FireStore FS-4
Focus Enhancements
The Canon FireStore 40GB DTE Recorder
Supports Formats (RawDV, AVI Type I, AVI Type 2, Matrox AVI, Canopus AVI, QuickTime, AVI Type 2 24p, QuickTime 24p) Removable Li-Ion rechargeable battery Comprehensive Backlit LCD display Dedicated VTR Play/Record and Mode buttons Records embedded DV source timecode FireWire AV/C Control 10 Second Electronic Recording Shock Buffer Full Disk Partition and Format Flash Upgradeable System Software Daisy Chain Multiple FS-4s for long recordings User definable time lapse 6 second retro cache 10 second retro cache (adjustable) Loop Playback Capabilities Scene Marking 3 Hour (40GB) AC Adapter
FireStore FS-4
What it is: This is a FireWire hard drive that can be used to capture digital video (DV) direct from a video camera in uncompressed video formats, including Windows AVI, RawDV and QuickTime. This eliminates the need for tapes, and subsequently the need to capture video from tape to computer prior to editing. Editors can connect the FS-4 to a PC -- or a Mac -- via a second FireWire port on the device and edit directly from the drive - there's no need to transfer the video to a local hard drive first. It comes with a 40G- or 80G-byte hard drive, and has a rechargeable lithium ion battery that lasts roughly 90 minutes. A professional version (about $300 to $500 more) of the FireStore FS-4 includes support for a few extra video formats.
Why it's cool: We used the FireStore FS-4 to capture highlights of the recent DemoFall trade show. In the past this meant recording about 30 minutes of video to tape, then capturing the same 30 minutes from tape to PC (which is a real-time process), then start editing. With the FS-4, we just plugged it into our PC's FireWire port and started editing. The disk access even seemed faster than what we get with our local drive. In total, it cut down production time by at least an hour - key when you're trying to turn something around quickly.
Some caveats: The screen on the FireStore FS-4 can be hard to read in certain lighting conditions. And the myriad of menu options can be a bit confusing, especially when switching to PC hard-drive mode. It's not quite plug-and-play when it comes to PC connectivity.
Focus Enhancements: http://www.focusinfo.com/ | products |
The Canon FireStore 40GB DTE Recorder
Canon Tapeless Recording | FS-4 40 GB $650 | FS-4 80 Pro $950
Pro Max |
COMING SOON - Hi-Def support!
Update your FireStore FS-4 or FS-4 Pro to record 1080i or 720p MPEG2 transport streams from HDV camcorders.
Compatible Camcorders
Canon XL1/XL1s, GL2, XL2
Sony DSR-PD150/-170, DSR-PD100, DCR-VX2000/VX2100
JVC GY-DV300
Panasonic AG-DVX100A/-100, AG-DVC30, AG-DVC7
Any DV25 Capable Deck or Camcorder with FireWire I/O
Disk Information
Internal Disk Type: 40GB (or 80GB - FS-4PRO only), 5400RPM, 8 MB cache
Disk Format: FAT32
FS-4 compatible with Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP and Mac OS9 & 10.
The FS-4 comes standard with a 40GB (3 hour) hard drive and
is available with up to 80GB (6 hour) of capacity.
QuickTime or QuickTime 24p
The FS-4 interfaces with your camcorder using a single FireWire cable that passes audio, video, timecode and control information, allowing you to simultaneously record to disk and tape. It also provides a comprehensive backlit display, menu system and buttons allowing easy control and management. The FS-4 comes standard with a 40GB (3 hour) hard drive and is available with up to 80GB (6 hour) of capacity. You can also extend recording time by linking multiple FS-4 units together. A 10 second electronic shock cache ensures you never lose footage, even in the roughest of conditions. No matter which DV nonlinear editing (NLE) system you have, the FireStore FS-4 has you covered. Files are recorded to disk as RawDV, AVI Type 1, AVI Type 2, AVI Type 2 24p, Matrox AVI, Canopus AVI, QuickTime or QuickTime 24p. Some models also include Pinnacle AVI, Avid DV-OMF and HD support. Simply connect the FS-4 to your Mac or PC editing system like a normal FireWire hard disk drive and you are instantly ready to edit. No capturing, no file transfer, no file conversion. Just shoot and edit. Transfer clips to your NLE systems media drive at up to four times real-time or edit instantly in real-time using the FS-4 as your media source.
JOHN
LONGENECKER |
