CinePorter™ FAQ
- Thread starter Spec-Comm
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Jason Ramsey
Admin
So, how about the added features, functionality that the dual p2 interface offers? Any comment on that yet Spec?
Thanks,
Jason
Thanks,
Jason
Spec-Comm
DVXuser Sponsor
Ramjet1979 said:
Let's see if i can answer this one quickly Jason,
Most of the advantages are internal. Since we had to redesign everything to implement the removable drives, we had to change the interface card as well. With the dual design we can emulate two cards, which allows for longer playback capability through the camera, dust protection and we don't have to play "tricks" with the camera, so it doesn't matter if there is a firmware change, we remain compatible. It is also a better design and implementation of the CinePorter. It takes care of some of the problems we were still working on in the CP-2 and it's just a more robust design. There was something else, but I can't think of it right now.
We understand that this removes the "stackable" feature on the 2 slot cameras, but we thought it was worth it!
David
Spec-Comm
DVXuser Sponsor
Randal N said:
There will be firmware upgrades. We believe that all bugs should be fixed ASAP and we will issue firmware upgrades frequently.
Unfortunately, a lot of the tools for firmware upgrades are for PC only. It is our goal to write a CinePorter Manager application for the MAC as soon as possible, however it will be a separate software effort and will likely not be available at the release. In the meantime you can burrow a PC or if you have an Intel MAC, set it up to also boot to Windows.
Rest assured though, that the functionality of the CinePorter will have full MAC compatibility from the start.
I'm sorry for the inconvenience.
David
Spec-Comm
DVXuser Sponsor
TwistedLincoln said:
Hi Tony,
The dual interface card is not for the laptop use, although a good idea. See my previous post.
I think you have figured out what the bad news is.
The CinePorter does mount as Mass Storage Device and is as universal as can be for most operating systems.
David
Spec-Comm
DVXuser Sponsor
TwistedLincoln said:
No caddies for the HDDs Tony. Caddies add a good bit to the price, they would make the unit substantially larger and the drives run substantially hotter. You can install the drives into a very inexpensive off-the-shelf FW, USB or E-SATA enclosure if you wish. The down side is the need for handling precautions. We are considering a docking station with multiple interfaces. Not in the time line until after the release though.
The additional drive pricing is LIST. So it'll be up to the dealers to set the street price. I understand about the want to be able to use other drives. We're not sure at this point of how to keep people from using drives that will not work well. The drives we will supply will be tested, certified and will have our Firmware so that they will be recognized by the CinePorter and aways perform well. We will do our best to keep a large stock.
I understand your question about the camera battery, but there is nothing we can do about that. We can on the CinePorter.
I think the release date is by far the worst of the bad news.
David
Spec-Comm
DVXuser Sponsor
Barry_Green said:
Hi Barry,
Right now there is a copy utility in the Dual drive version that will allow you to copy a drive inside the CinePorter faster than offloading. We understand that this still takes time and the workflow you describe is the ideal and preferred method of operation. We are working on a way to "break" the RAID pair and quickly "finalize" the drives changing them to a format that can be used by other computers without the RAID controller. We believe that we will have this functionality by the time the unit ships.
David
Spec-Comm
DVXuser Sponsor
Ramjet1979 said:
Jason,
Even if we don't have a way to separate the drives in a RAID 1 configuration, one of the modes allows you to simply span them. It's not a RAID mode. The CinePorter simply records to one drive and then to the next. When the first one is full, you can replace the full one while recording. We also have RAID 0 for applications in high vibration and motion situations, such as in an airplane. This will allow faster throughput and with the CinePorter's huge Cache virtually guarantees no dropped frames.
David
Spec-Comm
DVXuser Sponsor
Johan_Lundberg said:
Please don't try to figure out some perceived marketing strategy. We are trying to please multiple markets and the pricing will just have to be what it has to be. Remember, you are not buying extra hardware, but functionality. It took dollars and time to implement them. We have also given up future dollars by making a removable HDD model. The extra HDDs at the price we're selling them to the dealers will not bring us much profit. We are providing them for quality control and the reputation of the CinePorter.
Buy what YOU need.
David
Jason Ramsey
Admin
I didn't think about that with the dual card interface. That I would lose the ability to plug the cp into my lappys pcmcia slot and dump footage. Or, even more exciting the ability to potentially edit straight off of the cp, as you can with p2 cards. And the ability to write back to the "cards"(cp).
That is a feature that I will miss. "Mounting" the cp to my laptop via its p2 interface, and using it just as I would a p2 card with EDIUS. How difficult would it be to "re-implement" that capability? Would it be as simple as "giving a little slack" between the two cards of the dual interface? For example, the red and white ends of an rca cable. It v's off so there is a little room there. It is a "loose" connection, rather than the dual interface being a solid structure. Does that make sense?
Could it be something like that, allowing you to just plug in one of the "cards" into the laptop, or does the way the cp now functions with the dual interface require both "cards" to be used simultaneously?
The thing I love about the cineporter is that it would act just like a big p2 card, so to speak. It would be a bit of a shame to lose the ability to use it as such with my laptop.
That was a bit longwinded.
Keep up the good work, Spec.
Thanks,
Jason
That is a feature that I will miss. "Mounting" the cp to my laptop via its p2 interface, and using it just as I would a p2 card with EDIUS. How difficult would it be to "re-implement" that capability? Would it be as simple as "giving a little slack" between the two cards of the dual interface? For example, the red and white ends of an rca cable. It v's off so there is a little room there. It is a "loose" connection, rather than the dual interface being a solid structure. Does that make sense?
Could it be something like that, allowing you to just plug in one of the "cards" into the laptop, or does the way the cp now functions with the dual interface require both "cards" to be used simultaneously?
The thing I love about the cineporter is that it would act just like a big p2 card, so to speak. It would be a bit of a shame to lose the ability to use it as such with my laptop.
That was a bit longwinded.
Keep up the good work, Spec.
Thanks,
Jason
Barry_Green
Moderator
FW800 should provide comparable functionality. Or gigabit ethernet.
Matt Gottshalk
Resident Preditor
Spec-Comm said:I'm glad that you bought the Firestore. We have always advocated that you should buy what's available to fit your current needs. And you did buy it from us right?
David
No, but if it makes you feel better, I promise to only buy the Cineporter from you! :laugh:
Jennyparis
Well-known member
I advocate for eSATA for any external link:
eSATA is cheap and exists as PC Cardbus & Expresscard.
eSATA is cheap and exists as PC Cardbus & Expresscard.
Spec-Comm
DVXuser Sponsor
Ramjet1979 said:
Jason,
Did I say that you lost that capability? The connection between the two interface cards is completely flexible. We should have some real pictures soon. With the new design though, we may not implement that feature until after the release. Unlike FW 800 or USB 2.0, the interface card does not have a DMA connection to the drive controller.
David
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