Sony has released new firmware for the PDW-U1 that enables full data write back. The previous firmware version allowed writing MXF files into the Clips folder, but the new version adds the ability to write any data type to the UserData folder. This means that the ProDiscs can be used for data archive of any material, up to 46.4 GB on a Dual Layer disc. The PDW-U1 has finally become a full fledged data archive machine. The latest firmware also adds support for mixed format recording discs. Download the firmware from Sony’s support site here - PDW-U1 Firmware version 2.2.1 for Windows & Mac.

Sony was nice enough to bring over the PDW-F800 the other day and let us get our hands on it. The XDCAM line has really been improving and the F800 is a great example of that. The camera comes packed full of new features which I’ll outline, but first I’d like to talk about the improvements that it will share with the PDW-700. The 700 will be getting another firmware update around the same time that the F800 will first hit the market.

…continue reading XDCAM Camera Updates

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Earlier, I posted about the new write back features of the PDW-U1. Now, watch the video below to see it in action. In this video, I show how to set up the U1 for write back, copy clips, and export from Final Cut Pro.

So they finally did it. Sony has enabled a write back function on the PDW-U1. Now MXF data can be written back to the U1 through the OSX XDCAM transfer software. They have also released version 2.9 of that software. In my online videos, I show how to write back to the ProDisc from Final Cut Pro with a PDW-700 or PDW-HD1500. Now this same process will work with the U1 through USB. Sony has posted the software on their site here – Sony XDCAM Downloads.