[Pada01]

Further testing revealed that it is likely that it is the FireStore we are using that is causing the problem. The problems started to appear in other applications too.

Thanks to the folks at Imagine Software have dug in and look at the problem and provided updates, but it appears that the problem was NOT with P2 Log.

[Pada01]

FE has announced that next upgrade will provide Native formats. Due out by the end of the year.

[Pada01]

Thank you Barry. Yes, I am using FCP 5. I understand FCP’s next upgrade should be MFX-aware.

[Pada01]

Hi Jan,

Tests were done on two Macs, both running versions 10.4.6, and one Mac running 10.3.9. All machines had the QT 7 and the DVC Pro HD codec.

The identical 10 clips were shot on a Firestore and imported with both FCP’s “Import Panasonic P2” function and P2 Log on all three Mac’s. About 50% of the clips imported via the P2 Log had an glitch in the audio in the final few frames. Could be user error, but we replicated the problem on three machines doing three different imports. We have imported hundreds of clips from the Firestore on the same machines using FCP with no problems with the audio at the end of the clip.

[Pada01]

First, there is NO audio problem with clips that were recorded on cards or the Firestore FS-100 AND imported using FCP. The audio is perfect when FCP’s import P2 function is used, even when a clip bridges two P2 cards or two files on the Firestore.

We only had the audio problem when importing the clips using P2 Log from the Firestore. (We did not try our cards.) We tested this using the same 10 clips and importing them using both FCP and P2 Log on two Mac’s.

The audio problem at the end of the clip only showed up on clips imported using P2 Log. We have seen it primarily in long clips that have been broken into two clips by the 2.2 gig file size limit on the FireStore FS-100. There was music playing in the background and the audio problem was audible when listening to them in QT. The problem was also still there after we brought the QTs that had been imported with P2 Log into FCP to put them up in a sequence to put them together. As recollect, the problem existed both in “bridged clips” and in clips where the Rec/pause button had been pushed. When the same clips were imported using FCP, no problem.

Imagine is working on the problem, but according to them, they are dependent on Apple to fix something.

[Pada01]

I wraped my cable with the fabric side of velcro and then put a loop piece on the battery and put a loop in the cable that causes the cable to push into the connection. Hard to describe, just try it. It helps.

Yes, we need a locking Firewire port.

[Pada01]

Noah,

I did contact Imagine and they did reply on Labor Day!

Imagine is waiting for a fix from Apple. However, until then it definitely has an audio problem.

[Pada01]

Yes, its great camera AND Yes, you need to be careful to unmount the cards as if they are hard drives from your computer. It seems to do the card no harm, the computer invariably crashes.

[Pada01]

I don’t have a P2 Store, but have used the P2 Cards and FireStore FS 100 for months with a HVX 200. Our FireStore is in use at least 1 to 2 hours a day. The only problem I had with the FireStore was, I’ll admit it, “OPERATOR ERROR” but Focus Enhancements walked me through it.

We have had no problems with the P2 workflow, except it takes time to transfer GIGS of material and a lot of hard drives to hold it all. If Firestore could record long clips without breaking them up in 2 minute clips that would be great, but you can put them together in QT if want or FCP.

[Pada01]

I know what you mean about new equipment and needing help. I have set up a FireStore FS 100 with HVX200. Here are some tips below. I have a longer MS-Word document that has complete instructions. Send me an e-mail at pada@livinglovefellowship.org and I will send it to you or anyone else who would like it.

The short version is:

On the HVX 200 Camera, in the Camera Mode, use Menu Button
go to 9. Other Functions menu, Down to 1394 Control
Select EXT or BOTH (but if you have no cards, just use EXT)

FireStore Settings

Use Navigation Buttons for Menus
In the HDD Mode Menu
Select DVCPROHD REC

In the DV FORMATS menu
Select P2

In the CONTROL menu
Select TAPELESS

You can control the FireStore from the Camera’s REC/Pause buttons,or on the FireStore’s transport buttons. I like using the FireStore controls best, because it will make just one clip until I push the stop button twice. Until then the Stop button just pauses the recording, and when you push Record on the FireStore’s transports it continues the previous clip. If you use the camera’s controls, it makes a new clip EACH time. Depends what I’m shooting which works best.

Also every 2 minutes 18 seconds the FireStore makes a new clip automatically which you have to assemble in a sequence in FCP. I re-export these as Full Quality QT not to have to deal with the pieces.

Remember that BEFORE importing into FCP, you will need to run the “ORGANIZE P2” in the UTILITIES menu on the FireStore. Then connect it to your computer using the DD function.

Good luck, it is a dream, except for those pesky new files every 2 minutes.