[Tom Ervin]

Thanks! I’ve successfully created projects in YoYotta (demo mode) and used them to back-up/archive – then restore all the files to a new hard drive. The NTFS files work fine, even though the software is running on a Macbook Pro. I think I had too many options selected, such as thumbnails, full-check on copy, etc. When I reduced my desired choices to filenames and checksum authentication, I had no problems. I am still a little confused about the structure of sources and projects and how they relate to the database that people will search. I just need to read some more on the site. Thanks for your suggestions.

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Tom Ervin

[Tom Ervin]

Hi Joe,
Were you able to resolve your issues? I have had numerous errors with both YoYottaLTFS and PreRollPost and an mTape LTO-7 drive. I’ve run three tests, reformatting the same LTO-7 tape for each test. Is this ‘verboten’? Curious…

Let us know what transpires. We’re all in the same boat. Good luck.

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Tom Ervin

[Tom Ervin]

Same here. Make sure to disable FAST CUE. That keeps the tape speed slow enough for either VITC or LTC to register on the heads during shuttle. (I think that’s the reason it works!)

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Tom Ervin

[Tom Ervin]

I can validate this whole-heartedly.

We just went through this problem and had to send the deck to Panasonic. The service tech. informed me that a head-cleaning tape just isn’t enough, especially with continued use of the size DVC-Pro cassette that fits in the VariCam. Evidently, oxide or particles builds up on all the surfaces on the tape path – not just the heads. He literally uses a tooth-pick to clean some of the smaller areas, replaces the rubber roller, etc. to give the deck a thorough cleaning.

Keep a log of cleanings, because depending on your level of use – this maintenance may need to be done every three-six months. It doesn’t help to just keep running the head-cleaning tape all the time because it just shortens the life of the heads without cleaning these other areas.

Our deck (AJ-HD1400p) has been working like a charm ever since it came back.

BTW – a local engineer had no idea how to clean this deck properly. His work was of no help, so I recommend sending it to Panasonic – and keeping tabs on them so your deck doesn’t just sit on the bench for a week until they get to it.

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Tom Ervin

[Tom Ervin]

Three related questions – as a quick follow-up about using fire-wire to capture DVCpro footage shot with a VariCam. I was in touch with an experienced Avid tech who informs me that there is an option in the Capture window that asks “Preserve all frames” or something like that. If this box is checked, it actually ignores the flags and pulls in all 60 pf/s shot by the VariCam. These frames can be played back as slow motion in a 23.976 project. He says that people pull these frames into AfterFX to create VFR shots in post-production quite often. Questions:

1. What version of Avid Media Composer software is required to create a 720p 23.976fps HD project?
2. Has anyone used this technique successfully?
3. If successful, what is the advantage to flagging frames in-camera for slow-motion? Are there other camera controlled options available that affect the image differently?

Very interested in an answer to this, because I have a show that would benefit from using this technique.

Thanks in advance.

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Tom Ervin