Thanks for the warning. I was going to test the FS-4 and DVD Rack throught a powered Firewire hub tomorrow. Glad I saw this. I sure hope FOCUS reads this and corrects this and other issues via a firmware update if possible.

I have been seeing the pictures of the Firestore FS-4 Portable Storage device. Would it work on our Gl2's? Do you have to have a tape loaded in the GL2 when you are using the FS-4, or do you let the GL2 flash that there is no tape inside of it while somehow you are recording a picture into the FS-4?

Barrie...

The fs4 can record manually by pressing on the buttons on the unit itself. I have a Pd170 and that will not work in tapeless mode. I also have used an XM2 (the Uk name for a GL2) and it worked fine. I also think the GL2/XM2 has the ability to work tapeless. I remember seeing some menu items allowing DV device control, maybe another member on this forum can confirm this.

If you have a tape in the camera then the FS4 can be operated automatically (Slave mode) by pressing the record button on the camera, if you want to film tapeless then it will depend on the make and model of camera used. But why go all tapeless, see the FS4 as the main record method and tape as backup, you know one day you will be glad you had both !!!

Mark

FireStore FS-4Pro Bundle $698 Savings

Purchase the FireStore FS-4Pro Bundle—featuring the FS-4Pro, FS-4Pro High-Definition Software, and the FireStore DV Conversion Suite—between May 1, 2005 and June 30,2005, and save $698 instantly.

Weighing less than one pound, the FireStore FS-4Pro Portable DTE Recorder brings Direct to Edit Technology to your handheld camcorder. With an easyto-use interface, multiple DTE recording formats, a 40GB or 80GB drive, and a removable, rechargeable battery, the FireStore FS-4Pro is the perfect DTE companion for handheld shoots. With advanced features such as time lapse, loop playback, and scene marking, the FireStore FS-4Pro provides the flexibility that video professionals demand.

FireStore FS-4Pro High-Definition Software Included free-of-charge ($299 value)
When you install the FireStore FS-4Pro High-Definition Software, your FireStore FS-4Pro will be compatible with HDV camcorders and editing systems.

FireStore DV Conversion Suite Included free-of-charge ($399 value)
Converting DV25 file formats is fast and easy with the FireStore DV Conversion Suite. In addition to converting all major DV25 formats, the software provides aspect ratio and broadcast standard conversion from DV-PAL to DV-NTSC and vice versa.

Even better news - we actually have FireStore FS-4 Pro 80GB units in stock! All backorders ar being filled today and it still leaves us about a dozen units available! We're still offering a FREE Field Kit (Extra Battery & mounting bracket) to the first 50 FS-4 Pro purchasers.

For more info http://www.videoguys.com/FireStore.html

Gary

Sounds great, Gary. What does the asterisk refer to?

The asterisk was to point out that you have to wait for the HDV upgrade to be available. It is not here yet. Latest word is June.

Gary

When using the retro record feature and also recording to tape, how does the FS-4 handle timecode for the six seconds of pre-roll?

My application is documentary work -- I *absolutely* love the idea of having six seconds of safety so I don't have to waste tape but I'm also concerned about creating usable batch capture lists in FCP after transferring files from the FS-4.

Oh yeah, those six seconds don't exist on the tape - duh.

Still, I'm curious: seems like there would either be no timecode for the six seconds, non-incrementing timecode, or duplicated timecode. Hmm...maybe the camera should be set to free-run timecode mode in which case the six seconds of timecode would simply start six seconds before the tape timecode start? That would be fine, I suppose at least a good compromise.

Thanks for any help on this!
Kevin Triplett
Austin, TX

Long time no see, Kevin!

I've looked briefly through the FS-4 manual (download a PDF copy from http://www.focusinfo.com/support/manuals.htm) and didn't immediately see an answer. Matt McEwen is on vacation this week; but I'm sure he'll spot this question when he returns.

I'm trying to control a firestore FS-4 from my computer so that I can make numerous short video clips in response to triggers coming from software I’m developing for counting marine mammals.

Option one is the GPI control which involves simply closing and opening a contact to go in and out of pause mode – fine except I need to go beyond pause and completely stop the FS-4 to save each clip before starting to refill the retro cache and the simple GPI control will not allow this.

Option 2 is to use the RS-232 interface, but this has absolutely no documentation. I can see the firestore from Windows Hyper Terminal and get an ‘F’ on the screen whenever a recording is complete – so far so good. Unfortunately, I have no idea what commands I can send back to the firestore. Does anyone know ?

Any third options ?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help,

Douglas.

Hi Kevin,

I just tried out what you are asking about. When the FS-4 is set to EXT-TC, it seems to recognize what the TC is, at where the tape is stopped. The RETRO Cache backs up the TC six seconds and loops that TC until you push record. Then the TC goes on from there. This may mean that the RETRO Cache will be reusing the TC already assigned to the previous shot on tape. But at least there is continuous TC throughout the entire RETRO Cache/shot processes.

I hope that makes sense.

My test was: to shoot with Retro Cache active on the FS-4, EXT-TC, Syncro Slave mode. I pushed the record button on my camera after waiting a while. When I looked at the footage in FCP, I had a shot with TC running for about six seconds before I heard the beep from the camera being started. The TC never flinched.

Just curious.

we have them available $129.95 each. We do not have stock, but we expect units next week. http://www.videoguys.com/FireStore.html

Gary

we have them available $129.95 each. We do not have stock, but we expect units next week. http://www.videoguys.com/FireStore.html

Gary


I love it. We have them available but we don't have them in stock????

I guess he meant, we carry them but we are out of stock till next week!

I made my own battery since everyone is out of stock on these. I called focus and they said the same thing. I like having the newest stuff but sometimes you get... Sorry, we are on back order! Good luck with the battery search!

Hi Ray,

Mark is correct, it should be fairly quick to copy files off of FS-4 to your computer...at least 3 times faster than real-time. It does depend on a lot of variables though (how many peripherals are on the FireWire bus, computer speed, drive speed, fragmentation etc.)

Hope that helps.

Matt


With my laptop, a newer dell pent M class it takes approximately 20-25 minutes to transfer 3 hours.

Jon..

I purchased one of those batteries from that store, already had the connectors and a UK charger, though the post was a bit steep at $32 !!!! But here in the UK those cells are about $4-6 each so was well worth the purchase..The only thing I'm missing is the gender changer extension lead, but I guess I can make one up !!!

Mark

Jon..

I purchased one of those batteries from that store, already had the connectors and a UK charger, though the post was a bit steep at $32 !!!! But here in the UK those cells are about $4-6 each so was well worth the purchase..The only thing I'm missing is the gender changer extension lead, but I guess I can make one up !!!

Mark


The gender connector will be male. The firestore has a female connector.

Jon

Hi John,

You can use any DV camcorder with FS-4. I am not aware of any at this stage that do not work with.

Hope that helps,

Matt

Hi Douglas,

Email me offline and I can get you the information you need. RS232C information is only available on request from Focus.

Hope that helps,

Matt

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Douglas, any doubts now about the benefits of frequenting this community? Ever had a staff member for the product in question reply as quickly in a public forum.

Matt,
I don't have a personal need for DTE capability right now (very languorous shooting requirements), but I must say, my esteem for your company just went up tremendously.

Thanks Matt,

I purchased fs-4 and have been using it with pretty good success with my zr25. Sometimes however it does not seem to get the handshake and it will not work in sync with the record trigger on the camera. Reboot sometimes helps, sometimes not. Is it my cable?

Regards,
John

Hmmm...could be your cable. Have you contacted Focus tech support? They can be contacted at 408-370-9963 or support@focusinfo.com.

Matt

You can use the GL2 without a tape inside. I capture right onto my computer hard drive without tape. I am also looking for a good portable storage device for my GL2.

LeEarl

Everything appears to be set up right, drive shows up as it should but as soon as I double click on it *crash*. This is killing me as I'm so excited to have gotten it today and now this.

Running Windows XP Pro, Dual AMD's, 2 Gigs Ram, and all should seem right with the world. Got the firewire hooked up to the correct port and the screen does say " Connect Computer Then Enable Bypass Success "

Could use some advice here.

Thanks;

- Ray
ray@undegroundplanet.com

Hi Raymond,

Hmmm, have not seen that before. Have you successfully connected other Oxford 911 based FireWire devices to your system such as FireWire drives? Also, try this...follow the steps to put FS-4Pro into HD mode (when you see Success) and then connect it to your computer.

Hope that helps,

Matt

will it work?

The JVC GY-DV500 does have a 4-pin FireWire connection. Although I have not used a GY-DV500, I cannot see any reason why it wouldn't be compatible with the FireStore FS-4.

- don

Hi Alan,

DR-DV5000 will work fine with the GY-DV500, although it will not have some of the features that only work with the GY-DV5000/-5100 such as FireStore viewfinder status, special control modes, cabless operation etc. Each DR-DV5000 ships with an adapter plate for the -500.

Hope that helps,

Matt

First we would like to thank all of our FS4 customers for their patience! Focus has been overwhelmed by the immediate demand for this exciting new product and have run into minor production problems causing further delays.

We had a big shipment of FS4 Pro 80Gb and FS4 Pro 40Gb units arrive today and we were able to fill all back-orders and we finally have inventory for immediate shipment! Although the free field kit offer with the FS4 Pro has expired we are still offering the FREE HDV upgrade and FREE DV Converter software. The Field Kits may be added to your purchase for only $100.

We are also expecting a big shipment of regular FS4 units early next week and will fill back-orders first-come, first-serve, as soon as they arrive.

Please note: Focus is still experiencing shortages on the FS4/FS4 Pro batteries so all field kits will be shipped with the mounting brackets alone and the additional battery will be shipped separately as soon as they come in. This will not affect the FS4s themselves and all units will include the originally packaged battery.

Gary
http://www.videoguys.com/FireStore.html

The FS-4 was used last Saturday to record a show that overran, so the disk was completely filled. It was on a remote-control camera in the middle of the audience so I couldn't turn it off until the show was over. I put it in Stop but it wasn't turned right off when the power lead was removed and it was packed away. Unloading when I got back, I could hear the fan working hard so I took it out and it was running on battery power. However, I couldn't turn it off. I held down the Stop button as usual but no beeps. I left it to cool down but an hour later it was still running and still couldn't be turned off. The 'Status' LED glowed red, meaning (according to the handbook) Record mode.

As it was now 1.30 in the morning all I could do was to leave it on the workbench while I went to bed. In the morning the battery was flat and it had stopped. With trepidation I powered it up. Whew! No lost files!

So all's well that ends well, but has anyone else encountered this 'won't turn off' feature?

Ray Liffen

Yes I have, I had to pull the battery off in the end...I has not done it since though.

Mark

Hi
Does anyone know if you can record without tape on the Z1 to a FS4??
cheers
mat

FS-4s are still on allocation, but as of today we will have inventory of all models! We have both FS4Pro 40Gb & FS4 Pro 80Gb units in stock. We just checked with UPS and we have a pretty big shipment of standard FS-4s ( and FS-4s with Field Kits) scheduled to arrive this afternoon.

Demand is still very strong and we are selling FS-4s as fast as we get them. While we have inventory now, we expect to be out of stock by the middle of next week. We are still experiencing shortages of extra batteries.

Over the past couple of months the reviews are starting to pour in and the decision is unanimous – FireStore FS-4 is a winner!

- EventDV Magazine gives FOCUS Enhancements FireStore FS-4 - Editor’s Choice Award “The FS-4 sets a new standard for digital disk recorders, combining the FireStore line’s peerless feature set with a competitive price point and a compact form factor that makes it a good match for top prosumer handheld camcorders from Canon, Sony, and Panasonic.”
- Digital Media Net (DMN): Tapeless Acquisition in the Palm of Your Hand “Wedding Videographers, EFP, indie filmmakers, sports, and corporate productions will love this unit. “
- DV Magazine FireStore FS-4 review: "Compact, with great battery integration. Huge, bright, readable LCD. Records directly into many NLE codecs."

For more FS-4 info, to order, or to check out the reviews above follow this link http://www.videoguys.com/FireStore.html

Gary

You CAN record from a tapeless Z1 if the FS-4 is Local mode ie manual record start.

You CAN'T record from a tapeless Z1 in Synchro Slave mode (no tape = no triggers)

The above statements are also true of the Z1's ancestors like the VX2000/2100 and the PD150/PD170.

Until the HDV firmware upgrade is available. the FS-4 will only record from the camera's 1394 socket if a) the Z1/FX1 is set to DV mode or b) the Z1/FX1 is set to HDV mode but HDV/DV downconvert is selected (ie you can simultaniously record HDV on a tape and DV on an FS-4 - very useful if you want to edit DV for the present and stockpile HDV for the future)

Ray Liffen

HI
If I connect my Apple Laptop via Firewire to the Z1 could I then record tapeless?

You should be able to record on your mac with BTV Pro, but only in DV or downconvert mode:

http://www.bensoftware.com/btvpro.html

I don't know... maybe FCP 5 would record HDV directly from firewire? I'm still running 4.5.

I have installed the new firmware onto my firestore. I cannot get it to record using the camera functions (Canon XL2 has DV control set to on) stop/start buttons. I have the firestore functions and control set to sync, i just can't seem to get it to work. Can anyone direct me to a step by step set up with the firestore on the XL2 can some one help or would your suggestion be to call focus enhancements support.

thanks

I would suggest that you try doing this with a tape in the camera, in case you are not at the moment. You might also try following a strict order of turning turning the devices on. For example, turn the XL2 on and then boot the FS-4. If that doesn't help then contact Focus.

I'm sorry that I am guessing, but I don't own an XL2, and the FS-4 I am using is not reliable anymore because I have done a lot of experimenting on it.

I'm just curious, but did the FS-4 function how you wanted it to before you updated the firmware?

It seems that transferring from the Firestore to my computer (HP) results in a loss of channels 3 & 4 audio channels.

I'm using a Canon XL2 for record.

I've checked playback from the Firestore in VCR mode on the camera, and I can hear all (4) channels, but they are not transferring properly.

If it's not the transfer then I am assuming Avid is not recognizing all (4) channels of audio.

Anyone else having this problem?

Thanks!

Check this thread,

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=47051

or search using, FS-4 audio, as a search criteria.

Daniel,

Thanks for chiming in.

I did read your post, the software does not work for OMF for Avid.

Jim Olsen @ Focus Enhancements is looking into this for me/ us.

It clearly states in the user guide that the FS4-pro records (4) channels of audio; which it does.

The problem seems to be transferring or software needs a tweak...stay tuned.

Lay an FS-4 face down on a flat surface. Push down slightly. What happens? The FS-4 powers up. That Power On button stands proud and it's too easy to accidentally start the unit.

Several times now I've come to use the unit at the start of a job, or when upacking after getting back and found that it was running despite being protected in a bubble-wrap bag. Last night my carefully-charged battery was almost out of power when I came to use it.

Gear designed for mobile use (phones or digital cameras for example) usually has the ON button recessed.

The FS-4 was designed for mobile use - was there any beta testing? It would surely have shown up this design flaw.

Ray Liffen

Yes, the FS-4 does have some serious design flaws including the power button that sticks out the front like a sore thumb so when you pull it out of your field bag the battery is dead because it turned on simply by being in the bag.

As I was trying to determine how I could pack the FS-4s in the gear bag in a way where they would not inadvertently power-on, I realized that if you turn the FS-4 unit around (battery pack toward the front) in the on-camera mount (the one that came with the "field kit" option) it protects the power button from anything pushing it by accident.

Excellent idea.

(but just one more thing to remember to do)

Ray Liffen

Good idea Bruce,

I just want to say that there was beta testing of the FS-4. I know because I was asked to be a beta tester.

I mentioned the problem of a not recessed "on" switch, along with several other things (some of which have been mentioned elsewhere on this forum) in my reports. I'm guessing that I was primarily a software beta tester without having known it, because the production model of the FS-4 was almost identical to the beta unit, except for a few software tweaks.

I have asked myself, why do a beta testing program and then not listen to the recommendations of the beta testers, but then again, I don't know what the other beta testers reported.

Maybe the FS-5 will have the physical improvements which are needed on the FS-4.

Meanwhile - ingenuity is the best recourse. When the guarantee runs out on your units, you might think about opening the unit and filing down the plastic stem on the inside of the power key so that it doesn't sit so firmly against the IC board. This will prevent general accidental power-ups.

I still have a problem forgetting that the "on" key is not a "record" key. For some reason I associate the record function with a round symbol. (this is the type of stuff I reported)

Tommorrow I'll be returning my SECOND FS4. The first one had intermittent problems, so B+H sent me a replacement. I opened the new one and put it through its' paces. Here's the results.
1- All the functions worked on the XL2 except that it had a glitch when recording from tape to the FS4. I found that I had to remove and replace the firewire plug from th Canon each time I wanted to record from tape.
2_ Then I tried it with my GL1. This time I was able to record from tape, and record the camera shooting, but only in local mode.I tried repeatedly to use it in slave mode, but no luck.
I was really hoping that the replacement would work the way it is supposed to. It's a great piece of gear, but too problematic for me at this stage of its' development.
I'd love to have one that works, but I guess I'd have to camp out at B+H, or someplace else, and try to find one that didn't have problems.Or maybe I just got two lemmons...
Bruce S. Yarock

The problem with beta testing is that by then all the 'mechanical' or 'physical' parts of the design have been finalised and the design team are really hoping for a pat on the back and maybe just a few tweaks to the software.

From a 'users' point of view the FS-4 is riddled with inconsistancies. Supposing we were starting again. Lets have:

1. A recessed ON switch that is also the OFF switch.

2. A recessed RECORD button that needs just one push

3. A recessed STOP button that needs just one push

4. Just one firewire socket, that changes function when you switch between 'camera' and 'computer' modes. That would leave room for . . . .

5. . . . . the power socket, which moves from the other end so that ALL cables exit the FS-4 from the same end. The ON/OFF switch above would also be on the end panel, to keep it away from the operational controls.

6. A hard disk that actually records 186 mins rather than 173 min. The FS-4 is intended for use with lightweight cameras and needs to match the recording time of 3 x miniDV at SP or 2 x miniDV at LP.

7. LIGHTWEIGHT power supply accessories. The FS-4 is designed for mobile use and the power supplies should reflect this. The present FS-4 design uses a heavy cable and a heavyweight plug/socket, all unnecessary.

There's nothing in the above list that is non-standard. These button arrangements and cable arrangements have been found over the years to give secure, logical operation. It is the present FS-4 design that is non-standard. Could anyone from the design team explain why they did so?

Ray Liffen

I just got an FS-4 and have already run into something that I need to figure out. I shoot LOTs of football and love that I can click and create a clip. One thing though is when I finish and transfer all these files into Premiere. The clip names are year-date-time.avi so when I sort, there is nothing to cause the sort to be in the order I want. Is there a way to adjust the naming constraints with the FS-4?

Hi Rick,
currently there is not a way to change the file naming convention used when FS4 is encoding new files to the HD.

Thanks,
Jim at Focus

The FS-4 comes with a 6 pin to 4 pin firewire cable. Does anyone know if a 6 pin to 6 pin firewire cable will also work? My PC does not have a 4 pin firewire input.

I purchased two FS-4s. The first one showed a "No Disk Detected" error immediately. The second one worked for about an hour and then displayed the "No Disk Detected" error. I tried a 6 pin to 6 pin cable but it did not work. I am curious about whether the FS-4 was not working correctly or whether only the 4 pin cable works for tranferring video to the PC.

Is this a PRO model or regular FS4???