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Vitec Multimedia FS-4 HD Portable DTE Recorder - NTSC
- Price: $799.00
- No Longer Available
The FS-4 HD 60GB Portable DTE Recorder from Focus Enhancements is a hard drive based tapeless recorder that is designed to work with DV camcorders. The FS-4 HD weighs about a pound and is only 1.6" thick, making it very easy to mount on your camera or clip to your belt. The DTE recorder is fully compatible with both Macintosh and PC based editing systems, making it a great solution for anyone who is tired of the hassles associated with logging and capturing tapes.
- Tapeless Acquisition
- The FS-4 allows you to record directly from your camcorder while you shoot using Direct To Edit (DTE) Technology. When you are finished shooting, simply connect the FS-4 to your computer and you are instantly ready to edit in the timeline.
- True DTE Technology
- The recorder gives you a variety of file format options including RawDV, AVI Type 1, AVI Type 2, 24P AVI Type 2, Matrox AVI, Canopus AVI, QuickTime or QuickTime 24P. It is also compatible with HDV camcorders that feature 720p and 1080i MPEG-2 recording.
- Fast & Efficient Editing
- Once you have finished shooting, you can mount the FS-4 to your Mac or PC editing system like a normal FireWire hard disk drive. This allows you to transfer clips to your NLE's media drive at up to 50 MB/sec or edit instantly in real-time using the FS-4 as your media source.
- Confidence in Recording
- You have the option of simultaneously recording to disk and tape while you shoot, providing an immediately available, drop out free, edit source and an archive and backup on tape.
- Compact, Lightweight, Rugged Design
- The FS-4 weighs less than one pound including the battery and is only 1.6" thick. You can mount the FS-4 directly to your camcorder using the optional camera mount kit or clip the FS-4 directly to your belt. The FS-4 can withstand the rigors of field shooting. The 6 second electronic shock cache ensures that your video is always recorded even in the roughest of conditions.
- Flexible Capacities and Power
- The recorder comes with a 60GB hard drive which can hold approximately 4.5 hours of footage. You can extend record times by linking 2 FS-4 units together. The FS-4 is powered by slim, removable battery packs or via the supplied AC adapter.
- Easy to Use, Control and Update
- The FS-4 interfaces with your camcorder using a single FireWire cable that passes audio, video, timecode and control information. When a tape is present, each press of start and stop on your camcorder's record button creates an individual clip on disk. The FS-4 features a comprehensive backlit display, menu system and buttons allowing easy control and management.
- Never Miss A Shot
- The recorder's 6 second retro record mode means you are always recording. When action happens, you have up to 6 seconds to hit "record" and capture the moment.
| Video System | NTSC |
| Configuration | Portable |
| Technology | DTE Disk Recorder |
| Audio |
2-Channel (16-bit, 48 kHz) 4-Channel (12-bit, 32 kHz) (RawDV only) |
| Video |
DV: 480i/p, 8-bit 4:1:1 (NTSC-DV) HDV: 720p 24/25/30fps, 1080i 50/60fps DTE File Formats: RawDV, AVI Type1, AVI Type2, Matrox AVI, Canopus AVI, QuickTime, AVI Type 2 24p, QuickTime 24p, M2T HD |
| Recording | Dedicated VTR Record Buttons, Retro Recording, Scene Marking |
| Playback | Play, Stop, Forward Index, Back Index, Forward, Rewind, Loop Playback Modes |
| Hard Drive | 60GB |
| File Transfer Method | FireWire 400 |
| Interface | Front Panel Keys with LCD screen |
| Controls | Dedicated VTR Play/Record and Mode Buttons |
| Input and Output Connectors |
1x 6-Pin FireWire-400 DV Video I/O 1x 6-Pin FireWire-400 Computer I/O 1x 1/8" (3.5mm) minijack for GPI and RS-232C control |
| Time Code | DV Embedded Timecode (Drop or Non-Drop) |
| Mounting | Belt Mount or On-Camera |
| Compatible Camcorders |
Mini DV (DV25 Camcorders), Canon XL-H1, Sony HDR-FX1, Sony HVR-Z1
1
Please Note:Refer to manufacturer's website for most current compatibility information. close |
| Compatible NLE Systems |
Adobe Premiere Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0 Adobe Premiere Elements Apple Final Cut Express Apple Final Cut Pro Apple iMovie Avid Media Composer Adrenaline Avid Xpress Pro Avid Newscutter Adrenaline Canopus Edius Pro Canopus Edius Broadcast Matrox RT/RTX Matrox Axio Sony Vegas Ulead Media Studio Pro |
| Power Requirements | 15 VDC |
| Power Consumption | 7.5W |
| Environmental Requirements |
Operating Temperature: 32-104°F (0-40°C) Humidity: 30-90% Storage Temperature: -40-140°F (-20-60°C) Humidity: <85% |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 1.6 x 5.6 x 3.75" (4 x 14.2 x 9.5 cm) |
| Weight | 1 lb (0.45 kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 10 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (8)
- Improves performance (6)
- Professional quality (6)
- Highly compatible (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Independent films (6)
- In the studio (6)
- Complex projects (4)
- Home movies (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Professional artist (6), Business owner (5)
Most Liked Positive Review
very satisfied
I would give the FS-4 HD 5 stars if it came with a better battery. This is a very useful tool for those wanting to speed up the editing process. no more waiting ...Read complete review
I would give the FS-4 HD 5 stars if it came with a better battery. This is a very useful tool for those wanting to speed up the editing process. no more waiting 2 hours to capture 2 hours of video into your computer. I have actually just used the recorder as a separate hard drive and edited in Premier Pro directly from the recorder. The retro archive mode is very useful for shooting track meets or football games. It allows you to start your recording 6 seconds prior to your pressing the record button. So, at a track meet, you can wait until a race has started without recording false starts. At football games, you can wait until the ball is snapped and clean of offsides penalties. My only gripe is that the battery that is supplied with the recorder doesn't last very long. I have been fortunate to be able to plug into an AC outlet during my shoots.
I would recommend the product and will probably buy another one for my next camera.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Does not Convert to HDV 24P Files!!
This is a great drive for the price and for Standard def cameras. I bought it thinking that it would convert HD footage to quicktime files and it doesn't. In HD mode, it converts...Read complete review
This is a great drive for the price and for Standard def cameras. I bought it thinking that it would convert HD footage to quicktime files and it doesn't. In HD mode, it converts it into.m2t files which is useless for Final Cut Pro. If you need HD Quicktime files then purchase the ProHD model. You have to download a program from Apple and then convert it from there with this model. Either way it saves time from having to capture from tape.
Reviewed by 10 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Lots Of Features
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-4 HD Portable DTE Recorder - NTSC:
Going tapeless is awesome
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-4 HD Portable DTE Recorder - NTSC:
We use this hard drive at school to record concerts and shows for immediate editing. The unit is reliable and easy to use. We are able to connect the deck to our mac and start editing in final cut pro without copying the files to the computer. I only wish it could save files larger than 2 gigs without breaking them up. A one hour show is broken into about 7 different files.
Pros
- Highly Compatible
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Home Movies
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-4 HD Portable DTE Recorder - NTSC:
This is one of the best additions I have added to my digital camera equipment. The best thing is that when I import the files each click I made when I was filming is a separate file. That saves me a lot of time.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Lots Of Features
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Home Movies
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-4 HD Portable DTE Recorder - NTSC:
Work better than I ever thought. A must have for someone who shoots on a camera with a fire wire port, no need to ever use tapes.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
Cons
- Lacks Functionality
Best Uses
- Home Movies
- Independent Films
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-4 HD Portable DTE Recorder - NTSC:
This is a great drive for the price and for Standard def cameras. I bought it thinking that it would convert HD footage to quicktime files and it doesn't. In HD mode, it converts it into.m2t files which is useless for Final Cut Pro. If you need HD Quicktime files then purchase the ProHD model. You have to download a program from Apple and then convert it from there with this model. Either way it saves time from having to capture from tape.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-4 HD Portable DTE Recorder - NTSC:
The FS-4 has tremendously cut down my editing time, as it does exactly what it's meant to: Save you from having to capture the footage you've just shot. I first used it on the road with a less-than-beefy laptop, and there were a couple hangups with editing the clips, but I'm pinning those on the laptop. Once I returned to finish editing on my desktop, it hummed along. I used both the slave setting (takes cuts straight from your camera record/pause button), and the manual setting to make my own cuts from a non-tape-recorded single-shot setup.
Pros
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Independent Films
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-4 HD Portable DTE Recorder - NTSC:
I have used this with my HD100 works great!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
Cons
Best Uses
- In The Studio
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-4 HD Portable DTE Recorder - NTSC:
With the use of this drive I now eliminate hours of capture time.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- In The Studio
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-4 HD Portable DTE Recorder - NTSC:
My older Sony DSR-390 has issues occasionally with digital artifacting on tape when shooting outdoors or on cold days. The Firestore saved the day by not only replacing tape, but recording my clips in native .mov files ready to edit! I had plans to buy one of these when I moved to HD but am sure glad I made the purchase for my older cameras.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Included battery is weak
Best Uses
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
- Location sports
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-4 HD Portable DTE Recorder - NTSC:
I would give the FS-4 HD 5 stars if it came with a better battery. This is a very useful tool for those wanting to speed up the editing process. no more waiting 2 hours to capture 2 hours of video into your computer. I have actually just used the recorder as a separate hard drive and edited in Premier Pro directly from the recorder. The retro archive mode is very useful for shooting track meets or football games. It allows you to start your recording 6 seconds prior to your pressing the record button. So, at a track meet, you can wait until a race has started without recording false starts. At football games, you can wait until the ball is snapped and clean of offsides penalties. My only gripe is that the battery that is supplied with the recorder doesn't last very long. I have been fortunate to be able to plug into an AC outlet during my shoots.
I would recommend the product and will probably buy another one for my next camera.
- How long have you owned it:
- One-to-three months
Displaying reviews 1-10
- Belt Clip
- User Guide
- 4' (1.2 m) 6-pin to 4-pin FireWire Cable
- Power Supply with Cable and Connector
- Removable Li-Ion Battery Pack
- 90-Day Limited Warranty on Accessories (Including Battery)
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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