Nexto has released its latest in their series of data backup devices, the NVS-1501. The NVS-1501 is essentially a scaled down version of their NSV-2500 and NVS-2525 models. The big difference between these models is the number of different cards it can read directly. The NVS-1501 supports CF, SDHC/SDXC, Memory stick, and more. It does not support SxS or P2 cards. The NVS-1501 serves as a temporary download station, hard drive, and has the ability to mirror to an external drive. It accepts cards formatted in the standard FAT32 format, which means it works with a wide variety of cameras including Sony, Panasonic, JVC, and Canon. For a full list of supported video formats that the NVS-1501 can preview, check out Nexto’s chart here – Supported Video Format for Preview.

…continue reading At the Bench: Nexto NVS-1501

Building upon the success of the NVS2500, the NVX2525 exemplifies Nexto’s commitment to the motion picture industry. The NVS2525 is more of an evolution of the NVS2500 than it is a revolution, but there are several key differences worth considering. The NVS2525 is available formatted in FAT32 only or FAT32 and UDF, which makes the NVS2525 fully compatible with footage from the Arri ALEXA. With quick transfer speeds and redundant backup via an available eSATAp drive, the NVX2525 proves to be an invaluable tool, especially for the DIT on-the-go. Watch my video above as I discuss some of the features with Barry Morrill of International Supplies, the US distributor for Nexto.

The latest addition to the Nexto Video Storage Pro lineup, the NVS2525, has all the features of the original NVS2500, but with a dedicated P2 and SxS card slot. It also supports CF, SDHC and MS cards through a simple adapter. The NVS2525 has FireWire 800 and USB computer connectivity and syncs data with an external eSATA drive. The unit ships with both an internal 750 GB hard drive and an external eSATA 750 GB hard drive. Video can be downloaded to both drives at the same time when in sync mode.

The NVS2525 will be available at the end of November, and firmware will be released to support UDF formatted memory cards in December. This will enable it to work with ARRI ALEXA and Sony PMW-500 UDF formatted SxS cards.

The Glyph Triplicator is another great device that can really simplify workflow. It allows you to connect up to three hard drives, and your computer or Nexto will see them as a single drive. Now you can create three identical backups at once. Learn more about both of these devices in my video above.

New firmware for the Nexto Video Storage Pro (NVS2500) was recently released, which adds several new features to the product. These updates include preview support of AVCHD clips, preview support of the new Canon XF300/305 video format, and greatly improved data protection and backup options. One of the new backup options includes the ability to copy data back to Compact Flash and SDHC cards. It may seem a bit odd to backup video footage shot on one memory card to another, but there are some advantages. Compact Flash and SDHC memory are relatively inexpensive, easy to find, and fast to download. So if you are working with P2 or SxS cards, the Nexto can copy them to its internal drive, and then to another card for delivery or storage. Or if you are working with CF or SDHC, the Nexto can be used to make a copy. Why walk away from set with one memory card when you can walk away with two? Because the Nexto is not capturing video in real time, you could even utilize cheaper cards with slower read/write speeds as backups. Download the latest firmware here, and make sure to read Nexto’s workflow document to learn about their new data protection and recovery options.

Right on the heels of the Ki Pro update, Nexto has also released their own 1.10 firmware for the Video Storage Pro (NVS2500). This update is has several improvements including:

• Added preview support for MXF files Convergent Design’s nanoFlash. (Previously only MOV files were supported for preview)
• 2x faster M-Copy & SYNC speeds (approx. 30MB/s) for faster USB hard drive syncing and copying
• 2x faster CF & SD/MS copy speed (approx 30MB/s)
• 5x faster full verify speed for SxS (approx. 80MB/s)
• Added Copy & Verify function. Automatic full verify after copy.
• Export the backup folder in internal HDD to CF/SD/MS.
• Added Delete for memory cards including SxS and P2.
• Added preview for external devices such as P2/SxS/CF/SD/MS and external USB hard drive
• Display file name during the ‘Clip View’ mode
• Added support for SxS-1(indication on life time expire)
• Preliminary support for AVC-Intra50
• Support for ‘avi’ file for the Sony PMW-350

This is great news for any NVS2500 owner. Make sure to update your device. The firmware update can be found here - NVS2500 1.10 Firmware

There have been a few updates this month to some of our newest products. Nexto has improved their Video Storage Pro (NVS2500) with several updates. The first is support for MOV wrapped MPEG2 files, so files made in the JVC HM700/100 and from the Convergent Design devices (nanoFlash) can be previewed. They have also fixed some bugs and improved compatibility with USB drives. Download the firmware and read about all the updates here – NVS2500 Firmware 1.06.

AJA has also been working on adding function to their Ki Pro portable recorder. The latest firmware adds an ARM recording option that will allow users to have the device start recording on timecode start. This is an important improvement for anyone wanting to slave the Ki Pro to their camera. Additionally they have made several improvements to stability and user interface. You can download the firmware and read about future updates here – Ki Pro Firmware 1.01.

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We just received the Nexto Video Storage Pro and I’m very impressed with this little box. We are selling the 500 GB version, and the 128GB Solid State version will be available in the future. Check out the video blog and see what it can do.

The Video Storage Pro has low res playback of many different formats. Here is a list of supported formats:

• Panasonic – AVC-Intra 100/50, DVCPRO HD, DVCPRO 50, DVCPRO
  (Note: AVC Intra playback is not yet 100%, this will improve with the next firmware.)
• Sony – XDCAM EX (HQ/SP)
• JVC – XDCAM EX (MP4 format), Quicktime Format in later release
• Convergent Design – XDCAM HD formats (MXF)
• RED – R3D – Next Firmware
• AVCHD – Sony/Canon/Panasonic Flavor – Next Firmware

Look for a firmware release in Quarter 4 of this year.

Update: I tested Red CF Card download speeds and was able to download a 16 GB card in just under 11minutes.