Is anyone having success with their Citidisk & HVX?
- Thread starter 330ceo
- Start date
I actually saw one working at our Dallas FCP group meeting. This was a 100 and it did record after the owner had followed some rather arcane instructions that Shining had sent. One peculiarity is they only way the camera can control the device is if there is an empty P2 card in it and record simultaneously to card and disk (card can be set to loop). Otherwise, start/stop has to be controlled on the Citidisk itself. I did not have the chance to test it extensively myself, particularly in the case of spanned clips. But this is the only instance I have actually heard of in which the device worked.
Ned Soltz
Ned Soltz
It appears capable, as you say. But I would be very careful. Note that I am a Firestore user and a major advocate of the product. I realize that the price of the FS-100 is considerably higher. However, you have a proven device with top notch tech support and continued product development.
Ned
Ned
nsoltz said:
I've read that the FireStore requires a lot of "arcane" knowledge and is basically an artistic talent.
Is it really that hard to set up and record **reliably** night in and night out.
A laptop recording seems better (firewire to software with known HD hardware).
Tree
JXN2filming
Member
Well... I keep reading things about Firestore FS100 or P2 workflow problems , and now this "arcane" stuff that makes me wonder ... Am I the lucky one? ... I do most of my work for the city Hall and the Major of this town, and I know I have to be very precise because theres is no room for mistakes I can't do re-takes... no way...
All I can say is that neither FirestoreFS100 nor the P2card or the FCP 5.1.2 workflow has ever let me down. I have simply followed instructions on the manual and "voile" . It works flawlessly for me.
All I can recommend is always keep "good habits" in equipment.., repair permissions on the mac, update it and also keep updated FS100 and P2 cards and if something isn't broken,..don't fix it...
Feel kind of out place cause only good things has happened to me since last October when I started working with the HVX200 ....
But just in case...I am knocking on wood...knock..knock
All I can say is that neither FirestoreFS100 nor the P2card or the FCP 5.1.2 workflow has ever let me down. I have simply followed instructions on the manual and "voile" . It works flawlessly for me.
All I can recommend is always keep "good habits" in equipment.., repair permissions on the mac, update it and also keep updated FS100 and P2 cards and if something isn't broken,..don't fix it...
Feel kind of out place cause only good things has happened to me since last October when I started working with the HVX200 ....
But just in case...I am knocking on wood...knock..knock
Jan_Crittenden
Veteran
JXN2filming said:
The Arcane stuff that Ned was talking about was not the FS100 but the Citidisk.
Right Ned?
Jan
Exactly, Jan.
The CitiDisk requires all of the obscure and arcane knowledge, settings, multiple emails to vendor, etc in order to work.
The Firestore does require some settings, but they are straightforward. It has proven itself to me and to countless others a reliable device.
Ned
The CitiDisk requires all of the obscure and arcane knowledge, settings, multiple emails to vendor, etc in order to work.
The Firestore does require some settings, but they are straightforward. It has proven itself to me and to countless others a reliable device.
Ned
gunleik
Well-known member
Be aware that the FireWire port on the HVX is its achilles heel - pretty much on the same idiotic level of the rest of the Panny "pro" products I've used.
I keep asking myself "why on earth can they not get this basic little feature right"
I've beat up PD 150's & 170's quite roughly over the years - not one single glitch.
The panny Firewire ports are temperamentfull - at best, really bad quite often and they break (Luckily not for me yet, but I can easily see and feel it coming...)
Both the Citidisk and the FS-100 (which I own and use happily, but cautiosly) rely on this week spot on the HVX.
Gunleik
I keep asking myself "why on earth can they not get this basic little feature right"
I've beat up PD 150's & 170's quite roughly over the years - not one single glitch.
The panny Firewire ports are temperamentfull - at best, really bad quite often and they break (Luckily not for me yet, but I can easily see and feel it coming...)
Both the Citidisk and the FS-100 (which I own and use happily, but cautiosly) rely on this week spot on the HVX.
Gunleik
Jan,
Not to hi-jack, but I haven't seen you in a long time on the board. Good to have you here. I hope you are well in the New Year.
Yours,
e
Not to hi-jack, but I haven't seen you in a long time on the board. Good to have you here. I hope you are well in the New Year.
Yours,
e
daniel LANDAU
New member
obscure and arcane knowledge, settings...
Can anyone be more specific about this problem with Citidisk?
Can anyone be more specific about this problem with Citidisk?
I had seen an email from Shining to the CitiDisk user which detailed how to get the thing running on a Mac. It involved reformatting the drive, downloading drivers and doing some other software based modifications. These instructions were part of a longer set of instructions regarding the device and it just seemed very dense to me.
Now, I do not mean to trash a vendor's product. As a reviewer of many products for web and print, I try to remain as objective as possible, dispensing effluent praise where called for and gentle critiques when displeased.
But so far, little about this device has caught my fancy. I still await the demo unit they told me they were shipping in July.
Ned
Now, I do not mean to trash a vendor's product. As a reviewer of many products for web and print, I try to remain as objective as possible, dispensing effluent praise where called for and gentle critiques when displeased.
But so far, little about this device has caught my fancy. I still await the demo unit they told me they were shipping in July.
Ned
Does "partial success" count?
Does "partial success" count?
Hi, all.
New to this forum...found it while looking for some worthwhile info on the CitiDisk HD. (Now THAT's an exercise in futility). I feel like a CitiDisk Beta tester. Here's my experience:
Have one in my hands right now...a 100...a loaner from a vendor. I'm certain it has the most recent firmware, as it was updated by the distributor who supplies the vendor.
I downloaded the Shining Utility Suite and the firmware, but the utility can't locate the device (even though it appeared in "My Computer"), so I asked the distributor to do it. He did; it only took about 2 mins, (after I drove 30 mins. to deliver it), but he could offer no hint at all as to why the Utility cannot locate the device on my computer. Now, what to do when the next firmware is released? I also left a note about it on the Shining site, but haven't been back to check for reponses.
Used the 100 HD today to record DVCPRO50 footage with my HVX. Ended up with 12 clips, numbered 0000 thru 1100, all AVI.
I transferred the entire "Media" folder from the CitiDisk to my hard drive, and all went well. Once there, I tried to import to PPro2. Couldn't import all clips at once, so tried them one at a time. For some reason I can't fathom, clips 0000, 0500, 1000, and 1100 won't work. As soon as I select it from PPro2 "Import", I get a msg from Windows Explorer stating it encountered a problem and needs to close. I try opening them in Explorer to play in Media Player, but I get a msg from Windows Explorer stating it encountered a problem and needs to close. I can't even play the bad clips directly from the CitiDisk over its' firewire connection.
I've imported all the other clips into PPro 2, can drag them to a sequence, and they show in the source monitor. They all seem fine. However, when I try to drag one of those bad clips in, PPro2 makes a "boinking" sound then shuts down by itself, faster than I would after a bullet to the heart. It's like PPro2 is just barfed from RAM.
So while some of my footage is usable, not all of it is. That's enuf to p!$$ me off, 'cause now I have to go back and re-shoot that, and it's an hour + drive one way!!! I wish I knew what was wrong with those other clips. (How do I know it won't happen again when I re-shoot the footage)? I really don't want to do this project on mini-DV tape.
Does this count as "success"? Yay or nay, I don't think the unit deserves to be labeled as "a highly effective tool" if only 75% of what you shoot is usable. No one in the business can afford to lose that much time on a project. Just one more opportunity to ask :What were you thinking?"
The unit is a good idea. I read where it's been described as "arcane"...an apt description; all the blinking light codes remind me of being at the boardwalk. It seems they rushed it to market and left buyers with a sour puss and themselves with an increasingly bad rep. I REALLY wish I could get it to work right, or that there was understandable documentation of HOW it works...not merely how it's supposed to work. Shining needs to hire someone who can properly communicate, e.g. write for/with their market.
I'm still hoping I won't have to write a bad review on one of the popular shoipping sites, but if this doesn't get fixed soon, I feel I'll have no choice.
I've seen comments that the price per gig isn't bad. Maybe the price is relatively low so it can serve as some kind of compensation for all us Beta testers.
Thoughts?
Does "partial success" count?
Hi, all.
New to this forum...found it while looking for some worthwhile info on the CitiDisk HD. (Now THAT's an exercise in futility). I feel like a CitiDisk Beta tester. Here's my experience:
Have one in my hands right now...a 100...a loaner from a vendor. I'm certain it has the most recent firmware, as it was updated by the distributor who supplies the vendor.
I downloaded the Shining Utility Suite and the firmware, but the utility can't locate the device (even though it appeared in "My Computer"), so I asked the distributor to do it. He did; it only took about 2 mins, (after I drove 30 mins. to deliver it), but he could offer no hint at all as to why the Utility cannot locate the device on my computer. Now, what to do when the next firmware is released? I also left a note about it on the Shining site, but haven't been back to check for reponses.
Used the 100 HD today to record DVCPRO50 footage with my HVX. Ended up with 12 clips, numbered 0000 thru 1100, all AVI.
I transferred the entire "Media" folder from the CitiDisk to my hard drive, and all went well. Once there, I tried to import to PPro2. Couldn't import all clips at once, so tried them one at a time. For some reason I can't fathom, clips 0000, 0500, 1000, and 1100 won't work. As soon as I select it from PPro2 "Import", I get a msg from Windows Explorer stating it encountered a problem and needs to close. I try opening them in Explorer to play in Media Player, but I get a msg from Windows Explorer stating it encountered a problem and needs to close. I can't even play the bad clips directly from the CitiDisk over its' firewire connection.
I've imported all the other clips into PPro 2, can drag them to a sequence, and they show in the source monitor. They all seem fine. However, when I try to drag one of those bad clips in, PPro2 makes a "boinking" sound then shuts down by itself, faster than I would after a bullet to the heart. It's like PPro2 is just barfed from RAM.
So while some of my footage is usable, not all of it is. That's enuf to p!$$ me off, 'cause now I have to go back and re-shoot that, and it's an hour + drive one way!!! I wish I knew what was wrong with those other clips. (How do I know it won't happen again when I re-shoot the footage)? I really don't want to do this project on mini-DV tape.
Does this count as "success"? Yay or nay, I don't think the unit deserves to be labeled as "a highly effective tool" if only 75% of what you shoot is usable. No one in the business can afford to lose that much time on a project. Just one more opportunity to ask :What were you thinking?"
The unit is a good idea. I read where it's been described as "arcane"...an apt description; all the blinking light codes remind me of being at the boardwalk. It seems they rushed it to market and left buyers with a sour puss and themselves with an increasingly bad rep. I REALLY wish I could get it to work right, or that there was understandable documentation of HOW it works...not merely how it's supposed to work. Shining needs to hire someone who can properly communicate, e.g. write for/with their market.
I'm still hoping I won't have to write a bad review on one of the popular shoipping sites, but if this doesn't get fixed soon, I feel I'll have no choice.
I've seen comments that the price per gig isn't bad. Maybe the price is relatively low so it can serve as some kind of compensation for all us Beta testers.
Thoughts?
Dan, here's obscure and arcane...
Dan, here's obscure and arcane...
Dan,
I'll take a stab at describing some of the "arcanities". (Is that a word?)
1) Because of FAT32 file structure, all video clips are divided into 2 Gb chunks of video data; if you record for an entire hour, you have numerous 2 Gb chunks, even though any civilized NLE might consider it a single "clip", even if you never stopped recording.
2) No LCD display on the device to tell you what settings are active. Look at a picture of the front. Going from left to right you'll see:
- a DC input jack for either the external battery or the AC/ DC transformer,
- 3 white buttons, labeled POWER, QPLAY, and REC
- a tiny little sliding/toggling power switch,
- a Firewire jack,
- a tiny little opening to reach the "Quick Erase" button, (which yu need a paper clip or pencil to use), and
- a little blue LED that is supposed to serve as a power/battery level indicator.
Each of the 3 white buttons has a colored LED behind it: POWER = green or white, QPLAY = orange or white, REC = red or white. Each can blink, or stay on, and they can do so in combination. You deal with settings by deciphering different combinations of on/off/blinking lights.
3) Certain settings must be made manually, e.g. setting the unit to record MOV files, AVI files, RAW, or "User Defined". Example: if you use it today to record MOVs, it stays set to record MOVs until you change it. If tomorrow you want to record AVIs, you must change the setting thusly:
turn on the power.
Press and hold the RED button for over 5 secs, and wait for the lights to blink.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE COMBINATION OF LIGHTS THAT RESULT.
If the 3 white buttons all light up white, it's set for Raw DV.
If the 2 leftmost buttons are white and the right-most is RED, then it's set for AVI.
If the left-most button is GREEN and the center and right buttons are white, it's set for MOV.
If the buttons light up GREEN-WHITE-RED (left to right) then it's set to some User Defined file type. (Though I have no idea what that might be, how to set it, or what a user can define). the Quick Usage Guide that comes with the unit mentions a User Manual, but I've never been able to locate one. (I suspect it would be torture to read, anyway).
The possible file formats (MOV, AVI, RAW, and User def.) appear to be the only choices. (Of course, just to further annoy HVX owners, the uniit doesn't recognize MXF format). They are stored in the unit and you must cycle through them by pressing the RED button, which moves you to the next file format and a new sequence of colored lights. Decode the pattern of lights and you kow what file format the unit is set to record. (Read on, you're not done yet).
As you cycle thru the light combos, stop at the one that matches the respective file format, e.g. if you want AVI, press the RED button until the lights show white-white-red (left to right).
Once you've cycled through to the format you want, STOP AND WAIT 10 SECS. The green and red lights will turn off and stay off for 3 secs. Then, don't touch the unit, as it must write the new file format to intenal memory. Lights will blink rapidly for approx 10 secs.
Once done writing, all 3 lights will blink normally (whatever that is), which indicates the writing process was successful. Now you can record to the file format you just chose.
HOWEVER, if you want to change to yet another file format, you must turn off
the power (both the left-most button AND the little slide switch) before re-programming a new file format.
FWIW, I think you can also change settings via the Utility Suite, but for some unknown reason the device cannot be located on my computer, so I cant confirm that.
4) Confusingly slow response.
When first turning on the unit, it has to "cycle" (or re-cycle), and that takes about 10-20 secs. (I guess it's "booting" to load the settings for the file format described in # 3 above)
Likewise when it's connected to a PC, you should first "Safely Remove Hardware" before powering off the unit. (The manual warns strongly against disconnecting the firewire plug before "safeky removing" the drive). Note that the unit also re-cycles upon "safe removal". After "safe removal", nothing will happen for about 3-5 secs, then the unit re-cycles (not sure what it's saving there).The lights will then blink for another 3-6 secs, THEN you can turn off BOTH power buttons. (Be sure to press the green one first)!
There are other things that are bothersome, but I hope you now might better understand why "arcane" is the best adjective for this unit.
Hope this helped.
Dan, here's obscure and arcane...
Dan,
I'll take a stab at describing some of the "arcanities". (Is that a word?)
1) Because of FAT32 file structure, all video clips are divided into 2 Gb chunks of video data; if you record for an entire hour, you have numerous 2 Gb chunks, even though any civilized NLE might consider it a single "clip", even if you never stopped recording.
2) No LCD display on the device to tell you what settings are active. Look at a picture of the front. Going from left to right you'll see:
- a DC input jack for either the external battery or the AC/ DC transformer,
- 3 white buttons, labeled POWER, QPLAY, and REC
- a tiny little sliding/toggling power switch,
- a Firewire jack,
- a tiny little opening to reach the "Quick Erase" button, (which yu need a paper clip or pencil to use), and
- a little blue LED that is supposed to serve as a power/battery level indicator.
Each of the 3 white buttons has a colored LED behind it: POWER = green or white, QPLAY = orange or white, REC = red or white. Each can blink, or stay on, and they can do so in combination. You deal with settings by deciphering different combinations of on/off/blinking lights.
3) Certain settings must be made manually, e.g. setting the unit to record MOV files, AVI files, RAW, or "User Defined". Example: if you use it today to record MOVs, it stays set to record MOVs until you change it. If tomorrow you want to record AVIs, you must change the setting thusly:
turn on the power.
Press and hold the RED button for over 5 secs, and wait for the lights to blink.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE COMBINATION OF LIGHTS THAT RESULT.
If the 3 white buttons all light up white, it's set for Raw DV.
If the 2 leftmost buttons are white and the right-most is RED, then it's set for AVI.
If the left-most button is GREEN and the center and right buttons are white, it's set for MOV.
If the buttons light up GREEN-WHITE-RED (left to right) then it's set to some User Defined file type. (Though I have no idea what that might be, how to set it, or what a user can define). the Quick Usage Guide that comes with the unit mentions a User Manual, but I've never been able to locate one. (I suspect it would be torture to read, anyway).
The possible file formats (MOV, AVI, RAW, and User def.) appear to be the only choices. (Of course, just to further annoy HVX owners, the uniit doesn't recognize MXF format). They are stored in the unit and you must cycle through them by pressing the RED button, which moves you to the next file format and a new sequence of colored lights. Decode the pattern of lights and you kow what file format the unit is set to record. (Read on, you're not done yet).
As you cycle thru the light combos, stop at the one that matches the respective file format, e.g. if you want AVI, press the RED button until the lights show white-white-red (left to right).
Once you've cycled through to the format you want, STOP AND WAIT 10 SECS. The green and red lights will turn off and stay off for 3 secs. Then, don't touch the unit, as it must write the new file format to intenal memory. Lights will blink rapidly for approx 10 secs.
Once done writing, all 3 lights will blink normally (whatever that is), which indicates the writing process was successful. Now you can record to the file format you just chose.
HOWEVER, if you want to change to yet another file format, you must turn off
the power (both the left-most button AND the little slide switch) before re-programming a new file format.
FWIW, I think you can also change settings via the Utility Suite, but for some unknown reason the device cannot be located on my computer, so I cant confirm that.
4) Confusingly slow response.
When first turning on the unit, it has to "cycle" (or re-cycle), and that takes about 10-20 secs. (I guess it's "booting" to load the settings for the file format described in # 3 above)
Likewise when it's connected to a PC, you should first "Safely Remove Hardware" before powering off the unit. (The manual warns strongly against disconnecting the firewire plug before "safeky removing" the drive). Note that the unit also re-cycles upon "safe removal". After "safe removal", nothing will happen for about 3-5 secs, then the unit re-cycles (not sure what it's saving there).The lights will then blink for another 3-6 secs, THEN you can turn off BOTH power buttons. (Be sure to press the green one first)!
There are other things that are bothersome, but I hope you now might better understand why "arcane" is the best adjective for this unit.
Hope this helped.
More CitiDisk User Info
More CitiDisk User Info
This may be helpful to those wrestling with this little unit. I know I'm anxious to get something similar to - but less expensive than - a couple dozen P2 cards.
(A BIG "THANK YOU" to Barry Green, as his "HVX Book" provided lots of insight into setting the camera so I could get it to function with the CitiDisk).
Some of this may be "old hat" to some folks; I hope it provides a little help (and maybe hope) to the community.
NOTE: all info applies ONLY to what I've experienced with the CitiDisk HD 100 Gb model connected to an AG-HVX-200P (NTSC) model!!! This NOTE also applies to any of my previous posts, as the HVX is the only 3 CCD camera I own. Further, I've only tried using CitiDisk clips in PPro2.
I did not have to do any formatting of the disk. However, my source told me that there MUST be 2 objects on the CitiDisk in order for it to record: a MEDIA folder, and a PROJECT file. IF THOSE ARE NOT ON THE CITIDISK, IT WILL NOT RECORD, OR, IF IT DOES, THE FILES WILL BE UNUSABLE.
(If I understood my source correctly, those files are created/written to the CitiDisk when firmware is installed/uploaded).
1) RECORDING TO THE CITIDISK WITH P2 OR TAPE MEDIA LOADED:
As of the most recent release (5 Dec, 2006) the camera's "RECORD" button will only control the CitiDisk if there is a P2 card or mini-DV tape in the camera. (If neither is loaded in the camera, the REC button on the CitiDisk is the only way to start/stop recording).
With either of those 2 media loaded, and the P2/Tape switch set accordingly, THEN at least one menu function MUST be active on the camera.
- Go to "MENU/OTHER FUNCTIONS/1394 CONTROL".
Set that to "BOTH". (This is the only menu option I've tried with the CitiDisk). (This is where/how you tell the camera what you want to control via Firewire:
It just occurred to me that while I recorded DVCPRO50 in AVI format, I did so with the P2/TAPE switch set to P2 and the menu set to "BOTH", but did not have any other media loaded in the camera. I wonder if the camera was expecing some other media to be present and maybe that "mismatch" of settings/conditions contributed to those "bad" clips I ended up with. Oh, boy...another experiment.
2) RECORDING WITHOUT A P2 CARD OR TAPE LOADED:
Per the distributor, this is possible, but it restricts you to using the REC button on the CitiDisk itself, NOT THE REC BUTTON LOCATED ON THE CAMERA. (I've been told that is to be fixed in the next firmware release, maybe available before the end of Feb).
I've actually done this, with the "MENU/OTHER FUNCTIONS/1394 CONTROL" set to BOTH. However, while I could transfer the entire "media" folder from the CitiDisk to my hard drive, some clips proved unusable; even Windows Media Player would not recognize them, and when I tried to Import either the Media folder or the individual bad clips to PPro2, I got a Windows Explorer error, and Explorer shut itself down.
3) ERASING FILES FROM THE CITIDISK:
Here, my source strongly recommends using the "Quick Erase" feature. Using the CitiDisk as a firewire drive on your computer and deleting from there can cause problems. I think partly because it allows the Media folder and Project file to remain on the unit; otherwise you run the risk of inadvertantly deleting them and having to re-flash the firmware (and maybe re-set the file format - RAW, AVI, MOV, User Def'd - in which the unit will record).
NOTE: "AVI" in CitiDisk parlance indicates "AVI2". For more info on my experience, see this thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=84769&page=2
I hope this helps relieve some of the frustration. I'll try to post more info as I get more exxperience, and hope others will do the same.
And, again, THANKS to Barry Green for explaining things so clearly in "The HVX Book".
More CitiDisk User Info
This may be helpful to those wrestling with this little unit. I know I'm anxious to get something similar to - but less expensive than - a couple dozen P2 cards.
(A BIG "THANK YOU" to Barry Green, as his "HVX Book" provided lots of insight into setting the camera so I could get it to function with the CitiDisk).
Some of this may be "old hat" to some folks; I hope it provides a little help (and maybe hope) to the community.
NOTE: all info applies ONLY to what I've experienced with the CitiDisk HD 100 Gb model connected to an AG-HVX-200P (NTSC) model!!! This NOTE also applies to any of my previous posts, as the HVX is the only 3 CCD camera I own. Further, I've only tried using CitiDisk clips in PPro2.
I did not have to do any formatting of the disk. However, my source told me that there MUST be 2 objects on the CitiDisk in order for it to record: a MEDIA folder, and a PROJECT file. IF THOSE ARE NOT ON THE CITIDISK, IT WILL NOT RECORD, OR, IF IT DOES, THE FILES WILL BE UNUSABLE.
(If I understood my source correctly, those files are created/written to the CitiDisk when firmware is installed/uploaded).
1) RECORDING TO THE CITIDISK WITH P2 OR TAPE MEDIA LOADED:
As of the most recent release (5 Dec, 2006) the camera's "RECORD" button will only control the CitiDisk if there is a P2 card or mini-DV tape in the camera. (If neither is loaded in the camera, the REC button on the CitiDisk is the only way to start/stop recording).
With either of those 2 media loaded, and the P2/Tape switch set accordingly, THEN at least one menu function MUST be active on the camera.
- Go to "MENU/OTHER FUNCTIONS/1394 CONTROL".
Set that to "BOTH". (This is the only menu option I've tried with the CitiDisk). (This is where/how you tell the camera what you want to control via Firewire:
"OFF" means exactly that, no firewire control; recording occurs only to the loaded media, even though the video signal is still available through the port. (This allows for manual control of a firewire device connected to the port).
"EXT" means you want to provide firewire control to an external unit connected to the camera. No recording will be done to media loaded in the camera. (This will be my next experiment with the CitiDisk).
"BOTH" means firewire control should extend to both the camera AND an external unit. Recording occurs on both the internal media AND the external firewire device. (In this case, to the CitiDisk HD). This is the option suggested by the distributor I've been working with).
(It may occur to you to ask "What happens when the loaded media is full?" To be perfectly honest, I think I've tried it with a P2 card, and I think the CitiDisk continued to record even after the P2 was full...BUT, I've tried so many combinations, I'm not positive that's what happened. That's the kind of behavior you might expect with the following menu option, but there's a subtle difference..."CHAIN" records independently first to the loaded media, then the CitiDisk, while "BOTH" means exactly that, recording occurs simultaneously on both the loaded media AND the CitiDisk until the loaded media is full. At that point, recording should occur only to the CitiDisk).
(It may occur to you to ask "What happens when the loaded media is full?" To be perfectly honest, I think I've tried it with a P2 card, and I think the CitiDisk continued to record even after the P2 was full...BUT, I've tried so many combinations, I'm not positive that's what happened. That's the kind of behavior you might expect with the following menu option, but there's a subtle difference..."CHAIN" records independently first to the loaded media, then the CitiDisk, while "BOTH" means exactly that, recording occurs simultaneously on both the loaded media AND the CitiDisk until the loaded media is full. At that point, recording should occur only to the CitiDisk).
"CHAIN" means you want the camera to record FIRST to the internal media, then, after that's full, to the external media/device. (I haven't tried this yet with the citiDisk HD). A future experiment.
(The above info is pretty much an extract from Barry's book).
It just occurred to me that while I recorded DVCPRO50 in AVI format, I did so with the P2/TAPE switch set to P2 and the menu set to "BOTH", but did not have any other media loaded in the camera. I wonder if the camera was expecing some other media to be present and maybe that "mismatch" of settings/conditions contributed to those "bad" clips I ended up with. Oh, boy...another experiment.
2) RECORDING WITHOUT A P2 CARD OR TAPE LOADED:
Per the distributor, this is possible, but it restricts you to using the REC button on the CitiDisk itself, NOT THE REC BUTTON LOCATED ON THE CAMERA. (I've been told that is to be fixed in the next firmware release, maybe available before the end of Feb).
I've actually done this, with the "MENU/OTHER FUNCTIONS/1394 CONTROL" set to BOTH. However, while I could transfer the entire "media" folder from the CitiDisk to my hard drive, some clips proved unusable; even Windows Media Player would not recognize them, and when I tried to Import either the Media folder or the individual bad clips to PPro2, I got a Windows Explorer error, and Explorer shut itself down.
3) ERASING FILES FROM THE CITIDISK:
Here, my source strongly recommends using the "Quick Erase" feature. Using the CitiDisk as a firewire drive on your computer and deleting from there can cause problems. I think partly because it allows the Media folder and Project file to remain on the unit; otherwise you run the risk of inadvertantly deleting them and having to re-flash the firmware (and maybe re-set the file format - RAW, AVI, MOV, User Def'd - in which the unit will record).
NOTE: "AVI" in CitiDisk parlance indicates "AVI2". For more info on my experience, see this thread:
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=84769&page=2
I hope this helps relieve some of the frustration. I'll try to post more info as I get more exxperience, and hope others will do the same.
And, again, THANKS to Barry Green for explaining things so clearly in "The HVX Book".
daniel LANDAU
New member
Briliant description x002657 of what arcane means with this unit.
Thanks a lot.
Being cumbersome is one thing, but if we could lose some footage then is definitely not an option (for me at least).
I don't thing I could stop a whole stadium (for example) and ask the player to repeat a goal in exactly the same way, to back up just in case.... If we could we wouldn't have any trouble with the drops from tapes.
Thanks again.
Thanks a lot.
Being cumbersome is one thing, but if we could lose some footage then is definitely not an option (for me at least).
I don't thing I could stop a whole stadium (for example) and ask the player to repeat a goal in exactly the same way, to back up just in case.... If we could we wouldn't have any trouble with the drops from tapes.
Thanks again.
Richard Sutcliffe
Well-known member
Oh god. Why would you even bother? I can't think of what this unit could possibly do that would make it worth considering. It sounds like a helluva lot of hassle for a small saving.
I'm anxious for the Cineporter, too...
I'm anxious for the Cineporter, too...
Especially since it's most recent (and hopefully) final design...not only removable drives, but hot-swappable, too? And, (I think) dual P2 inserts? WooHoo!!! I suspect the biggest problem will be getting your hands on one once they're released. I DO hope they're seriously considering production considerations, e.g. how many they must make. Let's see...would Panasonic reveal how many HVX's have been sold? I suspect some folks will stay with the Firestore for a while, but I'd guess about 65-75 % of HVX owners will want a CP asap. I know I do.
Seriously, though, at this very moment, I need something to do long-form recording. The CitiDisk was offered as a loaner, so I kind of felt an obligation to really give it a serious shot and put it through its' paces for the vendor. It's not his fault it's so bothersome to use. Moral of the story: when something doesn't do what it's maker touts it can do, the price is always too high. I think that's why SpecComm and the CP team are being careful not to release before they are satisfied that it will work right outta the box. If the CP fulfills the promise, I think they'll have a tenaciously loyal customer base, rather than being the brunt of jokes. I, for one, really hope they pull it off.
I'm anxious for the Cineporter, too...
Especially since it's most recent (and hopefully) final design...not only removable drives, but hot-swappable, too? And, (I think) dual P2 inserts? WooHoo!!! I suspect the biggest problem will be getting your hands on one once they're released. I DO hope they're seriously considering production considerations, e.g. how many they must make. Let's see...would Panasonic reveal how many HVX's have been sold? I suspect some folks will stay with the Firestore for a while, but I'd guess about 65-75 % of HVX owners will want a CP asap. I know I do.
Seriously, though, at this very moment, I need something to do long-form recording. The CitiDisk was offered as a loaner, so I kind of felt an obligation to really give it a serious shot and put it through its' paces for the vendor. It's not his fault it's so bothersome to use. Moral of the story: when something doesn't do what it's maker touts it can do, the price is always too high. I think that's why SpecComm and the CP team are being careful not to release before they are satisfied that it will work right outta the box. If the CP fulfills the promise, I think they'll have a tenaciously loyal customer base, rather than being the brunt of jokes. I, for one, really hope they pull it off.