Srw-1/srpc-1 vtr ???

[kassimnorris]

Hey guys Im sure this has been brought up before somewhere in this thread and I do apologize for making a new thread to discuss this but Im very curious. I know we've all discussed the best options for outputting the most that the F35 has to offer. I can't help but to wonder about the workflow of just using the SRW-1 and the SRPC-1 ?? I would love to hear from you guys about details of the actual workflow of capturing, transferring and processing the footage using the SRW-1. Im also wondering as to what exactly is needed equipment wise for transferring the tape to ProRes 444 ?? Cost of everything would be nice too! Any details you guys could share on the workflow would be awesome. Again just curious about the possibility of this option. Thanks in advance guys.

 

[Viddovation]

Hey guys Im sure this has been brought up before somewhere in this thread and I do apologize for making a new thread to discuss this but Im very curious. I know we've all discussed the best options for outputting the most that the F35 has to offer. I can't help but to wonder about the workflow of just using the SRW-1 and the SRPC-1 ?? I would love to hear from you guys about details of the actual workflow of capturing, transferring and processing the footage using the SRW-1. Im also wondering as to what exactly is needed equipment wise for transferring the tape to ProRes 444 ?? Cost of everything would be nice too! Any details you guys could share on the workflow would be awesome. Again just curious about the possibility of this option. Thanks in advance guys.

The pros of a SRW-1 solution are:
- RBG 444 capable (assuming option board installed)
- Variable frame rate and ramping frame rate capable
- Can dock to camera, move as one unit
- Communicates with camera, tally lights work, timecode on camera, etc.
- Reliable HDCAM-SR workflow - with sufficient tape stock, no need for DIT.

Cons:
- Heavy.
- Heavy means added expense and hassle for accessories like tripo
- Power hungry. To operate docked requires using 8pin LEMO input designed for mains power.
- Tape based ingest is real time
- Workflow may dictate needing second HDCAM-SR deck for ingest
- Hard drives price cheap now to HDCAM-SR tape
- 10 bit only - no chance of 12 bit recording.


In terms of equipment to transfer to ProRes444, you simply need some form of equipment that can record to ProRes444 and has a dual link SDI input. Using a 3g input is possible if you've done an inline dual-link to 3g conversion, but that's an additional expense.

The cheapest route would be to get an older used Decklink card that support dual-link input (I've seen them for $200 on eBay), and put it in a compatible tower.

Disclosure: I'm selling an SRW1/SRPC1 with option cards on eBay, and I'd be happy to sell it to you, but keep in mind this solution path is not for everyone. It is heavier and more cumbersome than any of the modern recorders, but it potentially cheaper than a Codex and therefore may be the cheapest option that unlocks direct communication with the camera and it's variable frame rate modes.

 

[kassimnorris]

Hey thanks for all the awesome details Viddovation. I think yours is the one I've been looking at on ebay actually . I'm still a little hesitant as I've never used a tape based workflow. But if I didn't use a ProRes 444 transfer what would be the easiest output/workaround? Btw, I see that you're using the SR-R1 ....how were you able to dock yours? please do share more details on that workflow and how thats working out for you...I've considered that option as well.

 

[Viddovation]

Kassim,
I love my F35, but all of my paid work is currently on the FS7. I'm holding onto the F35 indefinitely, because I think it's unique, and because I suspect over the next few years that recording media options will only get cheaper, smaller, and more capable. And given the research I did on the F35 dock protocol, I plan to eventually rig something up nice.

But, for the time being, I'm reducing my accessories. I own two SRW1/SRPC1 sets, and one SRR1, as well as a Atomos Samurai. And I've used none of them in months.

With the SRR1, dry docking it to the F35 took a combination of a custom machined aluminum plate, and a Sony dock plate.

I never completed the wet dock that would have integrated the electronics, because it was too much cost for something I wasn't using for business.

If you go with the SRR1, you need the recorder, SRMemory cards, and either an SRD1 reader, or a compatible AJA card to read directly from the SRR1 using SRExpress.


If you don't need 444 from the F35, then you can use simple SDI input cards (Thunderbolt/PCI) costing as little as $150. You could always leave 444 recording for a later date.