For those of you using the PDW-U1 with a newer Mac, there is a software update available on Sony’s website that might make your life a little easier. Version 2.30 extends compatibility to Macs running Snow Leopard (10.6.2 or later), as well as adding support for Windows 7. Some other fixes include:

– Correction of a problem where Disc writing fails when the USB connection performance is low or unstable
– Correction of a problem that causes some applications not to launch after installing XDCAM Drive Software 2.2.1
– Support for handling “component directory” and related files through voice-over editing with a PDW-HR1 v1.6
– Support for metadata added from PDW-F800

You can download the PDW-U1 Drive Software v2.30 update directly from Sony’s site.

At NAB this year, Sony released several major updates to their XDCAM camcorders. This includes new firmware, hardware, and software that can change all aspects of the XDCAM workflow. Sony has announced updates to the PDW-700/F800, a Wifi adapter, Live Logging, new XDCAM browsing software, decks, and archiving solutions. Keep reading to learn more about these updates.

…continue reading The Latest XDCAM Updates

The HR1 is a cool new product from Sony. It’s an XDCAM field recorder, which we’ve seen in the past, but this records to the high quality XDCAM 422 50mb codec and also supports the lower bit rate XDCAM HD formats and SD formats. It is 1080/720 switchable and support 23.98 recording and playback. All this support means that it will record from just about any camcorder including the Sony CineAlta line and Panasonic P2 VariCams. The HR1 can upconvert and downconvert footage on playback as well.

The unit has a built in 9″ LCD and full playback control with built in jog wheel. On the back you’ll find HD-SDI In/Out, SD-SDI In/Out, Composite Video In/Out, and a Gigabit Ethernet port for downloading clips.

Seems like a great product to bring high quality recording to a number of different systems and for video assist on set. Read the Press Release here.