DVR for live use

[Arturo00]

I'm looking for something portable to capture clips and sequences at live performances. I'm looking for something in the $100-$200 range, but I don't want it to be so cheap that its unreliable, or the quality sucks. Some sort of mini DVR with plenty of on board memory, or an SD slot would be cool. I don't think I need a built in display either. And a straight up DVR is preferred, but if it has a built in camera, I guess that'll be a bonus. All in all, I'd rather spend my money on a decent, dedicated DVR instead of buying some all-in-one DVR, camera, media player.

There are a bunch in here, but I really don't know what I'm looking for.

Anyone have any experience with this stuff. Would love to hear what people are using to record their sets.

[johnnywoods]

With these devices, you really get what you pay for. I think you'll probably be disappointed with any h264 dvr recording device. Especially for recording video synth material, the compression is going to be really gross. Even the high end recorders, like the excellent Atomos Ninja, have the issue of only being able to record HDMI or similar HD signals. So, if your set is LZX-based, youd need to get an upscaler as well.

I'd say your best bet is to look for a cheap portable mini-dv or svhs deck. Thats what I use for this purpose. Another option, if you have a spare laptop, is to use a capture card on a computer.

[Arturo00]

Ah. Well that sucks. I was hoping for a decent portable solution, but if you're telling me it's not worth it, I guess I'll look for something else. Would be cool to try one out, but I don't have access to anything. I was looking at some Aja products, but those are WAY out of my price range.

I think I'm going to stay away from SVHS. Again, I'm looking for something relatively portable. And I guess I could go with a laptop and capture device, but that would require buying a laptop...because I actually don't own one. Looking at these Mini-DV recorders, they aren't exactly cheap either. But I like the size. Any recommendations? Are mini-DV tapes still readily available?

[barto]

i found a panasonic ag 750 svhs player/recorder. had svideo/bnc in/out. pissed it ended up not working and ive been trying to find another one since its so small and compact, i wanted it for this exact use.

[johnnywoods]

I got 4 of those AG750's for $40 total They really aren't that bulky to carry around.

The Sony GV-D series are great miniDV walkmen, and yes, the tape is still available. I've found with used, pro-level video gear, Ebay is the absolute worst option for finding deals. However, I've sometimes scored by "making an offer" for a really low price. You might want to try that. A lot of these older SD units will be listed up there for months without selling. Believe me, no one is buying this stuff anymore. I guess a lot of people just have a hard time letting go of something they spent $4000 on for $100.

[Arturo00]

For SSD/HDD recorders, what about this mofo?

http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/product ... ckshuttle/

Also looking at the Datavideo DN-200.

I think both offer uncompressed recording capabilities. The Blackmagic is more in my price range, but the Datavideo is an older unit so there's a chance I'll be able to score a deal.


[Possible dumb question]
The one thing about the Blackmagic is that it has supports SD, but thru the SDI input connector. Does that mean it supports composite video, or just standard def SDI signals. And is there even a difference?

[Edit]
I know that SDI is Serial Digital Interface. I guess what i want to know is, can an SDI input also support Composite video? Specifically with the above mentioned Blackmagic device.

[johnnywoods]

Wow. That blackmagic device is excellent for the price. They've really been breaking down cost barriers these days

The price is great, but keep in mind you'll still need to get an SSD drive (probably $150-200 for enough recording time to capture a live show), and a composite to SDI converter. SDI is 525 lines (if I remember correctly), and you'll need a box to convert it. That will probably run you about $150 used.
(Unless there's a simpler way to convert composite to SDI that I'm not aware of )

Keep an eye out for the older Datavideo DN-100 too. That would definitely be a good option.

[Arturo00]

Yeah, I was considering the DN-100 too, but I'd be concerned with lack of support for Windows 7. I'll have to inquire about that.

[johnnywoods]

Yeah, I was considering the DN-100 too, but I'd be concerned with lack of support for Windows 7. I'll have to inquire about that.

Any DV firewire device (like the DV-100) will be supported by any editing application for import or export on any OS

[Arturo00]

SDI is 525 lines (if I remember correctly), and you'll need a box to convert it. That will probably run you about $150 used.
(Unless there's a simpler way to convert composite to SDI that I'm not aware of )

The blackmagic intensity shuttle specs says the SD composite video input is 525i/59.94 NTSC. http://www.blackmagicdesign.com/product ... techspecs/ where as the Hyperdeck Shuttle's SD-SDI input is 525/29.97 NTSC. I assume that the double in frame rate makes one require the adaptor, as well as the fact that one format is analogue and the other is digital?

[daverj]

SDI is digital. If a device only has SDI in, then you need a digitizer to convert composite, S-video, or component to SDI. There are versions of SDI for SD and HD (same connector, different hardware or firmware). And a dual SDI for 1080p HD.

Not sure why the spec on that one device says SD video at 59.94. That's the SD video interlaced field rate, not frame rate. Maybe they're talking about upsampling from each field into a progressive frame in HD.

[Ganzha]

HD sony HDR is good - not a big but very nice! I did try to use Car HDR but video sucks!!!!

[Arturo00]

HD sony HDR is good

Any model inparticular you'd recommend?