Anyone using a DTE solution other than P2 or a FS-100?

Kit Hannah

Kit Hannah

Veteran
Anyone using a DTE solution other than P2 or a FS-100 for your HPX500? I'm looking for a longer run, lower cost solution (comparable to the Firestore) but I absolutely hate the size of the FS-4's. Is there anything else out there worth looking into? I have been considering the Nnovia QC HD Deck, which is cool because it can hook up in line with your pro battery mounts and has swappable hard drives. They told me they'll have full DVCPRO HD support for it shortly (Probably by NAB, but I can live with shooting DV for now). If you know of something else that does not teather me to a computer, please let me know.
Thanks
Kit
 
There are few alternatives.

There are few alternatives.

I've searched and searched the web, and the only media that seem viable for any late-model Panny cams are actual P2 cards, the Firestor, and the nNovia products. (I contacted nNovia a couple months ago, and they hinted they were working on DVCPRO HD compatibility, but asked me to keep it quiet until they announced it).

There may also be some products made by Datavideo, but I think they are similar to the nNovia line, i.e. SD only.

The only other alternative I'm aware of is the CitiDisk HD, though that has not rec'd good reviews from most users. Some folks claim success in using it, but I had a one to test for a couple of months and decided against buying one.

Speaking for myself, I still sing the blues over the demise of the CinePorter.

I'm eagerly waiting for an announcement by nNovia.

x
 
Ive recorded straight to SATA drives via FCP Firewire, or you can SDI it through Decklink or similar - Works ok if your in a studio, and it dosnt work in all modes.
 
I know I could go to a computer or use Decklink, but I guess I should have made it more clear that we are looking for a portable solution. Like x002657 mentioned, I too spoke with Nnovia last week and on the DL they said they were coming out with a panasonic solution shortly. My thinking though is that they will wait until NAB to let the cat out of the bag and you bet your a$$ they will be my first stop when I get there.

I looked at the CitiDisk HD specs, but does anyone have any actual experience using the unit? I know people have had problems with the older units, but I wonder how the HD compares to the older ones. I would really like to avoing buying 32GB cards at $1500 each, but it may be what I have to do.

I will be really excited when the Cineform deck comes out though - the concept looks amazing, and if it can record straight from the camera to avi, OMG, I'll buy 10. No re-rendering, easy on the pc, etc.
 
My experience w/CitiDisk

My experience w/CitiDisk

Kit Hannah said:
...does anyone have any actual experience using the unit?
Click to expand...

Kit,
I wrote a very lengthy review of my experience with the CitiDisk HD 100 GB. You can read it at the link below, but be warned it's lengthy, and I tend to ramble a bit about half-way thru. I doubt you'll need to read the whole thing. Check the date; it was about a year ago.

http://www.epinions.com/content_320535629444

Despite my experience, others have claimed it's been very helpful; if I recall correctly, some folks own a number of them.
x
 
Holy Moly! Thanks x. I saw it and will try to dive into it later tonight after me woman is off to sleep. Looks informational though.
Thanks again
Kit
 
Well, no wonder you didn't have time to test certain functions, x.... it probably took you like 2 weeks to write that review. It was a good one, and to be quite honest, if someone has THAT much to write about something, I will happily stay away from the product. If it is going to be a nightmare to use, I will happily get the Nnovia QC HD Deck with removeable hard drives and patiently await their support for DVCPRO HD, hopefully by NAB 2008 in April. For the time being, I'll use it for my SD stuff and P2 for the HD.
 
Thanks, Kit.

Thanks, Kit.

I think you're about right. It DID take a long time to write that, but writing a review was a condition I agreed to in order for Henry to allow me to test it. (It was great, too, that no one pressured me to make the product out to be better than it was, or to meet any kind of deadline). If I liked it, I would have bought it, but it was too much $ for the grief. If I had the $ right now, I'd approach Henry about a similar arrangement for an nNovia, but I suspect I'd end up buying that, and I can't afford it until I get more work.

I had never seen an in-depth review of the CitiDisk HD, and wanted to be thorough and helpful for others who might be considering it. (BTW, pardon the sexist tone in the review. In hindsight, I'm not really like that at all; it was a poor attempt to inject a touch of comedy to it, without being downright disrespectful...but we all know that sex sells).

Lastly, bear in mind that some folks do claim to be using it w/great success.

Keep on shootin'.

x
 
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