XDCam HD firmware update?

[Nate Weaver]

I’ve heard of a firmware update that will give some nice additional functionality, but a higher bitrate was not one of them.

That would be tremendous though.

[Peter Corbett]

I would expect that because of the shorter record times at a 50mbit rate, Sony would wait to bring out the new 50gig discs with a re-designed cam-drive for the 2/3″ XDCAM HD. There should some announcement on something at IBC. I would hope so anyway.

Peter Corbett
Powerhouse Productions
Australia
http://www.php.com.au

[Nick Lammers]

Is the 2/3 inch unit a definite or is that rumor also? When is the IBC meeting?

Nick Lammers
Media Mill, Inc.
St. Louis, MO

Media 100i XS 8.2.2
Dual 1Ghz G4

[Peter Corbett]

The 2/3″ version is a definite, it’s just when that is indefinite. IBC is on Sept 8 – 12. Whether they make an announcement at IBC is a moot point. I would like some direction as I’m waiting to see this camera before making a decision on HD. But if it takes too long I may jump into the Panasonic HDX-900 or P2 variant. The other hope is that Sony doesn’t price the 2/3″ XDCAM HD too high. I’ve heard prices will be in F900-arena which will be an absolute strike out for me if true. Others with Sony contacts have mentioned prices in the high thirties. Damned pain the whole thing. Worse than the NLE world! ;-(

Peter Corbett
Powerhouse Productions
Australia
http://www.php.com.au

[Nick Lammers]

Hi Peter. Seems we have the same HD headache. I have clients asking for it but I hate to invest in gear until things settle down a bit. I have also been looking at the 900, but if the new 2/3″ XDCam HD is priced the same I’m afraid it may go over my budget. I guess I should be happy with 1/2″ – I would like more options on the data rate, however.

Nick Lammers
Media Mill, Inc.
St. Louis, MO

Media 100i XS 8.2.2
Dual 1Ghz G4