Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I use the MRC1 with my Canon XLH1 no problems at all worked first time. Make sure all the settings are correct and format card in MRC1. Brilliant piece of kit and you do not need a tape in XLH1 as you do with Sony cameras, it records directly to CF card and log and transfer into FCP 7.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I'm using this with the Canon XHA-1 and it works flawlessly!! I have imported files from the MRC1 via the Compact Flash Card and it so much faster than tapes. What would take one hour now only takes 5 minutes, and it goes right into Final Cur Pro ready to edit.

The unit is light weight, easy to use and most of all easy to attach with the supplied equipment. All the cables and necessary software came with unit.

Seeing time saved and ease of use, it is hard to have any negatives about this product!!! I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE DOING HDV VIDEO!!

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

Easy to set up. easy to use,the M2t files are a pain, and need to be converted, but no problems recording on compact cards.
Avi works fine, I do wish the record button was a little bigger. It takes a few seconds to start recording. But overall It works great.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I don't like tape, but now it serves as a back-up to the MRC1. I've used it for 8 months with zero problems, although a bit of a learning curve was involved. I did learn you can't go with the cheap CF cards and expect them to work in this unit.
Also, when attached to the back of an HVR-Z5U, you can't use the NP-F970 battery. It's too big.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

Just started using the MRC1 on my HVR V1U and I love it. Small, intelligent, easy to use and so fast.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

This Sony product, even if it is an old unit, does the job well! To get the most out of it I got a new cf card reader jump the transfer time up to 10x times faster! (USB2 card reader) I would recommend it to all!

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I recorded a wedding using a Sony HVR-Z1U and the HVR-MRC1 when I reviewed the minidDV tape, I was horrified to see that the date and time showed on the camcorder LCD screen. Connected the MRC1 to my PC and imported the video into Vegas 11.0 ... the video was perfect (without date and time).

Additionally,what was great about the MRC1 was that it took 14 minutes to import the 8.9 Gb files into Vegas .... MUCH better than playing the 1-1/2 hour miniDV tape on my camcorder into a firewire to the PC.

Not so good: Had to purchase a flash bracket (NIFBRS) from B&H so I could mount the MRC1 to the side of my camcorder and allow mounting an LED light (or) a Sennhouser ME-66 shotgun mic on the hot shoe on top of the Z1U.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

By far one of the best on camera addition I have purchased. The HVR-MRC1 allows you to capture full HD quality footage directly to a stand CF card. I paired this unit with my FX1 and can't express how much it has simplified my work flow while also boosting image quality!

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

huge time saver. must have.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

Shoot a lot of corporate "how to" videos, it's so time consuming to capture from tape. Unit has come down in price since I first looked at it, too much $ to purchase (with camera) at the time.
Docks right on the back of my HVR-Z5U, documentation is a little vague from Sony but, I found a YouTube video (in japanese) showing how to iLinc with my camera.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I have been able to use this on a variety of cameras having firewire outs and I have loved it! Very compact and easy to use. The ability to carry the CF cards around makes it so easy to shoot and to transfer the footage to the computer.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I bought this unit for my Sony Z1U after being pleased with the Sony POV camera (HXR-MC1) with Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo media for over a year. Solid State recording media are the way to go!

I downloaded and read the manual thoroughly before buying the device, so there weren't very many surprises. I avoid manufacturers that don't make their manuals available before purchase.

The HVR-MRC1 mounts on the hot shoe of the Z1U with an adaptor that is supplied. It needs to be powered with a separate Sony Li-Ion battery when used with the Z1U. I use a big Sony NP-F970, which is probably overkill. It is connected to the Z1U with a 6-to-4-pin FW400 cable that is supplied. No CF cards come with the unit. No battery comes with the unit.

I have now used this unit on my Z1U intensively for several weeks with complete success. I often run video sessions for over two hours continuously, and the 32GB CF cards make this easy for the first time.

Good Features:
1.) This unit (HVR-MRC1) uses Compact Flash media. I found the SanDisk 32GB CF cards with 60Mb/sec transfer rate worked perfectly.
2.) Very long continuous recording times. You can use CF cards at least as large at 32 GB (144 minutes). (I haven't tried larger.) The two NP-F970 batteries on the Z1U and this unit easily last long enough.
3.) Records SD or HD files correctly automatically, depending on Z1U camera settings.
4.) Simple operation with Z1U. I just run the Z1U without tape, and do the recording from the controls of the HVR-MRC1. The playback to the Z1U monitor is straightforward for checking the recording.
5.) Fast downloads to computer. I use a SanDisk CF card reader with a FW800 cable. I simply copy the CF card to my hard disk, being careful to keep the entire folder and file structure intact. [Afterwards, I use the Log & Transfer command to import the video into Final Cut Pro to edit it. The L&T process takes a while and the files created by L&T are somewhat larger, typically about 8GB for about 44min.]
6.) The unit can be easily and quickly removed from the Z1U for travel or storage.
7.) The likelihood of mechanical failure (unlike tape transports or hard disks) is virtually nil.
8.) Compact storage: The volume of the unit plus the Sony NP-F970 battery plus 3 CF cards is about the same as six or seven 85-min mini-DV tapes. Each 32GB CF card holds the equivalent of three 85-min mini DV's.

Not so great things:
1.) The unit should be removed from the Z1U for traveling or for storage. The combination is an awkward size and shape, and could easily be damaged by handling. It is at least easy to remove. I always take this precaution. I found no issue while recording on a tripod.
2.) Good CF cards are a bit pricey.
3.) No CF cards come with the unit.
4.) It does not take power from the Sony Z1U, and therefore needs a separate battery. No battery was supplied. This is not a big deal for me because I have lots of appropriate Sony batteries.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I have started to use the HVR-MRC1 with my Sony HVR-V1U 1080i Prosumer Camcorder. I work with Realtors providing virtual tour videos of properties for sale. The first of two big benefits I can see right away is using this without having to use tape will save mechanical wear on the camera. The second great feature is the faster download from the camera and ability to download only the files I would use, saving a lot of computer space.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I bought the MRC1 CF recorder as a back-up for my tape based HDV camera. Also, it frees the camera heads from running the recorded tape back thru for the HD download.It will also record without running a tape(tapeless) thru the camera. Out of the box it was easy to attach to the camera and the set-up and operation menu was simple enough that I really didn't need the instruction guide. As for compatibility with CF cards, I have used these cards without any trouble: adata Speedy 16GB-533x,ADATA 16GB-533x,SanDisk Extreme 8GB-60MB/s,RiDATA Lighting Series 32GB-233x. The one card I owned that didn't format in the MRC unit was the newest Patriot LX Series 16GB-600x card. The CF slot in the MRC1 has two little plastic tabs the prevent a CF type2 to SD adapter from being inserted. Play back is either thru the MRC1 unit via Fire Wire or directly by removing the CF card.The SONY download utility if functional but that's about all, no bells and whistles. It allows you to name the the download file and location, including naming a new file for the down load.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

This product is excellent. It works every time. The only possible glitch i have found is when I was shooting a wedding and using tape backup at the same time, the tape went out of sequence by fraction of seconds but it was noticeable. I also ran into a situation when I was recording both formats (tape and flsh drive) I pressed record on the camera; the tape worked right away but my flash drive blinked for a while then started recording. have talked to sony but no answers.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

This device was acquired for use in live event coverage where long/continuous recording is necessary. Unfortunately the device malfunctioned during a shoot. I had it recording on HDV mode for about 33 minutes into the shoot when I realized the timecode counter froze. The record light was still on but nothing was being recorded. After pressing the stop button several times, I then tried to switch off the unit. The record light remained on and the screen never reset. I then performed a hard power shut down by removing the battery. I got the device to power down and reset. I was able to record again. The video was saved but only up to the 33 minute point before the crash.
I was using a 600x SanDisk Extreme Pro 32gb CF card.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

The only thing bad about this unit is the small lcd I have run it through many tests with a 32 g card, work perfect every time, unit gets warm, but manual says this is normal, you can tape hd on tape and dv onto card or hd to tape and card and download it 75% faster than tape great item a little pricy but think about you have a instant back-up.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

It is impossible to predict when certain events will occur. The Loop Recording Mode facilitates recording of such events. You simply stop recording once the event has taken place.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

Overall, it is a pretty good product; but wasn't a good match for my camera. The Canon XHA1S is a little front heavy already. The cold shoe mount that comes with the MRC1 put's it towards the front of the camera... making it even more front heavy. I tried a Bracket1 HD; but this didn't help. It is a little on the heavy side with the battery attached.

There was a delay when recording to the card with camera controls, that was pretty aggravating.

I ended up returning the 2 units I purchased, and ordering the Canon (Focus) FS-CF units. I do love Sony products, and with a more compatible camera, these are definitely very good DTEs!

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

HVR-MRC1 fully tested for use for:

1.) Camera - Canon XH-A1
2.) Computer 1 – Mac Pro OS 10.6.6 (Quad Core Xeon Intel Processor) (Multi Threaded for 8 virtual cores.) This computer for editing
3.) Computer 2 – Dell XPS with Windows XP SP3 – This computer for downloading and using Sony download utility and simple file joiner.
3.) Software – Adobe Production Premium CS5 (Premiere Pro 5.0.3)
4.) Additional Hardware used - Matrox MX02 Mini – for HDMI WYSIWUG monitoring. Software and firmware for CS5 5.0.3

The HVR-MRC1 works so well with Canon XH-A1 it's like the canon and the Sony unit was made for each other. They communicate so well in fact that the Canon might as well be a Sony camcorder as far as the HVR-MRC1 is concerned.

I was only able to get a recorded file from the HVR-MRC1 to crash premiere once. Once I figured this out, I can always avoid this by doing one simple thing, do not stop the recording and instantly try to start recording again. This will corrupt the video file causing Premiere to crash when played back. But this is alerted on other reviews I've read. The HVR unit has to close the file it just recorded so it takes about 3 to 5 seconds before you can begin a new recording. If you start back recording to quickly it will prevent the last file from closing correctly thus causing file corruption. One sign is on the HVR unit there is a red record light on the face, this light is solid when recording and flashes for 3 to 4 seconds when starting and stopping a recording. During these times do not try to stop are start the camcorder, wait until the flashing stops. You'll need to record about 6 seconds or more before and after recording so you capture everything. I've noticed this when stopping it cuts off before the tape actually stops.

DV Control set ON:
You must set the Canon XH-A1 to DV Control On. This is easily found in the menu settings on the camera for System Setup, very easy to find. This setting will allow proper connection to the HVR-MRC1. On the Cameras viewfinder or LCD screen you will see on the right of the screen a new symbol showing DVZ (that's not a Z it has arrows at each end of the Z on the screen. This indicated that DV control is on. When you connect the HVR-MRC1; I made sure the Sony unit was off before connecting the firewire to the camera. Then once connected turn on the Sony HVR-MRC1 unit. The DVZ on the cameras LCD will change after a few seconds with a Green Square representing stop mode on the Unit. This will turn to a red dot when the HVR-MRC1 is recording. Time code on the HVR and the XH-A1 matches perfectly showing perfect connection between the two manufactures, this is a good sign!

Setting on the HVR-MRC1:
You need to set the record mode to "Syncro" Mode on the HVR-MRC1. This will allow the record button on the camera to control the HVR without a tape in the camera. The Follow mode (which both Follow and Syncro are in the same menu setting) allows the HVR to do exactly what the camcorder is doing; since you can't record with out a tape on the camera the record button will not start the HVR with out a tape in the camera. You can just press record on the HVR to record but this is not ideal to me. So Syncro mode is perfect for recording with or without a tape. The record button on the camera will always start and stop the HVR regardless of tape in or out of the camera when Syncro mode is selected.

Tape Changing:
Again Syncro mode must be on for this to work. When your recording, and the tape runs out the HVR continues to record. You can eject the tape while the HVR is still recording and place a new tape in the camera and hit the record button on the camera then tape will begin and HVR never stops. But, be aware there will be audio lost for about 15 frames when you hit record again after a new tape is inserted. This is because a new file is created somewhat like a segmented file but their not joinable with the joining software discussed in the next section. This may be the only place that the HVR and the XH-A1 is not completely perfect for one another, I'm not sure. So my work around, is after inserting a new tape during the tape change is to start the tape back at a point that will be edited out or a time when nothing important is happing like when people are not talking etc. The Compact Flash card will never miss a beat you just about 15 frames of video and audio is all.

Joining Segmented files:
When recording at intervals longer than 21 minutes the files must be joined using the rtu_util.exe provided by Sony. If your recording is longer than 21 minutes at time a new segment is created on the HVR due to the format "FAT32", this is limited to 4 GB files give or take some Megabytes. If you copy the files strait from the Compact Flash to your computer and drop them in your time line, there is an audio drop and video jump between segments. This is perfectly fixed with the Sony utility. But the utility must be ran on a PC since the only Mac software Sony has is for final cut, and not premiere on Mac. So you will need a PC to join your files for Premiere Pro on Mac. The utility automatically, when ran, will locate a compact flash card on your system and read the files on it. You don't have to point to any folder or drive the software knows where to go looking for your files. You can select all files, or some to import. The files that are segmented will be joined together after import button is pushed on program. The separated files will still be separate files. Once import is complete segmented files become one seamless, flawless video, you never see the seams.

Joining all clips using a 3rd party program to make one video clip instead of 100's:
If your like me and you come from old school analog, and like to have one file to look at and scrub through when editing in your source window and you don't want 100's of little file clips to open and look through. I found "Simple File Joiner" to do the trick in joining all clips together. This will give you one file or like having one tape capture. It makes one video with start and stops, much like your watching the capture from an HDV tape. I asked Sony if they had a program that combined files, I was told no, just drop them in your time line in order they told me. So I wanted one file with everything I shot in it so "Simple File Joiner" works for that. Just select all the clips you want to combine hit "sort" so it sorts the files in order then click join and choose a destination and a file name (Note: you must manually type in .M2T, the program leaves the extension off and premiere want read it without the extension on it.). Simple File Joiner will process the files, how much you have is how long it takes, but it's fairly quick. Then take that one file import into premiere open in your source window and everything you shot on that card is now in one simple file to work with. 100's of clips now combined into one.

So all in all, the HVR-MRC1 is well worth the investment. Saves time capturing, 5 GB downloaded in 2 minutes for 20 something minutes of video recording, this Could be faster with faster card readers and faster memory cards. I tested with a 133x CF card. I'm looking to get 400x CF so maybe that will speed up some. If you shoot a lot like I do, that can turn into hours saved. Not to mention dollars saved in time on tapes. It's a tapeless world and I'm ready for it now! Although I do like the thought of having tape backups for archiving, so I'll never really stop tapes until they stop producing them and even then I can just reuse older tapes I already have.