Other differences
 

The DSR-85 Allow high speed transfer of video and audio between similarly equipped decks. e.g another DSR-85 or the EditStation 7.
The DSR-80 has RGB output the 85 does not.
The DSR-80 has a wider range of Digital slow (0 to 0.39) the 85's slow is 0 to 0.25.

I'm a bit of a newbie here but I've been reading this thread (and others) looking into a cheap way to save the heads on my XL1s. since price (i don't have $1400) is a large factor for me, I'm leaning towards an inexpensive dvcam corder for a deck. All i'm really concerned about is getting the footage into FCP. I noticed the comments regarding the canon ZR series in earlier posts and I'm wondering if anyone knows if they are compatible with the device control functionality in FCP. Or would other cameras be better for this. I'd hate to spend 300+ for the ability to import footage and then have to do it all manually.
Any thoughts and advice would be appreciated.

i have the exact same question as henry. do the ZR series camcorders, functioning as decks, read timecode? can you batch capture in FCP? i really want a dsr-11 but they're so darned expensive....

<<<-- Originally posted by Henry Harrison : I'm a bit of a newbie here but I've been reading this thread (and others) looking into a cheap way to save the heads on my XL1s. since price (i don't have $1400) is a large factor for me, I'm leaning towards an inexpensive dvcam corder for a deck. All i'm really concerned about is getting the footage into FCP. I noticed the comments regarding the canon ZR series in earlier posts and I'm wondering if anyone knows if they are compatible with the device control functionality in FCP. Or would other cameras be better for this. I'd hate to spend 300+ for the ability to import footage and then have to do it all manually.
Any thoughts and advice would be appreciated. -->>>

I can tell you what I read about two months ago on another forum.

The person seemed to think that any time-code number above hour seven or eight was not being recognized if the mini-dv tape was played in a ZR camcorder.

So it appears that higher time-coded numbers and DV-CAM recorded tapes won't playback in the ZR. Otherwise I've made dubs from BetaCam Sp to mini-dv using the ZR-65 and they were later loaded into a final cut pro system.

<<<-- Originally posted by Glenn Chan : Some models of the JVC DV decks are the cheapest available, but many people report problems with them. It's ok if it won't cost much to refund it.

JVC has combo mini-DV/SVHS which are ok. The SVHS deck part doesn't work very well since it gets really confusing what is routed where. A seperate VHS/SVHS deck would be a better option. -->>>
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I've had the JVC HR-DVS3U for 10 months and have used it daily.
I've had no problems with it, in functions or quality. It has dual mini-DV and S-VHS decks and has internal connections between them. Although there is a complicated set of connecting and routing possibilities, after spending a little time to understand them all, I can make it do what I want. It has a good remote controler, with a jog/shuttle wheel on it. It is recognized by and compatible over FireWire with all my Sony, JVC and Toshiba VCRs, camcorders and DVD recorders and with my computer capture- card. It won't play back DVCAM, but a similar pro-division model by JVC will. As a consumer model, it has full timed-programming functions and a broadcast/cable tuner. The tuner and timer work for both the DV and S-VHS decks. Although it doesn't display timecode frames on its front panel or over an analog output, it does record frame numbers and transfers them, embedded in its FireWire signal. It is responsive to frame-by-frame commands from a computer, over FireWire. The DVS3U has only partial compatibility with Sony Data Code information.

The JVC HR-DVS3U is the least expensive DV VCR. I paid $700. for it and another $80. for a 5-year extended warranty from B&H Photo-Video. I bought it mainly as a backup for my Sony GV-D1000 DV mini-VCR and to have an easy means to transfer DV footage to S-VHS. Many of my friends and relatives have S-VHS VCRs and this is a good way to distribute my videos to them, with fairly good quality. However, since it works so well, I often use it
for NLE and linear editing, saving wear on my more expensive equipment.

Re: Case for MiniDV Deck
 

<<<-- Originally posted by Brian Vilevac : Anyone know of a good case for the Sony GV-D1000 MiniDV Deck? Now that I have invested $1000 for the deck, I thought it would be nice to have a protective case for it! -->>>
--------------------------------------------------------------

I'll answer anyway, even though you've returned it. I made a very durable, waterproof and cheap carrying case for my GV-D1000 and it also fits my GV-D200 and MVC-FDR3. I went to a variety store and bought a good quality, square-shaped, plastic food container. It has a snaptop and is polyethylene, which is the material of Tupperware. I used a compatible adhesive and lined it all around inside with 1/2-inch, closed-cell foam, from a camping pad (Insulite). The total cost was about $8. I'm constantly carrying one or the other of these portable units around for display of video or still pictures. I can drop them into a backpack when inside this case, without worrying about damage from impact or moisture. If I'm out in rough territory, I also put the case inside a large ziplock bag.

Another type of inexpensive carrying case that I use for all sorts of cameras and accessories, is insulated lunch bags, that I find at grocery or variety stores. These are sturdy and have built-in padding. I have found several at cutrate places for $5. to $10. and they're just as good as designated camera bags that might cost much more. I fit the shoulder straps that come with cameras onto them for hands-free carrying. They all have several smaller pockets for tapes, batteries, etc.

I concur with what J. Stephen says about the JVC. Once you get around the menus to get it to do what you want, these decks are pretty good tools to go from digital to (S)VHS. They have fairly competent TBC and noise correctors within them so you can do these transfers casually and still get good quality.

What is a Deck?
 

I know for most of you guys this sounds like the dumbest question ever but...

What is a DV Deck? What's it used for? Its' Purpose?

VTR. Tapedeck. The same as vhs but different. Quite a few dv producers use a cheap camcorder to playback tapes, as a "deck".

Don't feel stupid, we are all here to learn from each other ;-) That said, like Jimmy said, it's just a kind of videorecorder, where you can put your (mini dv for example) tapes in, so you can play them back, maybe connect it to a computer, so you don't need to wear your heads of your cam every time you want to capture your footage to edit.
That's why I think many people buy them, to reduce the wear on their cameraheads.

What's a Camera head?

It's the part that makes your tape spin, or record. Like the heads of your videotaperecorder.
Or like the things in your walkman, to play your tape. The things that make the tape spin, that are the heads (I hope I'm not mistaken, but I think I'm right).
So if you put a lot of wear on them, they will be dirty (each manufacturer uses other chemicals in their tape, so if you choose to film with a brand of tape, stick with it, because if you change, your heads can become dirty) or after a while, they'll just are broke. So instead of putting a lot of wear on your camera heads, which already have to work when you are recording, people many times use a deck or a cheap camera to play things back.
I hope that's a little bit clear, but otherwise, feel free to ask.

After doing some research...

Why are they so expensive if all they do is play back the tape?

Don't listen to those guys.

A deck is what holds a boat down on the water. Without a deck, it would float up into the sky.

A camera head is someone who eats, sleeps and breathes about cameras.

This is a unique sort of product in that there is no truly comsumer product cousin that you will find for this mid-level priced product. For that reason as well as economics of scale: they'll sell one of these to every 1000 camcorders, the manufacturers make them robust enough to meet the rigors of daily use and they are equipped with the most desired functionality. That is where the price point comes in to play. Same product development expense for 1/1000th the sales throughput. Ergo, it ends up in the semi-pro leagues or above.

Find a cheap camcorder.

Another great source for basic info is Videomaker magazine. Perfect for the novice producer just setting out. But like all publications, you have to be careful of their reviews. If they take a centrefold display ad for a consumer video product, they will have a hard time being objective when it comes time to list the pros and cons.

Requesting advice on deck
 

I just purchased a used Sony DSR 30 deck and I'm thinking concerned with a few things, mainly the playback. The audio is patchy at best and the video is pretty spotty as well. I just purchased a DV cleaning cassette (dry) and will see if that fixes it. The seller said they'd fix it under warranty for 30 days, but I'm in Colorado and they're in Florida, so there's shipping time and costs to worry about. The seller said it was in good working condition in their ad, yet it's clearly in need of some maintenance so I'm not so keen on sending it back "to fix." Now if they were taking it back for a full 100% refund, that might be different.

I guess I'm looking for some seasoned editors and/ or equipment techs who are familiar with pro level decks for some sound advice. The unit is rather beat up and I have no idea of knowing how to read the hours on it.

1. If the drums/ or heads or whatever they're called are worn out, any idea of a ballpark on the replacement costs?

2. Any idea what it might cost to have a local shop give it a thorough maintenance checkup? Aligning the heads as needed, cleaning the tape path, etc.

3. Is there a way to make it display the hours on it?

4. Anyone in the Denver area know any reputable electronics repair places that specialize in VTRs?

5. When cleaning it with a cleaning cassette, should I use DVCam cleaner or just a mini DV cleaner, or both? My camera is a mini DV (Canon Optura 40) so I only have mini DV media.

6. In a sony tech doc it says to clean it with both a dry cassette and a cleaning kit every so often. I can't seem to find the cleaning kit they speak of, even online.

Hi Eric,

There is only *one* place to send it for repairs and service, and that's the Sony factory service center in Atlanta.

Chris,
Are you referring to BackPorch? Didn't the Sony facility in Norcross close a few years ago? If you're talking about BackPorch, have you had any business dealings with them? Are they good folks?

Buying a deck.
 

I'm looking at decks, they all cost upwards of 1,000 dollars and I can't help but freak out about that price. I could buy a camera for that much! So can anyone give me information about an AFFORDABLE way of capturing footage? I plan on buying a DVC30 in the future if that means anything.
So should I buy a panasonic to capture with? I'm just afraid because I had a cheap cam' from SHARP (which I realise - probably wasn't a good buy) and the firewire blew out on it. What are the chances of something like this happening on a 200-300 dollar cam' from Panasonic?

give me the news guys. Should I go the cam route or get a deck. or buy a used deck if possible.

If you want a deck and don't wish to break your budget at this time, consider one of JVC's dual-deck DV/S-VHS models. I've had their HR-DVS3U for a year and it has performed faultlessly. It cost $700. It's a big, solid unit and even has a cooling fan (so quiet, I didn't even know it was there for the first 6 months). They also have a pro model that costs a couple hundred more and it has the added feature of playing back DVCAM recordings. It doesn't have an EP mode on the S-VHS side, as the DVS3U does.

You can buy a cheapo DV camcorder for less, to be a playback machine, but as you described, they can be more easily worn out.

Well I am finally ready to invest in a Mini DV deck. For awhile I was leaning towards just buying a low-end camera, but have pretty much ruled that out for fear that the camera might not be able to withstand the wear and tear. Since it is a cheaper machine it makes sense that it wouldnt be as quick and responsive as a deck that was designed for capturing video.

Unfortunately I cant spend the $1700 for the Sony DSR-11. So after reading this post and others it seems like my choices are narrowed down to...

JVC HR-DVS3U

or the
Sony GV-D1000

However I thought I would first ask if anybody knows of any newer technology or OTHER options as far as DV decks today.

my problem with the JVC is I have no use for the VHS side of the deck, and I've read a few reviews that the JVC's just are not that reliable.

my problem with the GV-D1000 is I dont really need the LCD even though I could see it being handy on a few occasions.

So any other suggestions as of Today July 02, 2005?

Thanks

Tague,

I have to throw my two cents worth in here. I too, have the GV-D1000. It is an excellent choice with many features above being a capture drive. It is small and portable enough to go with you while taping, giving a larger screen for composition, and a tape back-up to boot.

While too big to mount on the camera, you can get a case from Porta Brace that allows you to hang it around your neck to use as a monitor. And, as mentioned before, it is great to use to show your client/potential client, footage of your shoot.

Dan

I have both the JVC HR-DVS3U and the Sony GV-D1000 and I like them both.
I use the JVC most often, simply because I bought it mainly to save wear on the Sony. However, I've found that it functions without flaw and so I don't hesitate to use it as my primary playback VCR, even for the most important projects. The DVS3U doesn't show the frame numbers on either the front-panel timecode display or on its analog output. However, it does record frame numbers and passes them along on the FireWire signal. The frame numbers show when it's captured on a computer. It doesn't re-record or pass on Sony datacode.

The Sony GV-D1000 shows complete timecode and datacode on its viewscreen, as well as on its analog output. The timecode display on its LCD screen does come in handy when I'm copying to another digital or analog VCR and it's great for use as a portable, self-contained video theatre in a pocket.

The DVS3U doesn't play back pre-recorded DVCam, while the GV-D1000 does play it back, but doesn't record it. The slightly more expensive pro-division version of the DVS3U does play back DVCam. The JVC is about $300. less expensive than the Sony and has the added advantage of containing an S-VHS deck and an analog tuner. I often make S-VHS distribution copies and this VCR comes in handy for internal DV to S-VHS copying. You can buy both these VCRs for the cost of one Sony DSR-11. I'm glad I got them both, as they give me everything (except audio dubbing) I could want in DV VCR functions.

Hello,

I have a new DSR-11 and am extremely happy with it!

Before I upgraded from my ZR40 to my PDX10, I used it with Final Cut and had no problems with it. The only thing I noticed that it was a little sluggish in responding to the remote command from FCP when batch capturing.

Where my PDX10 blazes to a precise spot, I can hear the ZR near the spot, then rewind, then forward, then rewind, until it nails the exact timecode. It always got the job done, but was a little slower in doing it.

DVCPro 25/50 Deck that supports Mini-DV
 

Hey all...

i'm thinking of upgrading to uncompressed editing, and i'm looking into a blackmagic SD extreme card and a new DV deck. (on a side note, premiere pro will support this correct?)

I would like to find a deck that supports DVCPro 25/50 while still accepting mini-DV tapes - even if it uses an adapter, that has component outputs at minimum- would love to have SDI.

any recommendations?

thanks
~Mike

Sony DVcam Deck lifespan
 

Gotta a deck in da company now that seems kinda wonky; had to clean it a few times in 1 week, to get the tape with TC running. Sometimes there's black bars and squares scattered over the video b4 cleaning.

The Drum rotation says : 0201 X 10 H

and the Threading : 0932 X 10 H

It is time to service / change the head ?

Anyone's been keeping tabs on their deck life ?


Cheers.

Noone here uses decks on a heavy duty basis ??

Personally, I have a DSR45 that has been working for YEARS now.
Thousands of hours and no trouble. It is due to die any day and I can't
complain if it did.

At the University, we have six DSR11s and they've all had to be
sent to the shop for repairs. Some more than two times.
Many of those repairs cost over $800 each.

As always, WMMV.

Looking for a dv deck
 

I am looking for a modestly priced (I have heard one runs for $1,500) dv deck to hook up to my computer for capturing video into FCP. What are some places to look and some quality decks that you guys own or have used? I figure if I can buy a deck then there is no sense in putting more wear on my camera than need be.

Best bang for buck: Sony DSR-11, does PAL or NTSC, DV-cam or DV and takes Mini-DV or full sized DV tapes.

B&H sells it for $1650:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/sitem/sku=212935&is=REG&m=Y

The Panasonic decks might be a little better value.

Headphone jack.
Supposedly does 7.5IRE setup. It either adds fake setup (by manipulating digital black level to be higher than standard), or it does real setup (puts digital black level at 7.5IRE instead of 0).
Don't record DVCAM.

Are both the Sony and Panasonic deck controllable with FCP 4.5 or 5.0? Because I would want to be connecting them to my G5 desktop so I won't have to use my camera to capture anymore.

Is this akin to using an audio interface to capture audio directly to hard-drive, instead of to a sampler?

I use the DSR-11 with FCP 4.5 and it works great. The only thing is it doesn't have an audio monitor jack so I just use an RCA to Stereo adapter and monitor that way.

Why exactly would you need to monitor the audio coming from the deck? Wouldn't you just capture the audio and video and worry about it after you had it in FCP?

And Justin, I am not sure what you are asking as I am not well versed yet in audio tech. All I am wanting to do is find a deck that can allow me to capture the shot footage from my mini DV tapes so I don't have to wear out my camera quicker by shooting and capturing on it.

About the audio interface... I have a workstation keyboard, it can sample (record) audio and save to compact-flash card or internal memory. So what I do presently is sample each track that I 'compose' individually, then transfer to my Powerbook. It's kind of a lengthy process. If I had an audio interface, each track could simply record straight-to-hard-drive and it would be a time saver.

I was wondering if this is what a video deck does.

Ok I see what you are saying. The type of deck I am looking for simply allows (FCP for me) the computer to capture the shot footage as it plays off of the deck as opposed to hooking your camera up to the computer via firewire. It is a simpler process because you are not taking up time using your camera and it is less wear on it as well.

DSR-11 is a solid workhorse for the money. Biggest weak point is the tiny little hinges on the door... so be careful with the door. Other than that, its solid with FCP or Avid. (I use one and cut on Avid, my partner uses one with his FCP system)

I use it to capture, and convert and as my 'monitor out' from firewire to the monitor for color correction. I run my DVD player and old Analogue VHS player through it for capture as well.

That is a good idea. I never thought to run a vcr and DVD player through there for capture.