HVX200 + FS-100 Problems, Fixes
While researching current workflow options for a specific INDIE HVX OWNER and JODOTCOM reader, last night I picked up on this pertinent piece of info concerning a P2 alternative in the form of the $2,195 (MSRP) FireStore 100. According to this thread at DVXUSER.com, seems as if heavy manual reading and a mandatory firmware update are needed before the FS-100 is client ready.
–
CHOICE CUTS
Original Unsatisfied User:
Im four days through testing my new HVX200 and FS100 combo. I entered this scenario with high hopes and expectations. However, Im beginning to lose faith in this setup. I am amazed at the amount of dropouts, digital hits, bad pixels or whatever word best describes the problem Im encountering.
Im shooting with a stationary camera and FS100. Im viewing in FCP 5.0.4 on a 1.67GHZ Dual Tower. On at least 10-20% of my clips, there are hits, or dropouts. Ive been reading the threads on this site, and see that my situation is common. Am I crazy, or does it seem that Firestore may have rushed a product out the door that isnt ready for the field??? Has anyone been successfully using this combo…if so, please let me know what youve been doing to avoid this issue.
At this point, theres no way I can recommend this configuration to a client. I dont feel confident that any of my takes are dependable… this is worse than the old Hi-8 dropout days!!!!!
–
From Focus Enhancements Directly:
Recently there have been reports from some FS-100 users of drop-outs during recordings. Unfortunately some units shipped from our production plant with an incorrect FireWire bridge chip configuration. Focus apologizes for this problem and inconvenience, and we assure you that these drop-outs are in no way related to drive performance or future reliability, but rather a simple software error which resulted in a buffer overrun.
We have corrected this problem and posted a software update here:
http://www.focusinfo.com/support/downloads.asp
We recommend that ALL FS-100 users load this updated software, as there is no harm in doing so even if your unit is set correctly. Please download the new software (follow the software update instructions on the READ ME enclosed in the zip file) and then do a System Reset (follow instructions on page 72 of the User Guide).
Best regards,
Focus Enhancements
–
A Mostly Satisfied User:
I’ve been banging around a FS-100 for the last four days in outdoor shooting conditions in dusty, humid Dallas. I must have been lucky because I had no drops even before installing the patch. It has performed admirably.
My only issue so far has been with battery life, but I have the extended battery on the way. Also should be getting a Jimmybox tomorrow (6/2) since mounting has been awkward. The on-camera mount will unfortunately cause on-board mikes to pick up fan noise. The belt-mount is scary. I have been walking around with it clipped to my belt and it did pop off once when I went to my knees for a low shot.
I would in no way categorize it as a bad product. Its only issues so far are power and bulk. I still feel very insecure about hard drive acquisition since drives are so sensitive to movement, but until we start seeing large capacity P2 cards at lower prices, I think we’re stuck with hard drives for a good while.
–
Josh’s Take
Although the original user started off scared of his new FS-100, seems as if Focus Enhancements has great customer service and has “mostly” fixed the digital drop-out problem with a new firmware update.
But to be fare, dude went ahead and plunked down around $2800.00 for (2) new 8GB P2 cards….and after shelling out $2195.00 for the FS-100…..yikes…..
As always, Buyer Beware, especially with first generation products.