FS-100, 2 GB limit

R

Randolph

Member
Sorry for the post replay, but I didn't get a response in the other thread.
I have read about the 2GB/file limit on the FS-100 (funny, the rep at NAB didn't mention that!) and that FCP5 doesn't automatically stitch the sequential files.
How are the people that are using the FS-100 solving this problem?
I have 10 days left to return mine if I don't like the solution. Below is my original post:

I need some good advice.
OK. I received my FS-100 a couple of days ago and I'm not cheering. In fact, I haven't even opened the box and I'm seriously considering sending it back (No problem with returning it if I don't open the box).
I do documentary work, both for independent film and seminar recording. The interviews I shoot are at least 30 minutes long if not more.
It seems like it would be a MAJOR pain to reassemble 10 to 20 (2 minute) clips in FCP.
Am I missing something? Is there a solution to this using the FS-100. Or do I just send it back and record through my PowerBook until the CinePorter comes out?
Not having a suitable and secure mount also seems to be a pain.
Thanks for any feedback/suggestions.
 
I am also confused about this as well. I have ordered the FS-100 as well and I would like to get as much out of it as I can. I know P2 is the way to go, no one needs to tell anyone that, but I must have a long record time in my work. Thanks!
 
I will repeat that I have been working with clips longer than 2 min 18 sec and if the clip is segmented by FAT32, it is certainly not apparent when editing in FCP. I do think we have a non-issue here.

Ned Soltz
 
Ned, I'd like to know how you have avoided the issue. I just got back from shooting a feature doc and we did 40 interviews. Where we couldn't fire up the portable edit system to capture to, we recorded with the Firestore. I have a new clip every 2 min 18 seconds and every once in a while a frame is missing at the cross over point. It's driving us insane. We hate this thing right now and after all the other problems we've had with it I personally think it's a flawed product. I'm really interested in your experiences and workflow. We have the most recent everything software and hardware wise and I'll buy it if I don't already have it to make this go easier. Even the Focus support people admitted to us that it's a problem (when they would return our calls days later). I'm a patient man but there is a limit.

Thanks Ned,

Don Wilson
AmericanaMediaInc.com
 
Guys,

I have posted this elsewhere on the forum today...

You should not be missing frames between 2GB segments, it is a seamless transition.

I thought I would clarify the 2GB segment issue. FS-100 is a FAT32 device. We record clips in 2GB segments (about 2 minutes, 18 seconds of DVCPRO HD). If a clip's duration does go over 2 minutes, 18 seconds, a new 2GB file will be seamlessly created (without dropping any frames). A P2 card is also a FAT32 device. It splits clips into 4GB segments (about 4 minutes, 55 seconds). Like a P2 card, FS-100 supports file spanning in the XML file created in the CONTENTS folder. If an NLE supports spanning files, it is possible for the NLE to automatically join the files on import into the system. It appears that Final Cut Pro 5 does not support this feature at this time. Hopefully they will in the future.

Matt McEwen
 
Don,

I don't know what I'm doing right or wrong other than the fact that my shots longer than 2 min 18 seconds all appear as one clip when I import into FCP. And I've got no glitches.

All I can say is that I will watch a lot more carefully. Shooting all day today (I guess it is Wed 6/14 already) so I'll check it out.

Ned
 
Thanks Ned,

Do you organize Reels and P2 or just P2? I have been a bit confused about that and I wonder that when I organize Reels if that screws things up. I re-checked this am and I do get a new clip every 2 18. Let me know your workflow from FS setup in field to ingest into FCP and I'll follow that and see if it's my ex-wife's voodoo doll that is causing my problem.

Many thanks!!

Don
 
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