables :: Equipment Sales :: Abel Cine Tech (http://www.abelcine.com/store/product.php?productid=1001438&cat=802&page=1)

MxM shows the ATP ProMax cards though
MxM Express (http://mxmexpress.com/)
and if you look at their tips section
MxM Express Tips – memory cards (http://mxmexpress.com/?page_id=129)
it still shows Transcend but it mentions they are the slowest of 16GB and that they've had reports of issues with 32GB.
Note they recommendations on Sandisk Class 4 cards as well.

I can see why people can get very confused.

I recommend using ATP ProMax going forward (for the time being) as Marcus suggests.

I'm still using two 32 GB Ultra II Class 2 (yes Class TWO) that I bought in January 2009 and have NEVER had a media restore. Ahhh, they don't make 'em like they used to.

I'm reaching the end of my rope with my MxR and Transcend (Red Stripe) 16's as well. The original pair or MxR's and 16's worked fine for several months until one of the cards started to be "Unrecognized" by the camera. I sent the "bad" card (after swapping both 16's back and forth between the MxR's) and Transcend sent me a replacement card (also Red Stripe) and it immediately failed to be written to. The EX1 wouldn't even let me format it. I'm so leary of the other one that I'll keep it in my bag but will only pull it out in dire emergencies. Anybody know if the MxR's will write correctly to the ATP cards?

In my opinion (and speaking from experience) you are taking a huge risk with these cards. They may work fine at the moment but sooner or later you will get bitten on the backside. The media restore messages I had seemed to come about because the cards performance is so marginal that the camera was hitting problems when writing to them.

A good card should never cause a media restore unless through user error. It isn't a normal situation and I strongly recommend you invest in some ATP cards.

How many seconds does it take for your Transcends to clear a red light to a green light?

Marcus,

I do plan to look into getting at lease 2 ATP Pro Max 16gb cards.....as I am not trusting Transend that much these days.

I can see why people can get very confused.

I did speak to E-Films about a month ago pointing out all the issues with the Transcend cards but as far as they are concerned Transcend cards are still fine.

MxM and many other posters on here disagree. It may well be that Australia receives its stock from another factory or perhaps there is still a great deal of older stock floating around. It could even be that it was only one batch of Transcends that were bad.

I know I keep on saying "bad", in actual fact the cards are fine. Its just they aren't working properly with the EX1. I have one of my "bad" Transcends in my stills camera and its just dandy.

Anybody know if the MxR's will write correctly to the ATP cards?

Just fine. Only thing to note is that the MxM's appear marginally faster. See my tests here:

Media2u Corporate Video Production Blog (http://www.media2u.co.uk/blog)

I've been shooting with MxR's and ATP's since September and they work faultlessly.

Now it may well be that 3 months down the line I could be shouting from the rooftops that the ATP's are useless but so far so good.

I can't seem to find the ATP ProMax cards at any of the linked retailers on the ATP site. (USA)

Try this link:

ATP 16GB 150x Class 6 ProMax SDHC Card ATP 16GB ProMAX SDHC 150X Detail Page (http://www.mydigitaldiscount.com/SPD/atp-16gb-150x-class-6-promax-sdhc-card-atp-16gb-promax-sdhc-150x--80000434-1192640701.jsp)

HTH

I can't seem to find the ATP ProMax cards at any of the linked retailers on the ATP site. (USA)

MxM have them available from their site. Forum prevent me from posting a link.

4 airports later and I'm now back in civilization.

I agree with Thierry. My kit contains only SXS cards and I know and trust them. This was the first time I used these mock-ups that were thrown at me and won't do it again. Sometimes you don't get a second chance..... especially out here.

We picked up this kit inside an certain Asian country that is notorious for watching it citizens closely because we didn't want any extra attention.

Try this link:

ATP 16GB 150x Class 6 ProMax SDHC Card ATP 16GB ProMAX SDHC 150X Detail Page (http://www.mydigitaldiscount.com/SPD/atp-16gb-150x-class-6-promax-sdhc-card-atp-16gb-promax-sdhc-150x--80000434-1192640701.jsp)

HTH

This is at "My Digital Discount". When I bought transcends, I made sure I bought from a reputable dealer. There were reports of knockoffs. Who the heck is this site? None of the well known dealers are selling this card.

Are the ATP cards more reliable than the Hoodman?

I think I've seen 2 reports now of failures of Hoodman cards. So much for no failures.

Are the ATP cards more reliable than the Hoodman?

I think I've seen 2 reports now of failures of Hoodman cards. So much for no failures.

We simply aren't going to know until there are more of them in the field. But on the face of it they seem to be pretty good.

I'd be interested to see what Hoodman say about their failures. Presumably a company of their standing would take the cards back for analysis.

But remember there will always be failures. And sometimes it isn't the card at fault. It could be the adaptor or user error. Just as I was quick to blame user error for the fault with my Transcends, its just as easy to blame a card for something that was the users fault.

Just some checks and points that I find useful. Others may disagree:

Has the card tested OK?

Has the card exhibited any problems on previous shoots?

Have I formatted the card in the camera and not the computer?

Is the card seated properly in the adaptor?

Is the card properly seated in the camera?

Have I been careful not to press down on the SDHC card when inserting the card into the camera? This is a real risk and why I now recommend people buy the lockable adaptors instead.

Don't fill a card right up. This includes spanning. Use a 32gb card instead if you need more than an hour.

Don't eject or change cards within the adaptors on location.

Red light spells danger. Wait for it to go green and count to five.

When I come to transfer the footage, is the transfer speed erratic across the card? Might indicate a problem worth noting.



That's just a few checkpoints that I use. Not foolproof by any means but hopefully useful.

"It only seems to be an issue with certain brands of cards that seem to remain popular despite people noting problems. The fact is (and I keep on saying this) there seems to be alot of people having problems with Transcend cards."

That may also be due to the ownership skew caused by more people buying the $40 Transcend 16GB class 6 cards than the $110 Sandisk Extreme III 16GB cards or cheaper Sandisk Ultra II cards.

Jonathan I feel for you. I want your project to be a success but hey man you are pushing your luck. Please just use one card at a time. No interview is so important that you cannot break after 57 minutes to change cards. Good luck I hope your problems can be resolved. SxS to SDHC is a no no i think from reading other posts here.

SxS to SDHC is a no no i think from reading other posts here.

I asked that question before about continued recording from an SxS card to a ATP SDHC card and got this answer.

Yes, I mix SxS and SDHC cards on LONG continuous shoots all the time. No problems. Ingest time is much better (of course) with SxS so I use these first and then use SDHC cards with adapters when I run out of SxS cards.

So far, I've had no problems, perhaps I shouldn't do it.

"It only seems to be an issue with certain brands of cards that seem to remain popular despite people noting problems. The fact is (and I keep on saying this) there seems to be alot of people having problems with Transcend cards."

That may also be due to the ownership skew caused by more people buying the $40 Transcend 16GB class 6 cards than the $110 Sandisk Extreme III 16GB cards or cheaper Sandisk Ultra II cards.

Possible. But also note that many people who have been using Transcends for a year or so report no problems. From what I've been able to see, the problems started with cards purchased from about June/July onwards.

Seems to me that if you have cards that are 6 months old you'll swear by them, newer than 6 months and you'll end up swearing at them.

well said....as the 2 16gb Transends that I got in Jan 09...work great....the one 16gb card that I got back in Oct 09...it does take 7- 9 sec to do "red to green" and I have had "media restore" several times....so I think you are right.

Possible. But also note that many people who have been using Transcends for a year or so report no problems. From what I've been able to see, the problems started with cards purchased from about June/July onwards.


Agreed. The product may have changed. I also think that some of the confusion has to do with red (MLC) and green (SLC) striped products, although I myself have had some problems with both green-striped units. The odd thing is that both of my Sony EX1 "media restore" errors took place in the same video session, so I doubt it is random failure. The same session did not have trouble with a Sandisk Extreme III SDHC.