- On Special
Sony HVR-M15U Compact Desktop HDV/DVCAM/DV VTR, 1080i record, 1080i/720p playback, NTSC/PAL Switchable
The Sony HVR-M15U is an HDV format VTR ideally used with desktop editing workstations. It includes a stand and can be mounted vertically; a great space-saving feature. The modest frame is deceiving as this VTR performs a wide range of professional applications. The deck can play back both NTSC/PAL signals, as well as 720p30. The unit records Sony's 1080i HDV as well as DV and DVCAM. High definition can be recorded with either Mini DV tapes or the larger standard size cassettes for record times up to 276 minutes in HDV and DV mode.
- Multiple Formats
- The deck is capable of playing back DV, DVCAM and HDV signals. This added versatility allows for legacy playback of archived footage.
- Extended Record Times
- The deck can support standard size cassettes for extended record times. Archiving and longer projects can be recorded with ease. Record up to 276 minutes of HDV or DV footage and up to 184 of DVCAM footage on one tape.
- NTSC/PAL Switchable
- The VTR can record both NTSC and PAL standard definition signals. This added flexibility can be important when mastering for different regions.
- Go Vertical
- Unlike many decks, the HVR-M15U's tape transport can be positioned vertically without any damage to the cassette. Have you ever wished you could stick that last piece of equipment into the useless nook in the corner? Well, with this compact VTR, you can! Just use the provided stand and you're ready to go.
- Auto-Repeat
- Presentations will benefit from the auto-repeat function. The deck will automatically start a video over again when this option is on. Simply set the deck up and let it do the rest.
| Signal System |
NTSC/PAL 1080i Digital i.Link |
| Tape Format | HDV, DVCAM and DV (in SP Mode) |
| Tape Speed |
HDV: 18.8 mm/s DVCAM: 28.193 mm/s DV: 18.8 mm/s |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Maximum Recording Time |
DV/HDV: 276 min DVCAM: 184 min |
| Audio Signal Format | 16 bit/48kHz |
| Frequency Response | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Input and Output Connectors |
i.LINK - FireWire 4-Pin Component - RCA (x1 Output) Composite - RCA (x1 Input, Output) S-Video- 4-Pin (x1 Input, Output) Control S Interface LAN C Interface |
| Power Requirements | 8.4 VDC |
| Power Consumption | 8W |
| Operating Temperature | 41-104°F (5-40°C) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 7.125 x 2.875 x 10.5" (18.1 x 7.3 x 26.7 cm) |
| Weight | 5.1 lb (2.3 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 16 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
80%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to set up (4)
- Easy to use (4)
- Highly compatible (3)
- Lots of features (3)
Cons
- Poor performance (3)
Best Uses
- Dubbing (3)
- How long have you owned it:
A month or less
83%
(5 reviews)
One-to-three months
Three-to-six months
More than six months
- Reviewer Profile:
- Professional (3), Professional artist (3)
- Primary use:
- Business (5)
Most Liked Positive Review
Nice machine
Only negative is the fire wire-related delay in machine control response. Unlike RS-422, which is such a fine, accurate and instantly-responsive control protocol, the fire wire standards do not allow such a ...Read complete review
Only negative is the fire wire-related delay in machine control response. Unlike RS-422, which is such a fine, accurate and instantly-responsive control protocol, the fire wire standards do not allow such a fine response. So, it must not be the deck's problem, but inherent in fire wire control. It also seems to lose connection with the FCP editing software, not delivering picture to NTSC monitor, until refreshing A/V devices in the FCP "View" menu, on frequent occasion.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Won't work with Canon XHA1
This product did not perform at all as expected. I was told that the Sony HVR-M15U compact HDV 1080i VTR would work with tapes made on the Canon XHA1 in High Definition. Now that ...Read complete review
This product did not perform at all as expected. I was told that the Sony HVR-M15U compact HDV 1080i VTR would work with tapes made on the Canon XHA1 in High Definition. Now that I have the deck,it will not work. [...] I am thoroughly disappointed. Now I don't have a deck to do editing. They tell me to buy another camera to do editing work.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 16 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-16
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Limited Compatibility
Best Uses
- Independent Films
Comments about Sony HVR-M15U Desktop HDV VTR:
Having been a DVCAM user for many years, ( I am now into HDV) I find the HVR-M15U combines the versatility of playing and recording in DVCAM, DV and HDV, fulfills my needs. (Also uses both full size and mini cassetts.) I do wish it would have at least had a digital display on the front to monitor TC etc.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
Cons
- Poor Performance
Best Uses
- In The Studio
Comments about Sony HVR-M15U Desktop HDV VTR:
I bought mine two years ago - for the second time in two years it died with a tape inside - the unit would not eject the tape nor would it respond to any of the controls.
The first time it was under warranty, and my only loss was time. The second time, almost exactly a year after the first time, it no longer is under warranty. Sony's service center has quoted a price in excess of $1100 to repair a unit that cost $1600 new in 2006.
If you like Sony products (and I once loved them) protect yourself with a service contract.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Lots Of Features
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Movies
Comments about Sony HVR-M15U Desktop HDV VTR:
This is one amazing piece of machinery. I've been using it for the past month and I am loving it! I definitely would recommend this to anybody.
:-)
Pros
- Not Compatible
Cons
- Lacks Functionality
- Poor Performance
Best Uses
- None
Comments about Sony HVR-M15U Desktop HDV VTR:
This product did not perform at all as expected. I was told that the Sony HVR-M15U compact HDV 1080i VTR would work with tapes made on the Canon XHA1 in High Definition. Now that I have the deck,it will not work. [...] I am thoroughly disappointed. Now I don't have a deck to do editing. They tell me to buy another camera to do editing work.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Lots Of Features
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Independent Films
Comments about Sony HVR-M15U Desktop HDV VTR:
So far, nothing to complain about. Only time will tell.
Pros
- Lots Of Features
Cons
- Poor Performance
Best Uses
Comments about Sony HVR-M15U Desktop HDV VTR:
Product was not working and to make things worse this was the second unit that I had purchased. Ok we know they can do better in the QA department
- How long have you owned it:
- A month or less
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
- Sharp Picture
- Super-portable
Cons
- Best for Small Fingers
Best Uses
- Playback
Comments about Sony HVR-M15U Desktop HDV VTR:
The Sony HVR-M15U perfectly suits my very simple needs for mini-DV playback. Works very well in conjunction with our Canon XL-2 Camera and consumer grade DVD burners. I really like the face-plate switch for the onscreen display and the audio playback quality is great (not so with other machines I've tried!). Only drawback is the size of the buttons and loading opening....it's a bit tricky for the larger fingered amongst us!
- How long have you owned it:
- A month or less
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Decent array of options
- Good range of formats
- Price
Cons
- "Feels" a little fragile
- A few minor "wishes"
Best Uses
- Dubbing
- DV inout
Comments about Sony HVR-M15U Desktop HDV VTR:
I won't lie, I bought this largely because of its price and I wanted to stop wearing out my HDV camera by using it as a deck. I've had experience with the HVR-M25U and while the M15U offers a more limited range of functions, it really exceeded my expectations for its overall price and performance.
A few items on the wish list:
• It needs more options with the tape shuttle speeds (it's either fast, or shuttlemax slow accessible only through a menu item).
• I would've liked the ability to turn off all but the timecode on the display (for window dubs).
• There's no local/remote switch.
• And it "feels" a tad fragile. I'd worry toting it around in the field or even loaning it out for someone else to use.
But then again, for the price and the range of formats it can handle, I'm very pleased with it.
- How long have you owned it:
- A month or less
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
Cons
Best Uses
- Capturing footage to FCP
Comments about Sony HVR-M15U Desktop HDV VTR:
Only negative is the fire wire-related delay in machine control response. Unlike RS-422, which is such a fine, accurate and instantly-responsive control protocol, the fire wire standards do not allow such a fine response. So, it must not be the deck's problem, but inherent in fire wire control. It also seems to lose connection with the FCP editing software, not delivering picture to NTSC monitor, until refreshing A/V devices in the FCP "View" menu, on frequent occasion.
- How long have you owned it:
- A month or less
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Set Up
- Sharp Picture
Cons
Best Uses
- Dubbing
Comments about Sony HVR-M15U Desktop HDV VTR:
used almost everyday! We use it to capture tapes from our PD-170, to record programs in our Auditorium and many other uses.
- How long have you owned it:
- One-to-three months
- Primary use:
- Business
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Set Up
Cons
Best Uses
- Dubbing
Comments about Sony HVR-M15U Desktop HDV VTR:
I am using for editing.
Thanks god this machine takes the dvcam tapes easily, not like the previous modells.
- How long have you owned it:
- A month or less
- Primary use:
- Business
- Similar:
- A Sony HVR-Z1U high deffinition camera
Comments about Sony HVR-M15U Desktop HDV VTR:
This deck does everything it is supposed to VERY well! The comments from other reviewers about failures after three months do worry me, however. After a month of use, the image quality is as good as I could have hoped for, and all functions work perfectly. I was planning to buy the Sony DSRM-10 wired remote, but the included wireless remote works so well that I don't need it! My only concern is for the long-term reliability of this unit, and the fact that Sony only warranty it for ninety days.
Expertise: Retired, with 20+ years of AV experience.
Problems Encountered: No problems after one month!
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Sony DSR 1500A
Items I Recommend: I have it firewired to a Mac Pro with Final Cut Express HD, and it works beautifully.
Comments about Sony HVR-M15U Desktop HDV VTR:
Works as advertised. Compact and feature packed.
Items I Recommend: Yes
Comments about Sony HVR-M15U Desktop HDV VTR:
It would be a decent deck if not for the bugs.
Expertise: 10 years
Problems Encountered: 3 months after purchasing the deck it began having a problemwith the PB audio. 5 months after receiving a new deck ithad a power failure trapping a clients tape in the deck withno manual way to extract. Whats much worse is that thereare only two, 2, certified locations in the entire US thatis authorized to do warranty work and they will take almosta month to get the deck back. Not the deck to buy if yourjob depends on it!!!
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Sony BCB 70, DSR80, UVW 1800, DVW 500, you name it I have had it.
Comments about Sony HVR-M15U Desktop HDV VTR:
Great little deck, we do web video for a major newspaper.Idea here is we can carry it with us with a laptop and editin the field if necessary (its pretty compact.) Does agreat job,
Problems Encountered: No problems so far
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: None
Items I Recommend: Behringer headphone amp and adapter cables, Sennheiser nosie cancelling phones
Comments about Sony HVR-M15U Desktop HDV VTR:
I spent numerous hours going back and forth between the Sony HVR-M15U and the traditional DV-16. Then I spent even more hours comparing Sony to JVC and Panasonic. From reading spec sheets to asking professionals in the field, the Sony HVR-M15U was the best choice for the dollar. Its a solid machine excluding the flip down cover at the top which is a little light (but I'm picky), and I have already imported over 25 HDV tapes and 100 mini DV tapes with ease. Great features and a great product over all. A +
Problems Encountered: No problems with this Item in any way.
Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Do not own a DV deck but a Canon XL2 and a Canon X1 H1
Displaying reviews 1-16
- Remote Commander Unit
- AC Adaptor
- Power Cord
- Stand
- 2 x AA Batteries
- Cleaning Cassette
- Operating Instructions
- 1 Year Warranty
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