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Sync Issues with AJ-1200a Deck
Im having an intermittent sync/rf issue with my 1200a deck. On the occasional rental to clients we are having a problem with break up/aliasing/interference in the image. Sometimes it is solved by changing the power source, sometimes by just powering the deck down for a while. However when I get it back to the shop I cannot get the problem to repeat.
Yesterday it happened again ( Error -00 ) with a new client and nothing would fix it. Changed AC, used a 12v power supply, supplied external sync etc They only had one tape to digitize so we played the tape on the camera and fed the signal through the deck ( using it as a downconverter ). This worked no problem. Location was an edit bay with numerous other decks playing normally.
Ive talked to Panasonic on a couple of occasions with only a head scratching response. I want to see if anyone else is experiencing these problems. A couple of friends with this deck have also experienced this as well on occasion.
Anyone know whats going on? Solutions?John Chater
San Francisco -
3 Replies
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John,
We need more information; firewire or HD-SDI out? Digitize to FCP or AVID? in HD or SD. Deck probably wants same sync as system you’re digitizing to, namely tri-level to HD or conventional to SD. Also there’s a weird systems menu setting (I think #26) that offsets the sync, make sure that’s normalized.
A breakup similar to what you’re talking about actually is normal on monitoring through firewire, but doesn’t appear on the recording (digitizing in this case), except the error message is troubling.
There are many peculiarities to this deck and its complex menu system as you well know, and the uninitiated often make menu changes without realizing it. It’s therefore a good idea to memorize your own “user” file to resort to when there’s trouble.
Wish I could be more specific with a solution!
JS
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John
I wanted to add that I have seen this as a result of the FW board become jostled in transit.
I usually get the -00 code when there are TC breaks on the tape or you are trying to record to your NLE when the settings on the deck are not correct also. (trying to record HD with the FW out setting to 50mbps)
gary
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Hi John
Thanks for pitching in
Deck is exhibiting this in factory default settings over HD-SDI, Component, SDI and Composite. I believe something similar has been seen in Firewire. Methodical analysis of deck settings hasnt fixed anything. The only solution in the past has been- move deck to different power source or turn off and let sit overnight. Problem gone! Yesterday however neither of those options were possible.
I do not believe this has anything to do with user inexperience. Everytime someone experiences this I have them bring the deck back to the shop and I cannot replicate it. As I said this has happened infrequently. Maybe 4-5 times a year. Panasonic service is so slow it would cost me thousands to send this down on an exploratory expedition.The deck works a lot. A friend who has had a similar issue with his deck sent it down to Panasonic and was told they couldnt find anything.
Menu 026- Seems to be connected to HD/ SD phase relationship. This problem is consistent over all video outputs.
Can I give you any more info?
Best
John
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