EDIROL Video Field Recorder Introductory Guide 1 Background of Field Recording With the introduction of DV format video cameras in 1995 came the outstanding benefits of digital imaging technology, which until then could only be experienced in professional applications. DV gained widespread acceptance with the average consumer. To take full advantage of digital technology consumers needed a way to edit the content that was captured in the DV format. Computer non-linear video editing software was developed to address this growing market and the need to edit digital content. As non-linear applications and digital content grew, networked systems with large storage mediums were put into place so that material could easily be shared. It was commonplace to network multiple non-linear editing systems to a central video server. After solving the network and storage challenge, capturing content from DV tape and other forms of digital video materials became the bottleneck. While industrial-scale systems could improve transfer efficiency by including several dedicated capture stations, smaller-scale Background of Field Recording Field Recorder Line-up Unique Features of the F-1 Shooting and Recording Checking Footage and Transferring Data Proving the EDIROL F-1 in the Field Flexible Network Capabilities Specifications Utility Software and Accessories 3 4 6 8 10 12 16 18 19 businesses were confronted by a real restriction when it came to transferring tape-based data in real-time. In the news gathering sector, one reason that non-linear technology made so little headway was because it was quicker to edit tape than to wait for content to be captured. The field recorder emerged as a means of resolving this issue. Using the IEEE1394 interface from camera to hard disk, made it possible directly record the video stream. The hard disk can then be mounted in a non-linear workstation where editing can begin immediately and thereby eliminating the capture process entirely. Shift to HD With the introduction of HD broadcasting, there has been a large investment in HD infrastructure. At the outset, the capabilities for dealing with HD content in non-linear editing systems were inadequate and expensive, therefore broadcasting companies re-invested in tape-based systems. After regressing temporarily to a tape-based workflow, HD content is returning to a non-linear based workflow as we saw previously in the DV era. However, the bottleneck continues to be Text · Nobuyoshi Kodera, Shuzo Hamatani Cover photography · Shinya Aizawa The original Japanese edition was issued as a supplement of "Gekkan video alpha" on July 1, 2008 3 capturing and recording HD content. Naturally, the Panasonic P2 and the Sony XDCAM lines moved into HD but because users were unfamiliar with the workflow benefits they also saw no reason to throw away expensive cameras just because they record to tape. Companies realized that camera and lens assets can still be retained and improved workflow could be achieved from acquisition to delivery using tapeless Field Recorders. In particular, HDV cameras benefit greatly by using Field Recorder because they dramatically improve workflow by providing tapeless content acquisition while not taking away from any other features. Using tape based camcorders along with field recorders provides redundancy for data storage. Some users were suspicious of the new hard drive based media because if it failed, they would lose their data. Once the footage was on tape, users were confident that it would not be easily lost. The only downside was that the maximum recording time was limited by the physical length of the tape. When used in tandem with a field recorder, however, recording simultaneously to both tapes and Field Recorder compensate for the weakness of either technology. Using both makes it possible to offload data for editing from the field recorder, and recorded tapes can be sent straight to the archive shelf/room for backup. In the future, solid-state memory recording will become mainstream for camcorders. However, because hardware and codecs are still evolving, it is too early to adopt for many applications. WAVE format Recording/Playback MP3 format Recording/Playback Channels Internal Stereo Microphone Analog Input Digital In Digital Output Phantom Power Recording Media USB USB Host WAVE Editing Function Time Code Effects Power Supply R-09 R-09HR 44.1/48kHz 16/24-bit Rec 64/128/160/192/224/320kbps Playback 32-320kbps or VBR(Variable Bit Rate) 2 Stereo Miniture phone type, plug-in powered mic Optical SD Memory Card USB 2.0 Reverb (Playback Only) AA Battery x2, AC Adaptor 44.1/48/88.2/96kHz 16/24-bit Rec 64/128/160/192/224/320kbps Playback 32-320kbps or VBR(Variable Bit Rate) 2 Stereo Miniture phone type, plug-in powered mic SD/SDHC Memory Card USB 2.0 Reverb (Playback Only) AA Battery x2, AC Adaptor R- R- Pro R-44 Field Recorder Line-up Well-known as a musical instrument manufacturer, Roland Corporation has established itself as leaders in the audio field recording segment with a number of hit products. The company's first field recorder, which came out in 2004, was the EDIROL R-1 portable audio recorder designed to record uncompressed audio to solid state media - all in the palm of your hand. With subsequent model upgrades and new features Roland continues to lead the way among followers in a growing live digital recording market. In 2005, the EDIROL R-4, a four-channel model was developed for commercial applications strengthening the lineup. In 2006 it was followed by the EDIROL R-4 Pro with time code capabilities for the location sound and post markets. The R-4 Pro has been widely accepted in the Radio, TV Broadcast, and post markets. Early 2008 marked the release of the EDIROL R-44, a four-channel, solid-state SDHC memory card audio field recorder. Meanwhile, for the consumer market, successors to the R-1 were launched. In 2006, the substantially more compact R-09 was favorably received and spawned the development of similar 44.1/48/88.2/96kHz 16/24-bit 4 XLR/TRS Combo type Coaxal 1 Coaxal 1 HDD(40GB) USB 2.0 - 44.1/48/88.2/96/192kHz 16/24-bit 4 (Limited to Stereo x1 at 192kHz) XLR type AES/EBU 1 AES/EBU 1 HDD(80GB) USB 2.0 USB 2.0 44.1/48/88.2/96/192kHz 16/24-bit 4 (Limited to Stereo x1 at 192kHz) XLR/TRS Combo type Coaxal 1 Coaxal 1 SD/SDHC Memory Card USB 2.0 - 3-Band EQ, Graphic EQ, Noise Gate, Enhancer, Comp&DeEsser 3-Band EQ, Graphic EQ, Noise Gate, Enhancer, Comp&DeEsser, MS Mic Mixing 3-Band EQ, Graphic EQ, Noise Gate, Enhancer, Comp&DeEsser, MS Mic Mixing AA type battery x8, AC Adaptor AA type battery x8, AC Adaptor, External Battery AA type battery x4, AC Adaptor, External Battery Current lineup of Roland audio field recorders. products from other manufacturers. Released mid 2008 was the latest version called the R-09HR. Roland designed the F-1 using core technology and experience acquired from their extensive audio field recorders combined with their numerous years of product development for the video industry. One of the most important technologies developed for it's Field Recording line up found in the F-1 is the shock resistant and impact proof hard drive system. 4 5 Power button Indicator stays lit when powered ON. Display Bright and easy to read, the organic LED display has a wide viewing angle. F-1 operating status and menu screens are shown on the display. Display button Enables single-touch access to the audio level setting screen. VGA output connector Enables connection of external monitor. Thumbnail display of recorded clips and other viewing modes are possible. (analog RGB 800 600 pixels) Audio in jack Accepts XLR plugs for Ch 3 and Ch 4 audio. Mic and line input is supported. REC/STOP button Used for starting and stopping recording. A red indicator remains lit during recording. Transport button Enables selection and playback or pause of stored files. Menu button Used for switching to menu screen. Phones jack Accepts headphones for monitoring Ch 3 and Ch 4 audio input. Audio in level knob Allows adjustment of the level of Ch 3 and Ch 4 analog audio input. i.LINK (IEEE1394) port Accepts connections from video cameras and other devices. Handles HDV and DV. USB (host) port Accepts connections from mouse and other USB devices. Compatible with standard USB mass storage, it also supports USB flash memory and hard drives. Hold switch To prevent inadvertent operation, set to ON position to lock operation buttons including REC/STOP, Replay, Fast Forward, and Rewind. Audio input setting switch Used for adjusting Audio input. Adjustments: gain settings; phantom power ON/OFF; and audio input ON/OFF. DC in socket Supports 9 to 16 V DC power. Enables use of AC adaptor or external battery. Status lights Indicates type of video input. Ch 3/4 lights up when Ch 3 and Ch 4 audio input is set to ON. USB (computer) port For high-speed USB 2.0 connections to computers. be removed from the recorder and connected to a non-linear system via USB. Because it is powered through the USB connection, the hard drive does not need its own power supply. Using an additional removable hard Unique Features of the F-1 So let's take a look at the special hardware features of the F-1. On a body somewhat bigger than a V-mount battery, the controls are on the front panel. This follows the general function design of the R-09 and earlier models, menu operation on the F-1 is simple to navigate using the up and down arrows and the enter keys to make settings. On the side of the F-1 there are input jacks for two audio channels in addition to the two channels included from the camera, providing a total of four audio channels. These two independent audio channels record in linear PCM audio format providing much higher quality sound than the audio channels from the camera. When recording music, it is better to use these channels as the main audio. Adjustment and monitoring of sound levels for these channels can be done using the front control panel. The F-1 is designed with a removable hard drive for storing video and audio content making this unique to most other field recorders. Ordinary field recorders have USB or other connectors that need to be used to offload their stored video for non-linear editing. This means that every time transfer or editing work has to be done, the recorder has to be disconnected from the camera. Having your field recoder always coupled with the hard drive limits usability. A removable 120 GB hard drive is used for recording video/audio data. drive allows you to continue shooting in the in a non-linear system. In situations where The F-1 can be powered by a battery unit (left) that holds eight field while the other content is being edited AA batteries or external power (right) including an AC adaptor. by using the AC adaptor socket. Lastly, the Fseveral film crews are working, this can be very advantageous for improving workflow. The F-1 uses several unique power options to operate the system. The first is a power pack that is inserted into the back of the unit that contains eight AA batteries. As with its earlier audio field recorders, Roland has remained committed to designing devices that use standard batteries so that users can easily find replacement batteries just about anywhere in the world. A dedicated battery would require a recharging system, and in some shooting situations, AC power is just not available. Results achieved in remote areas and the positive feedback from Roland users has proven the enduring value of this product design feature. Secondly, the F-1 can receive external power 1 can be powered by plugging in large-format batteries. As a fail safe option when it is operating on external power and the external power runs out or is cut for any reason, the F-1 automatically switches to internal power. In effect, the internal battery pack functions as a back-up power supply. Because the shooting time is only limited by the remaining capacity of the hard drive, the F-1 can be used for extended non-stop recording. This capability makes it well suited for use in documentary film making and other special shooting situations. The F-1 uses a 120 GB hard drive unit that can 6 7 Shooting & Recording F-1 and tape: simultaneous recording The F-1 is mostly used for recording with an HDV or DV camcorder. To record, simply connect an i.Link (IEEE 1394) cable to the camera. Activate the Synchronize setting in the Sync recording menu screen, to enable simultaneously recording to both tape and the F-1 when the record button on the camera is pressed. When the stop button is pressed on the camera, the F-1 will simultaneously stop recording. The F-1 can be mounted to larger shouldermount types of camcorders using a V-mount adapter making it easy and secure for mobile recording. Using the dedicated V-mount adaptor kit, you can use a V-mount battery along with the F-1 to provide many hours of recording time. For use wi ...