modified vx2000 BETTER? than pd150 at DVinfo.net

Adi Head · November 14th, 2002, 09:24 AM

i inquired with the BBC about a modifaction they do to the vx2000 and they sent me the following information. has anyone had any experience with this kind of mod for the vx2000? i'd like to read thoughts about this kind of modification. BY THE WAY, has anyone heard of a modification done to the pd150 to improve audio?

BBC SAYS:

The VX 2000’s audio system, as supplied from Sony, is rather hissy. Your camcorder can be modified to reduce the audio hiss level by a significant 12dB. This is achieved by an internal modification which requires the camera to be used in conjunction with a Glensound GSTN-1 audio box. The standard GSTN-1 also has to be modified for use with the VX2000.

Sony DCR-VX2000E DV camcorder & Glensound modification - What to look for:
1.Audio output phono socket connectors (red & white) on standard camcorder are now audio inputs.
2.No audio output from camcorder except for 3.5mm stereo headphone output
3.Dummy 3.5mm jack plug attached to carry handle
4.3.5mm stereo plug to twin phono plug lead supplied (for audio playback from camcorder)
5.Audio output from Glensound box is a white & red phono jack lead (not 3.5mm stereo mini jack)

THESE ARE SOME QUESTIONS I ASKED THEM ALONG WITH THEIR ANSWERS:

1. is the modification only for the audio capability and functions of the camera? does the imagery stay exactly as it was?
Yes, the visuals will be the same as before. Audio signal to noise ratio is improved significant 12dB (16 times!)

2. how does the BBC modified vx2000 compare with it's professional model twin - the pd150 in your opinion?
Advantages:Sound is better, much better, easy to control audio levels and more user friendly, records 60mins in SP mode, visuals are the same as PD150, price comparable to the PD150 (if buying the modified camcorder from us), internal parts are same as the PD150.
Disadvantages: Lacks professional functions like real timecode, individual audio channel monitoring, etc., lower tape speed thus recordings less robustness but allows extra 20 mins on a tape, needs an add-on audio box for manual level control and XLR inputs, warranty nullified after the modification, Colour view finder (PD150 has a B&W view finder for quicker focus and contrast control.

3. do the BBC use sony pd150 miniDV cameras? and if so, are modifications made for this camera as well?
The BBC does use the PD150 quite a lot. No modifications are done (except Sony's own mod to reduce hiss on very early batches). The camera is used as stock without modifications. Users find it hissy even after the Sony mod and this mod is at the cost of "head room". Impulsive high audio levels tend to produce distortion more readily than the modified VX2000. Those who have used the modified VX2000 usually don't go back to the PD150 unless they have to for some reason.

November 14th, 2002, 09:24 AM	#1
Adi Head Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 642	modified vx2000 BETTER? than pd150 i inquired with the BBC about a modifaction they do to the vx2000 and they sent me the following information. has anyone had any experience with this kind of mod for the vx2000? i'd like to read thoughts about this kind of modification. BY THE WAY, has anyone heard of a modification done to the pd150 to improve audio? BBC SAYS: The VX 2000’s audio system, as supplied from Sony, is rather hissy. Your camcorder can be modified to reduce the audio hiss level by a significant 12dB. This is achieved by an internal modification which requires the camera to be used in conjunction with a Glensound GSTN-1 audio box. The standard GSTN-1 also has to be modified for use with the VX2000. Sony DCR-VX2000E DV camcorder & Glensound modification - What to look for: 1.Audio output phono socket connectors (red & white) on standard camcorder are now audio inputs. 2.No audio output from camcorder except for 3.5mm stereo headphone output 3.Dummy 3.5mm jack plug attached to carry handle 4.3.5mm stereo plug to twin phono plug lead supplied (for audio playback from camcorder) 5.Audio output from Glensound box is a white & red phono jack lead (not 3.5mm stereo mini jack) THESE ARE SOME QUESTIONS I ASKED THEM ALONG WITH THEIR ANSWERS: 1. is the modification only for the audio capability and functions of the camera? does the imagery stay exactly as it was? Yes, the visuals will be the same as before. Audio signal to noise ratio is improved significant 12dB (16 times!) 2. how does the BBC modified vx2000 compare with it's professional model twin - the pd150 in your opinion? Advantages:Sound is better, much better, easy to control audio levels and more user friendly, records 60mins in SP mode, visuals are the same as PD150, price comparable to the PD150 (if buying the modified camcorder from us), internal parts are same as the PD150. Disadvantages: Lacks professional functions like real timecode, individual audio channel monitoring, etc., lower tape speed thus recordings less robustness but allows extra 20 mins on a tape, needs an add-on audio box for manual level control and XLR inputs, warranty nullified after the modification, Colour view finder (PD150 has a B&W view finder for quicker focus and contrast control. 3. do the BBC use sony pd150 miniDV cameras? and if so, are modifications made for this camera as well? The BBC does use the PD150 quite a lot. No modifications are done (except Sony's own mod to reduce hiss on very early batches). The camera is used as stock without modifications. Users find it hissy even after the Sony mod and this mod is at the cost of "head room". Impulsive high audio levels tend to produce distortion more readily than the modified VX2000. Those who have used the modified VX2000 usually don't go back to the PD150 unless they have to for some reason.