F-1

The perfect HDV camera partner for the high quality field recording

The F-1 is the ideal addition for any videographer or producer wanting to accelerate their workflow by capturing HDV or DV directly to a hard drive in the field. With two additional audio inputs, no file size limitation, removable hard drive and multiple power options, the F-1 can be used anywhere and in a variety of applications.

HDV and DV capture
Additional 2 channels of balanced audio
Removable HDD
No file size limitation
Multiple power options
RGB output for quick control and thumbnail view
Network ability (control multiple units and file transfer)
Utility software for previewing, file management and basic editing

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The perfect HDV camera partner for the high quality field recording

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MPEG-2 TS 2 to 50Mbps recording in addition to HDV/DV

Support for Low to high bit rate MPEG-2 TS Recording
MPEG-2 TS at 50Mbps allows very high quality video caputure and alternatively at 8Mbps you can record around 27 hours of HD video on a 120GB HDD. Enable uncompressed HD-SDI recording and playback when combined with the new VC-50HD Video Field Converter.

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Newly added Loop Recording and Pre-Record Functions
Loop Recording mode can capture video at selected periods (10/ 30/ 60 minutes) and then keep deleting the oldest file as storage reaches capacity. This function can be controlled remotely via network. The Pre-Record function ensures that sudden or important moment is never missed by adding the previous 3 seconds of material onto the file whenever REC is pressed.

Time Code and Marker Functions
Version 2.0 of the F-1 can now record time code with video regardless of whether the camera can embed timecode or not. Of course, Time code can also be re-generated within an HDV/DV stream. The Marker function stamps the video file with time code and/or recording time when the REC button is pressed during recording. This enables the ability to quickly locate scenes during editing.

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New Editing Feature added to Version 2.0 of F-1 Utility Software
The F-1 dedicated Utility Software has now been upgraded to Version 2.0 adding an "Editor Mode". This enables easy and efficient editing of any data recorded by the F-1.

Quick-cut Editing Easy and intuitive editing of any recorded video at any rate, including linear PCM audio editing of channels 3 and 4.
Selectable Output Formats Edited video files can be up/down converted. This includes HDV to DV and DV to HDV.
Mixed Format Editing Video material can be converted to other formats and aspect ratios such as HDV⇔SD and 16:9⇔4:3.
Support for still images Automatically re-size a photo or still image to the designated output format. Also Change the position and aspect ratio of a still image.

Support for Win/Mac Non-linear Video Editors
Using data directly off the F-1 is much faster than real-time capture from tape. All the popular editing software systems support HDV, DV and MPEG-2 TS formats. The F-1 and the removable HDD or SSD media can be directly connected with a computer via bus-powered USB 2.0.
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The award winning F-1 provides reliable, high quality capture of both video and audio when you need it most: out in the field where every shot counts.

The "Field Oriented" design concept of this Recorder will streamline your video production workflow.

Being "Field Oriented" is at the heart of the F-1 design. Features like a shock-resistant floating HDD, two channels of additional audio inputs, multiple power supply options, remote control via LAN, on-site review of clips, unlimited file size, and a number of additional innovative functions will streamline your recording and post-production activities.

Seamless and reliable HDV/DV capture to removable HDD for hours of worry-free recording

High-Capacity HDV/DV capture simplifies and accelerates your workflow
The i.LINK connection to your camera provides easy capture of HDV or DV. Begin editing immediately directly off the HDD or enjoy smooth and speedy transfer of recorded data to your NLE system. Continue to use the camera's tape mechanism as an affordable/compact backup media.

Removable HDD provides hours of recording in the field
A removable hard drive is the recording media inside the F-1. Remove the full drive and editing or transfer can begin immediately by simply connecting it to your computer via bus-powered USB. Additional drives (F1-HD120) can be purchased for continued recording while other drives are in use elsewhere.

Seamless Recording up to full HDD Capacity
The NTFS file format allows recording up to the maximum disk capacity without a file limitation of 2GB or 4GB. You can record up to 9 straight hours with the 120GB HDD.

Worry-Free Recording with Shock-Resistant Floating HDD
To protect the disk from the inevitable rigors of field use, the F-1's removable hard drive employs full floating HDD mount architecture with shock absorbent rubber that effectively dampens vibrations and shocks. Enjoy worry-free recording in locations where loud & heavy PA sounds or shocks from rough road surfaces might otherwise present capture problems.

Two Independent Audio Channels of Hi-Quality Linear PCM
The F-1 is equipped with two independent analog audio inputs. This enables simultaneous recording of stereo audio from an audio mixer/console or two microphones. On-mic recording of a reporter or interviewer is possible without having to use an external mixer/recorder. Alternatively, you can use the two additional channels to capture ambient sounds at your shoot or put a mic on yourself and record real-time commentary on material as it is being shot. The F-1 records its audio inputs in linear PCM broadcast WAV (BWF) at 16-bit/48kHz, so you can be assured of high quality sound capture.

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Phantom Power Supply
The F-1's built-in phantom power supply for sensitive condenser mics provides further improvement of your audio tracks.

Three Types of Power Supply Options
The F-1 can be operated with 3 types of power: AC adaptor, external battery and AA batteries. The AA battery power pack supplies seamless failover of power in the event your external battery or AC supply should weaken or fail.

Thumbnail Display on External Monitor
Recorded clips can be shown as thumbnails on an external computer monitor using the 15-pin D-Sub output jack of the F-1. This enables last minute previewing to prevent "missed-shots" without the need to connect to a computer. Additionally you can control, setup and view the status on the same display. A mouse port for intuitive and quick control is provided via the front USB port.

Quick Backup of Recorded Data to USB Devices
The F-1's USB port provides on-site connection to USB devices like flash memory or external hard drives for quick backups. Copy time is shorter than real-time, offering speedy transfers of recorded data to your editing suite.

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Recorded Data can be copied via LAN
The F-1's LAN port provides an Ethernet connection to your home or office network. The data in the F-1's HDD can be copied over the network to multiple computers with simplicity and ease.

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Remote Control via LAN enables Multi-Camera Shoots with Minimal Staff
A PC installed with the dedicated control software* can remotely control the record Start/Stop functions as well as the menu settings of an F-1 in a remote location. You can run an Ethernet cable (up to 100 meters and 200 meters when using a hub) and control multiple F-1 units from your computer. Operators can now control multi-camera shoots with minimal staff and in remote locations.

Free and Convenient F-1 Utility Software
Free downloadable software with 2 modes for quick clip preview and cutting.

Browser Mode:
Browser Mode enables previewing of video
along with the matching four channels of audio.
File management functions such as Move, Copy, Delete, etc. can be executed from the Browser Mode.

Editor Mode:
Editor Mode is used for quick cut editing of recorded clips. The non-stop editing function enables efficient assembling and reviewing of your cuts' timing immediately after recording.

Awards

logo_dv08_diamond DV Magazine's
2008 Black Diamond Award

logo_eventDV EventDV Magazine's
Best of NAB Award 2008.

F-1 Specifications
Video Format	MPEG-2TS / HDV (.m2t), DV (.dv) Supported Mbps (HD): 50, 35, 25, 19, 8 Supported Mbps (SD): 25, 12, 9, 2
Audio Format	16-bit/48KHz (Supports broadcast wav : .bwf)
Audio Control	Gain, Phantom Power Supply (+48V) Input Level Select (-44/-20/+4dBu), Sens (0 to +24dB)
Recording Media	Removable type 2.5inch 120GB HDD * Max 10 hours recording
Input Jacks	Digital Video Input (IEEE1394, 6pin type) Analog Audio Input x 2 (XLR 3pin type) * Input Impedance : 4K ohms Phones Output (Stereo mini type) * Output Impedance : 16 ohms * Output Level : 45mW Monitor Output (Analog RGB, D-Sub 15pin type) USB host (USB A) USB function (USB mini B) Network (Ethernet 100Base-Tx, RJ45 type) DC Input (XLR 4pin type)
Battery	AA type x 8 (NiMH or Alkaline) * Max 2 hours operation
External Battery	Li – Ion battery (IDX Endura series, Anton/Bauer, etc.) * Max 10 hours operation at 14.2V/7700Ah Examples, - 7.8 hours (IDX Endura E-10 (93Wh)) - 11.5 hours (IDX Endura ELITE (138Wh)) - 7.5 hours (Anton Bauer DIONIC 90 (90Wh)) - 11.7 hours (Anton Bauer HYTRON 140 (140Wh))
Current Draw	1500 mA (12W)
Accessories	Battery Pack x 2 (1 as spare) USB cable (Y type with power supply) AC adaptor (9V / 2A, Roland PSB-1U) with XLR 4pins conversion cable CD-ROM (F-1 utility) Owner’s Manual
Dimensions	W:111 x H:61 x D:179 mm (W: 4-3/8 x H: 2-3/8 (H) x D: 7-1/8)
Weight	870g or 1.92lbs (Including HDD, excluding batteries)
Optional Items	Carrying Bag 120GB removable HDD (F1-HD120) V-mount kit for mounting on video camera (F1-VMK1)
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

questions about products

- Can I save contents edited by the F-1 utility with different format from the original video format?

"The video output edited by the F-1 utility can be up/down-converted. You can also output signals captured and edited in the HDV format in the DV format[virgula] and vice versa."

Did this help? Yes No

- Can I capture a signal input in the HDV format in the MPEG-2 TS format?

"F-1 does not support signal conversion. A signal converted into the MPEG-2 TS format using VC-50HD can be captured by F-1."

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- Can I transfer files over the network while recording?

"When VC-50HD is set to 8Mbps and connected to F-1[virgula] you can transfer contents captured by F-1 over the network while continuing capturing. Note that you cannot transfer a file being captured over the network. "

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- Can I edit contents with different formats and/or bit rates by the F-1 utility?

"Yes. The file is written in the format specified upon project creation (HDV or DV). Note that contents with difference frame rates cannot be mixed."

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- Can I mount F-1 and VC-50HD together on the same camera?

You can mount a battery on the back of VC-50HD with a V-mount adapter[virgula] but cannot mount VC-50HD on the camera.

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- What can I do by connecting to VC-50HD?

"You can convert SDI signals to IEEE1394 signals by VC-50HD and save them on F-1. Videos with higher quality than HDV can be captured by capturing them from VC-50HD with ""MPEG-2TS 35Mbps"" or ""MPEG-2TS 50Mbps"". In addition[virgula] by converting the video to low-bit-rate ""MPEG-2TS 8Mbps"" by VC-50HD[virgula] up to approximately 27 hours can be captured (when captured to F1-HD120)."

Did this help? Yes No

- I can remotely control devices with F-1 NetControl but cannot share folders.

"If the Windows login account is a domain network account used by a corporate LAN[virgula] folder sharing may not be permitted. In this case[virgula] create a login account for the workgroup network and log into the system. Click [Control Panel] -> [Administration Tool] -> [Computer Management] and add a new user in [Local User and Group]. You can check whether the account currently logged in is a domain network or workgroup network account in the following procedure. 1. Open [System Properties] from the Control Panel. 2. Click [Computer Name]. 3. Check which one is shown under [Full Computer Name]: ""Domain: ****"" or ""Workgroup: ****"" Ask the network administrator for the details."

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- Can I record the 50Mbps and 8Mbps formats simultaneously?

"No. If you have two units of VC-50HD and F-1[virgula] you can do it. In this case[virgula] through-connect SDI[virgula] set one VC-50HD to 50Mbps and the other to 8Mbps[virgula] and connect F-1 to each of them."

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- Does the battery life change depending on the bit rate?

No.

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- I cannot connect to the PC using F-1 NetControl.

"The network address may not be set correctly. Try the following: ?When a single Windows PC is connected to a single F-1 From F-1 menu[virgula] select [Network] and set [TCP/IP] to ""Manual"". From F-1 menu[virgula] select [Network] and enter the IP address in [IP Address]*. * From the Start menu[virgula] select [All Programs] -> [Accessories] -> [Command Prompt] to open the command prompt. Enter ""ipconfig"" and press the Enter key. Then enter the IP address ""***.***.***.###"" by replacing ""###"" with figures. Otherwise[virgula] connect a network device with a router function and PC and F-1 with network cables[virgula] and then select [Network] from F-1 menu[virgula] and enter ""DHCP"" in [TCP/IP]."

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- Is a dedicated remote cable required between F-1 and VC-50HD?

You can use a single IEEE1394 (i.Link) cable for video transfer and remote control.

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- I cannot do synchronous recording with a video camera.

"If no tape is inserted in the video camera[virgula] recording does not start by pressing the REC button and the synchronous recording function is not available. To use this function[virgula] insert a tape in the video camera and start recording."

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- How long an external battery life last?

When Endura E-10 (98Wh) or equivalent is used[virgula] it is approximately 10 hours.

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- How long can F-1 run with dry cells?

"Approximately 2 hours with nickel-hydrogen cells and approximately 30 minutes with alkaline cells used as the internal cells. Always set the internal cells for backup and usually use the device with the AC power supply or Li-ion battery for business use."

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- When using the network control to control multiple F-1s[virgula] does misalignment at the start of capturing occur?

"When starting capture by multiple F-1s via the network[virgula] because each camera asynchronously encodes MPEG stream[virgula] misalignment from several frames to one second occurs. Use cameras supporting GenLock or time code input to ensure synchronization or use non-linear software for adjustment."

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- When the external battery runs out while capturing video[virgula] does F-1 seamlessly switch to AA cell power?

Yes. If the external battery runs out while capturing video[virgula] F-1 switches to AA cell power.

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- Can I use a rechargeable cells (eneloop) and Oxyride cells?

Yes. You can use eneloop cells (1.2V) ad Oxyride cells (1.7V).

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- "A message ""Camera mode is invalid"" appears and I cannot playback video with the video camera."

"The HDV/DV camera connected via i.Link is not in the VCR (deck) mode. When playing back a contents from F-1[virgula] set the HDV/DV camera in the VCR (deck) mode."

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- Can the display out screen be used for preview playback?

"The display out screen shows a list of thumbnails of the leading frame of captured contents but cannot be used for preview playback. Set the HDV/DV camera connected via i.Link in the VCR (deck) mode and select the contents to play back."

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- The capture start positions of video and audio input to AUDIO IN terminal CH3/CH4 are not aligned.

"You can adjust misalignment of the capture start positions of video (m2t file) and external audio (wav file) in frame units by [Audio Sync] in the Configuration menu. However[virgula] the start positions may get misaligned even after adjustment depending on the camera status. In this case[virgula] use non-linear software to adjust the start positions."

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- Is it possible to stop operation when the free space of HDD runs out during loop recording?

In normal recording[virgula] operation will stop when the free space of HDD runs out. However[virgula] the loop recording function continues recording while deleting oldest files and does not stop automatically.

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- Which functions are added to F-1 Version 2.0?

"The following functions are added: 1. Support for the video field converter VC-50HD You can capture video converted from HD-SDI to MPEG-2 TS formats(50/35/8Mbps[virgula] etc.) other than HDV/DV with VC-50HD. You can also remotely control VC-50HD from F-1. 2. Pre-recording function Video recording starts from three seconds before the REC button is pressed (HDV only). 3. Loop recording function When the media becomes full[virgula] F-1 continues recording while deleting oldest files. You can select the loop length from 10[virgula] 30[virgula] and 60 minutes. 4. Time code generation function When capturing video from a camcorder which does not add the time code[virgula] F-1 adds internally generated time code to the video while recording it. 5. Marker function F-1 records the time code and capture time at the time when the REC button is pressed during capture in a text file. 6. Fixed capture problem of DV-7 series The problem that when data played back by F-1 is captured by DV-7DL[virgula] the length of contents is shortened (3 to 4 seconds per 1 hour) has been fixed."

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- How long is the maximum continuous capture time?

"The maximum continuous capture time depends on the video format type and whether external audio is concurrently recorded[virgula] as listed below. Video format HDV 1080i DV HDV 720p No external audio Approximately 9 hours Approximately 12 hours WAV/stereo Approximately 3 hours Approximately 3 hours WAV/mono Approximately 6 hours Approximately 6 hours"

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- I have installed the F-1 Utility software[virgula] but it won´t run. I get some warning about file d3dx.dll is needed. (I think that was the file name) What is this file? Where can I get it?

This indicates that you need to install the latest version of Microsoft´s DirectX. Please visit www.microsoft.com to download the latest version of DirectX. After installing DirectX[virgula] your F-1 Utility software will run normally.

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