Conspiracy?

braw

braw

Well-known member
Dear DVXUser,

Why DID Sony and Panasonic make small portable VTR's that were exactly what I am looking for to capture tapes and then discontinue them? Is it the losing money thing, where a $25,000 deck does them better?

Sony HAD a deck without a screen that was perfect, but I can't find it anywhere that looks reputable. Panasonic also made one with a flip out screen that looked awesome, but same deal. Why did these companies discontinue them?

I just want a rugged deck that has a few in and out ports for digitizing and reviewing footage. I don't need a crazy editing deck.

Lost in La Mancha​
 
Re: Conspiracy?

You can use a laptop with DV rack and take care of all your problems plus a million other. I can't figure out why so many people waste their money, just buy a good laptop, DV Rack, other software...& you're set. Once you look into it, you'll understand.
 
Re: Conspiracy?

[quote author=10s link=board=Links;num=1107548650;start=0#1 date=02/04/05 at 13:27:55]Once you look into it, you'll understand.[/quote]

Thank you. I have. I have a home PC. I would just like a device to take the usage off the DVX heads. A new laptop that's decent will probably run me $1000 if I look hard. So far anything cheaper seems to comprimise on the hardware that's most important for video applications. DVRack is $300. If a deck was $1300 I wouldn't get it. I'm wondering why a company couldn't make a screen free deck for playback and capture for around $300-$500. They make consumer cameras for that price. Just get rid of the lens and chip.

I understand there's alternatives. Just curious why there was such a short attempt, and then everyone gave up.
 
Re: Conspiracy?

If things don't sell they abondon it, afterall they are there to make money. Sometimes a visioniary type leader will stand by a product until it catches on in the market place.

It's frustrating! >:(
 
Re: Conspiracy?

I think the idea they have, is for you to use your camera as a deck, wearing out the heads twice as fast, therefore, you need to replace your camera twice as often.

Marketing wins....
 
Re: Conspiracy?

[quote author=pookie link=board=Links;num=1107548650;start=0#4 date=02/04/05 at 14:45:11]I think the idea they have, is for you to use your camera as a deck, wearing out the heads twice as fast, therefore, you need to replace your camera twice as often.

Marketing wins....[/quote]

That's what it seems like. I hate to seem paranoid like that, but if they made a cheap deck for that purpose, cameras wouldn't need to be serviced as often. I guess it would be a great idea for consumers but a bad idea for Sony, JVC, Panasonic, and the rest.

I am thoroughly convinced it's not a cost thing. Lenses, ccds, and the circuitry to capture an image can't be cheaper than a unit with AV and firewire connections. Just put all the money in the heads. >:(
 
Re: Conspiracy?

braw- your on the right track. Good heads, av, firewire and basic abilities you see on the DSR-11 for $500 would be sweet. It could be the size of a small cam! :D
 
Re: Conspiracy?

The reason you can't find these for cheap is because the demand is low. Professional equipment (ie DXR11) is not bought by as many people so production cost are not spread out as much as with mass produced consumer equipment. Also they do tend to build these things like tanks so their failure rate is better than consumer equipment.

If you want to use a cheap DV camera as VTR, I have seen people try. Usually only works if you do crash records to your computer (from what I have experienced).

Good luck.
 
Re: Conspiracy?

That all makes sense. I read somewhere on here where Barry was saying the reason consumer cams are cheap are the volume they sell. Like a Varicam won't sell as many as a DVX, and the DVX probably won't sell as many as a consumer cam in Best Buy.

I just sometimes dream the market worked differently in my favor. I should count my blessings that the DVX and XL2 even exist for the price they do.

What would anyone recommend for the best situation now? Use the camera to capture, DVRack, or a cheap camcorder?
 
Re: Conspiracy?

If you are just looking to keep wear off your cam, buy a cheap ...{$300-450} DV camera at Best Buy or Circuit City and use it as your deck. Of course it may not playback DVx100a 24p playback....
I've got an old Canon Elura40MC that I paid $450 for a couple of years ago. As long as I'm not shooting 24p, I use it and it works great. PremierePro controls it to the frame. I keep it hooked up to my PC permanently! As a bonus - it has an S-Video out if I just want to review footage on my monitor!!!!!! ;D
 
Re: Conspiracy?

[quote author=Sirius_Doggy link=board=Links;num=1107548650;start=0#9 date=02/05/05 at 20:04:15]Of course it may not playback DVx100a 24p playback....[/quote]
It definitely will. Any DV camera or deck can play back DVX 24P footage.
 
Re: Conspiracy?

I will throw out an idea, do with it what you like.

Use your DVX as a deck (assuming you can spare the downtime from it being used as camera). Keep it well cleaned and get head aligned about once a year. The DVX is already 2 years old and 3 years seems to be about the time between generations of prosumer cameras.

Figure another year before DVX200 or whatever, another 3 years after that until the 100 is obsolete. So you need to get 4 years out of the camera before your looking for the next greatest. With moderate use and good maintainence the head should last 4 years (there are XL1 out there under heavy use with original heads and good recording).

If you are shooting several hours a day, every day (say more than 15 hrs a week), forget everything I just said. ;)

Anyways, just one way to go.
 
Re: Conspiracy?

If we are dreaming, a while back somebody mentioned how about a deck as mentioned above, but one designed to fit in the second optical drive bay. I would be pulling out my credit card right now for that one.
 
Re: Conspiracy?

One of the first DV devices offered by Sony way back in the day was a DV tape drive that mounted in a standard disk drive bay. I think very few were ever sold, part of the problem was that they were charging something like $1,000 for it. But it did exist, so if you really want one, scour ebay or other avenues looking for used equipment.
 
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