TRV900 Visitor Archive, Page 3
June 28 1999 - December 19 1999

This is an archive of past entries. To add a new one, return to the current page.

Coll site! I have a Sony DCR-TRV110 (Digital8) camera, in Europe the "video-in" is disabled, on models sold in USA you can view/record from an external source. I wonder if any one know how to get around that. /Tobbe
Tobbe <urk@dof.se>
Sweden - Monday, June 28, 1999 at 16:15:15 (PDT)
I just sold my TR-940 and purchased a TRV900. I own a VPL-W400Q projector from Sony and I had a terrible time with the 940. The TRV900 picture is better than any DVD I have seen on this projector and that was right out of the box. Thanks Sony, and thanks for this fine site for all of the information I needed. One exception: No one ever seems to mention that 16X9 mode is horrible. Any reason why it is so bad? (I have theories, but I'd like to hear from the pros!) Thanks again! - GFL
Gordon Lupien Jr. <glupien@cyber1.servtech.com>
USA - Tuesday, June 29, 1999 at 20:21:41 (PDT)
I think I mention it in the FAQ right here. The 16x9 mode resolution is lost because the camera throws away some scanlines at top& bottom and refills with interpolated (invented) data. Not recommended for quality.
John Beale
USA - Tuesday, June 29, 1999 at 21:11:14 (PDT)
I was told to shoot in 16:9 mode if I plan on bumping up to 35mm film. I read thru your FAQ page but I am confused about the picture quality, and will it be the same aspect ratio when transferred. Several people have said definitley shoot in 16:9. Thanqs Marq
Marq <cattlebone@yahoo.com>
orlando, fl USA - Thursday, July 01, 1999 at 15:37:27 (PDT)
Not to cast aspersions on your sources, but have they actually transferred any video to film? 16:9 mode in the TRV900 (and every other non-pro camera) looses resolution. Perhaps your friends were using pro (true 16x9 CCD) cameras, or anamorphic lenses. You can get an anamorph lens for the TRV900 if you want to spend $750. I've never tried it- don't have the money- but after you've priced out a 35mm film transfer, a $750 lens will seem cheap...
John Beale
USA - Thursday, July 01, 1999 at 15:41:50 (PDT)
Arco1@aol.com wanted to know if it was possible to change the way the 900 numbers files as it writes them to disc. This method seems to work. If you create a small .jpg file and give it a name Mvc-xxxx, then store it to a blank disc, the 900 will see this number and begin numbering files it writes as xxxx+1 and so on. It seems to work even if the key file contains only a few pixels, it is NOT necessary for it to be 480X640, just to be a .jpg file. By taking a number of discs and storing the key file on each, with the xxxx part increasing by maybe ten digits each time (higher if you use lower quality compression that puts more than 8 files on a disc) they will cause a series of pictures to have unique, sequenial numbers when they are used later to extract files to the computer. Give it a try. Merek
Merek Geiger <FJORDING@aol.com>
Merrick, NY USA - Thursday, July 01, 1999 at 19:00:02 (PDT)
W...w...wow! So much much info. I'm going to get the camera just 'cos your site is so killer! Thanks for the info! horatio@kristiephillips.com
Horatio Bannister <horatio@kristiephillips.com>
Allenhurst, NJ USA - Thursday, July 08, 1999 at 17:03:44 (PDT)
EXCELLENT and informative -- I, too, love my TRV900, even better than my VX1000. My only complaint is the slow manual focus ring.
Patrick Quilter <pat_quilter@qscaudio.com>
USA - Thursday, July 08, 1999 at 19:24:23 (PDT)
This is one great service to the owners of TRV900 camcorders. I have already sent the FAQ sheets to a recent owner who is planning to take the camcorder caving in Peru. I was trying to help him obtain the sports case which seems to not be sold in the US. I was able to get a few places (Sony Stores) in Canada. Henry's of Toronto knew nothing of the item or its availability. Some day the US may catch up. Until then, keep up the good work. I know I'll be looking in on this site to help me with my "900" A really great camcorder and a really great website. Thanks
Bill Papke <wmpapke@aol.com>
Carmichael, CA USA - Thursday, July 08, 1999 at 23:39:03 (PDT)
John, For TRV900 owners considering the use of a portable audio mixer to run balanced mics into the camcorder, you might mention the Studiomaster DC-42XLR which has four balanced XLR inputs, switchable mic/line level output, and is listed in the www.markertek.com catalog for a reasonable $99.95. Cheers, Iver
Iver <SaintMKX@aol.com>
New York, NY USA - Saturday, July 10, 1999 at 00:13:53 (PDT)
First of all; thanks for all your efforts to make this site. I am very happy to use this site as reference to many things!!! Second: WHO CAN HELP ME OUT ?? with Memory Sticks from USA to Netherlands..... I live in the Netherlands I would like to buy memory Sticks, over here they are DOUBLE the price (16 mb will cost $105.00) Also SONY told stores NOT to ship m.sticks outside of the US!!! Third..companies will only ship through Fedex which will cost $50.00 for ONE m.stick! So, if ANYONE would like to make a deal with me for sending m.sticks to me...... please email me: christo@email.com Thank you!!!
Christo van Klaveren <christo@email.com>
Amsterdam, Nh Netherlands - Sunday, July 11, 1999 at 10:37:26 (PDT)
Unless there is some unique advantage to memory sticks (I don't know of any) you can use standard flash or compact flash instead. It is much cheaper per meg (US$42 for 16 meg) and there are many manufacturers. Hav a look at the recent prices. Also have a look at Chris' page for brands known to work with TRV900.
John Beale
USA - Sunday, July 11, 1999 at 12:05:03 (PDT)
A-A-Mazeing!! This site is gob-smackingly deep, user friendly, comprehensive, factual, helpful and downright good. tom.
tom hardwick <TomH@rdwick.freeserve.co.uk>
Billericay, England UK - Monday, July 12, 1999 at 05:06:14 (PDT)
John, your site has been so informative that I ordered a TRV900 from B@H Photo today for $2,000. I have had many people help me with my purchase all from your site! Thanks all. The camera will mostly be used for my wife's site (link below), updating pics and streaming video. It will also be used to record her training and competition's. She was on the 1988 Olympic gymnastics team and is making a comeback. Clear slow motion video is key for a gymnast to perfect technique and understand mistakes. You and your site, and all the cool trv900 brothers and sisters have been such an aid to my research and purchase. I don't feel like I'm buying a product that will be a mystery to me! Thanks Thanks Thanks!!!! John Beale Rocks! Horatio
Horatio Bannister <webmaster@kristiephillips.com>
Allenhurst, NJ USA - Tuesday, July 13, 1999 at 16:40:12 (PDT)
I've purchased the TVR900 and a Sony VIO computer. I have yet to find the ilink cables or instructions on using ilink. Can anyone help me out?
Warren S. Brown <wbrown@mcubedc.com>
Upper Marlboro, MD USA - Wednesday, July 14, 1999 at 12:33:04 (PDT)
It would be reasonable to assume that either the camera or the computer would come with a iLink (IEEE1394, or firewire) cable. But the camera doesn't and perhaps the VAIO doesn't either. Check my accessories page for sources for firewire cable. The TRV900 (and all other DV cameras with firewire) has a 4-pin connector, as does the VAIO laptop, so that would be a 4pin/4pin cable. Most full-sized computers with firewire use 6-pin connectors so there are also 4/6 and 6/6 pin cables sold. You also need some editing software which will work on the VAIO, but I can't advise you there- anyone?
John Beale
USA - Wednesday, July 14, 1999 at 12:50:22 (PDT)
NUMBERING FILES - Merek was kind enough to forward me a method to change the way the '900 numbers files as it writes them to disc. He also lists the method above. What he didn't mention is that it also works for images written to memory cards. So if you want to number all your files sequentially (up to 99,999) just leave the last file on your memory card after you transfer to your pc. Jim
Jim <arco1@aol.com>
StLouis, MO USA - Thursday, July 15, 1999 at 08:15:43 (PDT)
I am maintaining my own TRV-900 web page, devoted specifically to use of the camera in my business. It also comvers some of the technical issues I am confronting in the use of this camera, such as exposure, adaptation of the Steadicam JR, wide angles, and other application considerations. I have given a prominent link back to your website. I hope you don't mind that I have borrowed one of your pictures of the TRV-900.
Mark Goldberg <mark@markgoldberg.com>
Annapolis, MD USA - Saturday, July 17, 1999 at 19:08:54 (PDT)
Hi all I have a TRV900 and think its a great camcorder and I'm having great fun using the manual overrides for effects. I've got two questions from other users if they can help please? 1) The digital zoom seems very poor near its maximum end. Is there a test image that can be used to check that its not a fault or is this typical of digital zooms at the moment? 2) Has anybody used an Amacom Flipdisk to download images onto? These units use a PCMCIA foldout adaptor and an industry standard notebook HDD so it would be a great way of transferring still images from the TRV900 to a PC or notebook. I'm not sure how much power they draw and if the Sony would recognise them. Thanks and I'll try and upload some images and you can put them on the page if they're upto scratch! Excellent site and it was the main source of info before I bought my TRV900. Well done. Thanks again. Martyn
Martyn Reid <mreid@harper-adams.ac.uk>
Newport, Shropshire UK - Tuesday, July 20, 1999 at 01:24:16 (PDT)
It is in the nature of digital zoom to loose resolution. The farther you zoom, the less resolution you have until at the far end, you see only a few pixels. All digital zooms loose resolution, directly proportional to how many pixels the camera has to start with, and how far the zoom extends. For instance the Digital 8 cameras (fewer pixels and 360x zoom) are even worse.
John Beale
USA - Tuesday, July 20, 1999 at 09:15:34 (PDT)
Hi I have a TRV900. I would like to transfere video and audio from my EV-C2000E. I connected from the line-out in the back of the VCR to TRV900. I used the S-video. The frames was good, but I got no audio signals. Can anybody tell me what I do wrong?
Magnar Voll <magnarv@online.no>
Molde, Norway - Monday, July 26, 1999 at 04:11:50 (PDT)
Did you also connect the audio lines? The S-Video cable carries video only, not audio. You need to also connect the A/V cable that came with the TRV900 to the audio RCA jack(s) on your VCR in order to get sound.
John Beale
USA - Monday, July 26, 1999 at 08:44:32 (PDT)
Great John, now it works! Thank you very much, and I like your web-site. And now another question. I have a IBM computer Aptiva Model 552, and have to get a firewirecard to get edtiting, but in web-site for Pinnacles they don't recommend the IBM Aptiva. Have anybody tried this computer with DV200/300. Perhaps I have to get Bravado DV2000? Can I produce both PAL and NTSC stuff with one editing system
Magnar Voll <magnarv@online.no>
USA - Monday, July 26, 1999 at 09:13:55 (PDT)
1. Thanks again for your great page Jhon 2. Seacam offers an excellent underwater housing for the TRV 900 at http://members.aol.com/seacamsys/default.htm 3. I need to make night recordings underwater (0 LUX). I am planning to built a small infrared led transmissor. Does any one knows if the TRV 900 will take the image lightened by the infrared ligth? thanks, manu
Manu Esteve <manu@ibm.net>
Barcelona, Spain - Monday, July 26, 1999 at 14:59:37 (PDT)
All color video cameras have an IR-blocking filter which prevents them from seeing most IR light. Some Sony 1-CCD cameras have "nightshot" mode, which moves the IR-blocking filter out of the way in that mode, but 3-CCD cameras are not designed that way. If you need an IR camera, try a Sony Digital 8, or any black-and-white security-type camera.
John Beale
USA - Monday, July 26, 1999 at 20:29:02 (PDT)
I have a firewire question for any that might be able to help. I am borrowing a friend's Cannon XL-1 to do a stop-motion shoot on Monday. It has firewire out and my G3 Pro fas two firewire ports. What do i have to do in order to get them to talk? I would like to just patch the camera through and use Premiere's Stop-motion feature if possible. Do I need additional drivers, software or hardware?
Carlo Spicola <Carlo@nationalnewmedia.com>
NY, NY USA - Sunday, August 01, 1999 at 13:31:14 (PDT)
I have been looking at the 900 since January, and now (August) I finally buy one. Reading this site has made my decision easier (option was a small DV camcorder like PC1/10/3 plus a digital still camera) looking forward to use the 900 at our international meeting in Austria this September!
Hans de Corti <hans@enjo.com.au>
Perth, WA Australia - Thursday, August 05, 1999 at 06:06:15 (PDT)
I've been trying to use the digital effects of the 900 (Flash, Trail,...) on footage I already shot. While in VCR mode the effects play thru the Serial and Composite outs, but not thru the DV out (to computer). I guess I need a second camera/deck to record to, unless you have any ideas... Thanks for the great site ! Great resource for a great camera !
Jim <jim@ppez.com>
USA - Monday, August 09, 1999 at 14:08:05 (PDT)
I've looked at many Sony and Canon models and bought the TRV900. This web site made it very easy for me to go to this model. The amount of information and support I can get is second to none. Thanks for coming up this valuable site.
Ronnie Tanhueco <ronnie@logicalt.com>
San Jose, CA USA - Thursday, August 12, 1999 at 14:25:14 (PDT)
I just bought the trv900. I produce industrial videos and had been planning to get the vx1000. The day before I was to order - I discovered your page on the trv900. Going from a single chip S-VHS to a three chipper like this is great. However. Because I have been using a camera with virtually no manual settings over the years and since I am video tape oriented, and mosly think of exposure as an IRIS setting - and DB rather than f/stops. I am having trouble understanding the photo settings on the 900. Question. Are the aperture, shutter, and exposure settings primarily intened for PHOTO mode? If not, how are they usefull in video taping? The other aspect of the 900 I have found amazing is the CANDLELIGHT mode. This setting delivers superb images in low light, much better than auto and even manual open (all the way) However, the candlelight mode is very "strobed". As long as you keep everything steady - it offers very good open iris with little or no noise. What is its primary use? I feel like its Christmas getting this little jewel - but I want to understand the exposure settings better. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Tony perry@multipro.com
Tony Perry <perry@multipro.com>
crossville, tn USA - Friday, August 13, 1999 at 19:14:37 (PDT)
Well Mr Perry here's how it works. You can determine how light enters you camera in combination of three things. Shutter speed - which opens and closes at a predetermined frequency, say every 60th of a second or 125th of a second; Aperture, which is simply an expandable "hole" for the light to come through; and finally, the electronic gain on the pick up device, the CCD's . (I'll refer to it as the "iris").

Turning the electronic "iris" up and down is like turning the gain up on any other pick up deivice, say a microphone for example. These CCD chips are optimized for a certain light level and that would be 0 db. Any more gain than that and the CCD strains to see more light, brightens the scene, but at the same time begins to introduce video 'noise' into the picture. Any less than 0 db and the picture simply gets darker. [the -3dB setting may give you even less noise than 0 dB. jpb] For most video applications you can use the AUTO everything function. However, the constant opening and closing of the auto iris can be annoying and if it opens too high in lower light situations you would get a "noisy" screen. If you have a subject that has a bright background - the iris would close down so much as to turn you subject black. So the next simple thing to do would be push the "exposure" button and select a stationary level that suits your lighting condions. The best I can tell, the trv-900, when in the "exposure" mode, lets the aperture close down to darken the picture and holds the electronic iris at a 0 db or -3db level (which is selectable in the menu). For brightening the picture, the aperture opens all the way and then begins to raise the gain of the electronics.

The SHUTTER speed setting, normally used in still photography, can also be useful in video taping. Normally it is set at 1/60 of a second. If you plan on taking some stills (freeze frames) from the video you can set the shutter to a faster setting, say 125, and the stills will look better. For very low light settings you can slow the shutter all the way down to 1/4 of a second. Now this will hold the "shutter" open for a long time to let in the maximum amount of light. But it will also give a strobed effect on the video - simply because the shutter is opening and closing very slowly. In other words, its taking a separtate picture only ever quarter of a second. This, by the way, is how the "candelight" pre-set is configured. For a neat "motion picture" effect you can set the shutter to 30. [video camera shutters are electronic gates on the CCD- no moving parts- but the effect is like a mechanical shutter in a film camera. jpb]

The F/stops are just a reference to the diameter of the opening of the aperture and how much light that "hole" will let in. In still photography the f/stop setting not only affects the brightness of the photo, but the depth of field as well. Depth of field is that part for scene that will be in focus. For some reason, when the aperture is sqeezed down to just a pin hole, the focus range is great. When the aperture is open wide - the opposite occurs and the focus range narrows. This must be much like "sqinting" for the human eye.

There is a lot to still photography. And the trv-900 does an excellent job as a digital still camera. As a video camera - the 900 does equally as well - but you can get along pretty well with just "auto" or "exposure" mode for most situations. Ok, it took me a good day of playing with this thing to come up with this. If there are any errors please correct me.
Tony Perry <perry@multipro.com>
crossville, tn USA - Saturday, August 14, 1999 at 23:27:33 (PDT)

Just moved from analog to NLE. Using VAIO computer, TRV900, and Premiere 5.1. Have copied SVHS footage from VCR to TRV900, batch captured from TRV900 to computer (using DVGateMotion program bundled with the computer). Edited in Premiere using Sony codec, used "Make Movie" to render the project to an .avi file, then... When I try to open the .avi file in DVMotionGate to export back to the TRV900 (so that I can re-export to a SVHS master and begin to recoup my investment, I get the message: "There were some unsupported files". And the .avi file won't open. I'm sure there's a simple answer, but I haven't found it. Thanks in advance. When I try
Mac Fry <tablelover@hotmail.com>
La Mesa, CA USA - Saturday, August 14, 1999 at 12:19:35 (PDT)
Bought a 900 last week while on business in NYC at B&H based mainly on your comments - Thanks! I'm impressed with the quality transferring via S-Video to a consumer-grade JVC S-VHS VCR (in regular VHS mode). Looking forward to getting accustomed to my new 'friend'.
Wakeley Purple <wakep@iglou.com>
Louisville, KY USA - Sunday, August 15, 1999 at 16:58:03 (PDT)
Solved my own problem, finally. The Project/Settings codec had' somehow gotten set as "Cinepac" instead of "Sony codec". Put it back on Sony, and have completed my first project SVHS->TRV900 ->DVGate Motion->Premiere->DVGate Motion->TRV900->VHS. Quality is great, no crashes!!!
Mac Fry <tablelover@hotmail.com>
La Mesa, CA USA - Monday, August 16, 1999 at 12:19:51 (PDT)
What a great service to all of us out here trying to figure out what camcorder to buy. After reading your data I've ordered one to take with me to Africa next month. When I get back, I'll post some pictures for all to see. Thanks for the help! -Art Schumer
Art Schumer <FlyBoyArt@Hotmail.com>
Denver, CO USA - Wednesday, August 18, 1999 at 16:54:05 (PDT)
Great site, thanks is not sufficient for all the knowledge dispensed. Question: Does mounting the 900 on dash of auto near radio speaker, break the warning in the statement on pg 122 of manual (under "Precautions") which says "Keep the camcorder away from strong magnetic fields ...".
Gene Wilson <gwilsonfaa123@att.net>
Pomona, NJ USA - Wednesday, August 25, 1999 at 09:53:35 (PDT)
I'd doubt that a car speaker would have enough field to damage a magnetic tape from outside the dashboard (for the speaker to be efficient, the magnetic flux lines must be mostly contained within the driver housing). I think the problem is near unshielded permanent magnets, large motors and other heavy electrical equipment. However, you might test the configuration first before depending on it to be reliable.
John
USA - Wednesday, August 25, 1999 at 11:09:18 (PDT)
John, I've thoroughly read almost all your site and found it very interesting and useful. Unfortunately, I have not enough money to buy TRV900. Now I'm thinking about selling my Hi8 CCD-TR3300E and buying DCR-TR7000E instead. Though I think there will be almost no difference in "live picture", i.e. camera optics/CCD, I think the recorder part will greatly improve. Now what's I'm about: I've downloaded the picture of the EIA Resolution Chart and tried to print it. I think you're not right making JPEG of that picture. More quality and less size you can get if you conver the original 600 DPI picture into 600 DPI, but 1-bit per pixel (2 colour) GIF, using halftoning instead of greyscale. Such picture will have no JPEG artifacts, less size and better quality when printed by laser printer! Please arrange this version and (if you please!!!) send me e-mail about it!. Hundred bucks it too expensive to me to buy one, and the quality of the printed JPEG is not more than satisfactory... WBR, Andrew
Andrew V. Suvorow <suvorow@lcard.ru>
Moscow, Russia - Thursday, August 26, 1999 at 12:26:12 (PDT)
If you are using eia1956.jpg and find it does not have enough resolution for a video camera, I think there is something wrong with your software or your printer. I've printed it out on a 600 dpi laserprinter and a 1440 dpi inkjet and it looks great to me. I can't find any trace of artifacts at all. The image still separates the lines at 1600 lines of resolution and that's well more than you need for any video camera under $20,000. I have tried using 1-bit GIF or PNG, but the image looks poor due to "jaggies" step aliasing. Using the greyscale JPEG gives you a smoother diagonal line.
John
USA - Thursday, August 26, 1999 at 12:35:56 (PDT)
HELP!!Is there anyone who can help me?I want to start video editing at home.What do I need? OK I know, I need a good camcorder,computer,video card,but What I don't know is what computer ,camcorder,video card,how do I put it together,where do I start,I'm so confused I talked to many people and they all told me different things so I don't know anything anymore.Please help me,somebody.Lidija
LIDIJA <lidija_benko@yahoo.com>
SPLIT, HR CROATIA - Monday, August 30, 1999 at 02:36:03 (PDT)
Lidija: You could probably write a book about this question and still not answer it, but I have some brief comments here.
John
USA - Tuesday, August 31, 1999 at 01:17:56 (PDT)
I've just purchased a TRV-900 (after a bad episode with a TRV-10; if you want still picture capability - don't get a TRV-10! No progressive scan. Very miserable!) Anyhow, your site was instrumental in my purchase decision. Very comprehensive, well organized and excellent information content. My question: I have purchased a 64MB Flash ATA card for the TRV-900 (works great). Does anyone know how (if it is possible) to transfer any video to this card? At 64MB, one should be able to stuff about 11 seconds of video on the card worst case. This would make it **real** easy to get short clips into a laptop (via the PCMCIA slot). Can't seem to figure out a way to do it.... Anybody been here before? ~Paul
Paul Miller, Jr. <pnmiller@cisco.com>
Manchester, NH USA - Thursday, September 02, 1999 at 10:40:34 (PDT)
The camera does not have the capability to store video on the PCMCIA device (flash card). For one thing I'm not sure flash can record data at 3.5 meg/sec. But I'm not sure I see the point anyway, given that a MiniDV tape in LP mode can store 1.5 hours of video, which is 19 gigabytes. If you want video on your laptop. I think Sony wants you to buy their VAIO laptop with firewire port. (For other laptops, I've heard there is a PCMCIA-style firewire board, but don't know anything specific.)
John
USA - Thursday, September 02, 1999 at 16:56:56 (PDT)
What do you think of the DCR-PC3. The size is good. My brother just bought the trv10 and likes it. Hate to have two the same in the family. I dive and snorkle and want to take stills for work of buildings and email in to the company with reports. Is the 900 a little to big for convience? Can't find any dealers in Cleveland that have the 900 or the PC3, any suggestions?
Doug Henderson <Henderland@email.msn.com>
Chesterland, Oh USA - Sunday, September 19, 1999 at 16:31:20 (PDT)
The reasons to buy the TRV900 are mostly image quality and manual controls. If convenience is the top priority, a compact camera like PC3, or Canon Elura, etc. may be a better choice. I have never seen a PC3 myself.
John
USA - Monday, September 20, 1999 at 14:23:43 (PDT)
John - Great site. We recently purchased the TRV-900 and use a Sony F190 laptop to edit video (the laptop is firewire equipped). Do you have any suggestions/opinions on using DVD-RAM for storing raw video footage? I've looked at some DVD FAQ sites, and it all seems quite technical. We have a DVD drive on the laptop for reading DVD's. We just need a storage solution for digitized video. Any thoughts or suggestions on specific products would be greatly appreciated. Thanks - conrado
Conrado Hinojosa <conrado@netshaman.com>
Cupertino, CA USA - Tuesday, September 21, 1999 at 17:14:55 (PDT)
I have no experince with DVD-RAM creation. This is a very new field so I'm afraid it may take some research and work to come up with a good solution. If you find one let me know!
John
USA - Wednesday, September 22, 1999 at 00:15:46 (PDT)
Just wanted to add a comment on the 900. I had one and it was flawless. I will have another in a few weeks. Will let you know how that one works out, since some seem to be haveing trouble with Sony's quality. All of my video equipment is Sony and I have not had any problems that I would blame on Sony.
Earl Petersen <ejp@anv.net>
Henderson, nv USA - Monday, September 27, 1999 at 13:02:34 (PDT)
Wonder if anyone has come across a protective case, along the lines of the Porta-Brace Shoulder Case, for the TRV900? Porta-Brace is only offering a rain slicker for the TRV900. The Porta-Brace Shoulder Cases are only for the larger video cameras (so far).
Robert Denton <dentonr@stic.net>
USA - Thursday, September 30, 1999 at 06:53:22 (PDT)
Very informative. Just what the researching consumer needs.
Tom Cooper <trcooper@ucinet.com>
Pendleton, OR USA - Friday, October 08, 1999 at 19:41:53 (PDT)
Great site John. Do you have any information on the TRV-1000 that is due to replace the 900? My friends and I are waiting with much anticipation.
Tyrone Sweeney <Chroma@concentric.net>
Campbell, Ca USA - Thursday, October 14, 1999 at 22:27:28 (PDT)
The supervideo.com site has been claiming that a TRV1000 will replace the TRV900. It has also predicted a Sony VX2000 and a Canon XL-2 for more than a year with no sign of such cameras yet. I do not have any more information than what is on Sony's web site, and at the time of this writing, they have no mention of a sucessor to the TRV900.
John
USA - Friday, October 15, 1999 at 11:21:34 (PDT)
John, you have a tremendous site. I was introduced to it through a friend Al, who has a trv900. I finally decided to buy a miniDV to upgrade the hi-8, as I get more serious in my escapades into interviewing family members and friends to learn about our personal history. I used to do amateur photography some 15 years ago, and your site has been a tremendous resource to answer my unending questions. I commend you on your efforts. Remember - there are people out there that value your work. cheers, ram
Ram Chillarege <ram@chillarege.com>
Peekskill, Ny USA - Friday, October 15, 1999 at 11:16:40 (PDT)
Thank you John for an excellent site! As was the case with many others, I too purchased the TRV900 based on the wealth of information available on your site. I am perplexed by one problem that I have though. While shooting a demonstration video for our company, I would occasionally run across slight fluctuations in exposure, yet I am using manual white balance, exposure (f4), and focus. I am also using 3 Lowel Tota-lights (2 w/umbrellas) that appear to adequately light the area. Am I missing something obvious? Thanks again for your dedication to TRV900 owners!
Dennis Balgavy <dbalgavy@ctlnet.com>
Fort Wayne, IN USA - Friday, October 15, 1999 at 14:06:46 (PDT)
How odd. I assume you're not bumping the camera, which can physically close the iris blades slightly. A power fluctuation might dim the lights slightly, which is more evident on video since the camera's image shows more contrast than appears to your eye, magnifying any light level fluctuation. You could confirm that if you had a second camera, also on manual exposure, or a fast-acting light meter. That's all I can think of (unless you have a bad cable to your playback monitor!)
John
USA - Friday, October 15, 1999 at 15:05:05 (PDT)
Password for my site: ebizebiz. I am very, very impressed son. good luck in all of your endeavors.
Robert L. Lewis <louis@maui.net>
Kihei, HI USA - Monday, October 18, 1999 at 23:53:58 (PDT)
New to site and have just purchaced a TRV900E for £540 sterling in England from our local Sony dealer in Norwich Norfolk uk. So far very impressed with the camera on PAL and quality way above average. Still learning to operate all the buttons as used to large old VHS camera. Will be keeping a close eye on problems and answers for camera use. Chris Smith.
Chris Smith <ann.carey.pt@norfolk.gov.uk>
Norfolk, - uk - Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 11:37:00 (PDT)
great site. didn't have time to look through it so the answer to my question is probably already here, anyway can any one tell me the differences between the TRV900 and the DSR PD100P. I have been playing with a DSR and have found it pretty good. were thinking of getting a TRV but I was just wondering about the differences. thanx for any help. toby
toby <hillbillier78@hotmail.com>
moonbi, nsw australia - Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 16:04:56 (PDT)
You're right, it is already here. Look at the TRV900 FAQ, under "most frequently asked" Also, search for the word "PD100" in the handy search box.
John
USA - Wednesday, October 20, 1999 at 16:34:53 (PDT)
As a follow-up to my post on Friday, October 15, 1999 at 14:06:46 (PDT), you were right...it was the lights. Actually, it had more to do with the fact that the lights were plugged into the same circuit as a copier, fax machine, and printer. Once I turned all of theses items off, I had no problem with the fluctuations. Thanks for your advice, John!
Dennis Balgavy <dbalgavy@ctlnet.com>
Fort Wayne, IN USA - Friday, October 22, 1999 at 11:06:07 (PDT)
John: Just purchased a TRV 900. Do you know of any type of case I can use to carry it while skiing (I will stop to video)? Preferably something that holds the camcorder against my chest. Thanks for your site.
Michael Higgins <mhiggins@pic.tacoma.wa.us>
Tacoma, WA USA - Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 09:18:05 (PDT)
John, Any thoughts on the best capture cards and software to edit the audio and video from the TRV900 on a PC?
Jim Hamilton <jchamilt@umich.edu>
Ann Arbor, MI USA - Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 10:49:23 (PDT)
I currently use a Canopus DVRaptor with a PIII/500, Win98 machine and a 24 gig FastTrack Raid array (2 disks). I currently have occasional small glitches in the playback due to some device conflict, but otherwise the system works well. A lot of people seem to like the DVRaptor. Visit my editing page for more information.
John
USA - Tuesday, October 26, 1999 at 12:41:47 (PDT)
John, I am still getting used to my TRV900. There is a small switch to the right of the record/vtr/camera switch. My cam would not function (record) at first because this switch was in the forward position. I got a flashing symbol on the screen that looked like a horizontal L inside a rectangle. Once I moved the switch to the rear position the cam recorded. What does this switch do? Also, to watch tape in slow motion do you have to use the remote. Thanks
Michael Higgins <mhiggins@pic.tacoma.wa.us>
tacoma, WA USA - Monday, November 01, 1999 at 15:08:03 (PST)
Perhaps you are describing the small plastic lockout tab which prevents you from moving the selector switch to "memory" (which records only to the Memory Device, eg. PCMCIA Flash card, not tape. If you don't have a memory card installed you get the flashing symbol you describe, I think.) Anyway, if you have the selector in "Video" you can record video; I suspect you might have had it in "Memory" mode before. Yes, you have to use the remote to see slow motion playback.
John
USA - Monday, November 01, 1999 at 15:25:03 (PST)
The "Analog Video Resolution Tests" is interesting if a bit confusing. The S-Video test says it's doing TR7000->TRV900 over S-video & getting 480 lines, but elsewhere, John gets about 350 lines for a TR7K. I think he must have done a firewire transfer from 900->7K first, then used the 900's analog input (vs. using the 7K as the digitizer) thinking it might be a hair better. In any event- it confirms what I've found: that S-video isn't bad & it's actually better than the CCD resolution of the 7K. In other words, if you're shooting photos on a 7K (a bad idea as it has no progressive mode, but it's convenient), a good analog capture (I have a Matrox Marvel as well as D.O. IntroDV) won't look much worse than a digital capture. With better CCDs, though, it's worth doing the digital cap.
Morgan Woodson <morganwoodson@pacbell.net>
Santa Cruz, CA USA - Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 16:08:57 (PST)
Almost right; I did a firewire transfer from the PC to the TR7000, before using the TR7000 as a S-Video source for the TRV900 input. The original resolution test image (on that particular page) was scanned with a flatbed scanner, cut down to 720x480 and converted to DV in Adobe Premiere. By contrast, the test patterns on the "cats" page were indeed shot through the lens of the respective cameras indicated.
John
USA - Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 16:25:27 (PST)
Would like to know why Sony Mail order dealers (online) have a different name than their store front. Plz help with a suggestion on which Sony Authorized Mail Order Dealer I could get a good price for this camcorder. TRV900. Thanks
KW <karis33@pacbell.net>
San Francisco, CA USA - Wednesday, November 03, 1999 at 22:27:26 (PST)
To locate a Sony authorized dealer call the phone number listed here: http://www.sel.sony.com/SEL/consumer/ss5/useful.shtml
John
USA - Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 09:22:49 (PST)
I adore this site, even though I'm a total newbie! Have decided to buy the 900e here in Ireland - even though it's far more expensive than US prices; but I figure it's the sensible thing to do incase anything goes wrong... I'm very nervous about what I may be getting into when it comes to editing though . I'm using windows 95 on a laptop with only a small hard drive. Realise I'll have to upgrade, but to what? and how? and where? I'm not worried about the camera, but I do need to know a lot more about software for editing. Any advice out there for us Europeans?
Kate O'Toole <kate@indigo.ie>
Ireland - Thursday, November 04, 1999 at 05:46:30 (PST)
John, This may be a dumb question but when I look through the view finder or screen with the subject zoomed out the view finder and screen are darker than when the subject is brought close up. This seems odd because it seems the opposite of a zoom lens on a 35mm camera.
Michael Higgins <mhiggins@pic.tacoma.wa.us>
Tacoma, WA USA - Friday, November 05, 1999 at 10:13:29 (PST)
You're right, it's odd. My TRV900 viewfinder gets more dim when the object is at maximum zoom point, like my 35mm camera, because the lens has a higher f/number at max.zoom. Maybe you are looking at a darker object on a lighter surround and as you zoom out, the auto-iris is adjusting the overall exposure?
John
USA - Friday, November 05, 1999 at 11:16:38 (PST)
Has anyone had any experience of the anamorphic lenses available for the TRV 900? Quality, how it shows up on a widescreen telly, etc. Thanks.
B_Walker@netcomuk.co.uk <B_Walker@netcomuk.co.uk>
London, UK - Friday, November 12, 1999 at 10:45:50 (PST)
Great site! I know I'll return here many times, keep up the good work! I'm very pleased with the camera and I have two questions. What is the function of the 'Memory release' switch at the bottom? Not mentioned in the manual. And is it possible to get better resolution when shooting stills? Quality is set to 'super fine'.
Stockis <trevare@yahoo.com>
Sweden - Monday, November 15, 1999 at 12:12:31 (PST)
The "memory release" slide switch ejects the PCMCIA Flash card from the memory slot, if any is inserted. The camera generates 640x480 pixel resolution stills and this cannot be changed.
John
USA - Thursday, November 18, 1999 at 14:02:30 (PST)
AS A NEW TRV900 USER, MY LOW LIGHT CAPABILITIES ARE LESS THAN WHAT I EXPERIENCE WITH MY OLD 8MM SONY. ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE MOST BENEFICIAL. HAVEN'T DONE ANY PHOTO WORK YET, ALL VIDEO. AM AWARE I'M NOT 0 LUX, BUT CAN YOU GET DECENT RESULTS WITH THE HVL-20DW2. YOUR COMMENTS ON THE 3 WATT FLASH/VIDEO LIGHT LEAVE ME SOME CONCERN ABOUT IT'S POWER! IS THERE SOMETHING I'M MISSING IN THE MODE OR OTHER ADJUSTMENTS THAT CAN GIVE ME BETTER LOW LIGHT RESULTS? TO DATE MY WORST SITUATION HAS BEEN IN HOUSE EVENING WORK IN NORMAL HOUSE LIGHT! tHANKS FOR ANY SUGGESTIONS, THE SONY 800# REFERRED ME TO A LOCAL CAMERA SHOP THAT DOESN'T EVEN CARRY THE TRV900. USED YOUR WEB SITE EXCLUSIVELY ON MY PURCHASE, COULDN'T HAVE MASTERED IT WITHOUT YOUR HELP, THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ALL YOUR ASSISTANCE
RUSTY OLSON <OTOWNOS@AOL.COM>
USA - Friday, November 19, 1999 at 11:29:37 (PST)
Hello all, Heading for Australia via Singapore next week. Could anyone advise if there is a substantial difference in price between the two countries, or should I just go for an unhurried purchase in Oz? Best wishes.
Paul Halton <p.halton@airtime.co.uk>
USA - Sunday, November 21, 1999 at 08:28:11 (PST)
I just got the gdv 900 Video Walkman which is great. I was wondering if you knew if it was normal for it to have a fan-like noise when switched on ( like a whirring sound ) My TRV 900 is quiet unless a tape is running . This soundsvlike my lap-top. Stan
Stan Goldstein <umbo@pacbell.net>
USA - Sunday, November 21, 1999 at 19:33:57 (PST)
You may have missed my review of the DV900. Mine makes the fan noise too.
John
USA - Saturday, November 27, 1999 at 15:26:48 (PST)
In responce to questions on cleanig the LCD screen. I found some polishing liquid at plastic supply company, called "NOVUS #1 plastic clean & shiine" and it works great. it's also an antifog,antistatic and dust repellent. you have out done yourself on this site! take some time off and have some fun with your camera (doctors orders) LOL>
Dan M. <DMGasm@webtv.net>
Ann Arbor, Mich USA - Tuesday, November 23, 1999 at 00:27:18 (PST)
I just switched from Hi8 to the TRV900. Your site helped make my decision to TRV900 instead of another DV camcorder. I am an amatuer and use the TRV900 primarily for preserving family events. One thing I cannot determine from the manual is whether it is possible to record the date and/or time so that it will show on the screen during playack, without having to create a custom title with the date as the title? Anyone else having this problem? And how have you solved it? Thanks
Jay Slutzky <JASLU@MSN.COM>
Niles, IL USA - Thursday, November 25, 1999 at 11:11:53 (PST)
does anyone know where I could get a wide angle lense for my tvr 900? I need it to be extra wide 0.5 or 0.42?
mike manzoori <mike.manzoori@soletechnology.com>
USA - Friday, December 03, 1999 at 16:29:23 (PST)
I had a Sony TR840, mostly used to record underwater, and I've switched to a TRV900, no doubt, a superb camcorder. Did anybody try the Canopus DVRaptor DV edition system? I'm thinking to switch to DV edition as well (I currently own a Matrox Marvel G200 and Avid Cinema software, whick is quite basic but really easy to use) Thanks
Esteban Wiaggio <esteban.wiaggio@unisys.com>
Madrid, Spain - Tuesday, December 07, 1999 at 05:40:42 (PST)
Esteban from Madrid again. I've just read many happy DVRaptor and TRV900 articles, so that will be my new video edition system. Thanks. I've found your site very interesting. Well done !!
Esteban Wiaggio <esteban.wiaggio@unisys.com>
Madrid, Spain - Tuesday, December 07, 1999 at 05:54:34 (PST)
I appreciate your website very much. I have a question. I have a TRV900 but am not able to place a UV protective filter on it and use the lens hood at the same time. For some reason a notch was placed on the inside of the hood which appears to prevent the lens hood from attaching. Any suggestions? Thank you. Allen Minor acminor@prodigy.net
Allen Minor <acminor@prodigy.net>
Hamilton, OH USA - Thursday, December 09, 1999 at 13:14:02 (PST)
The notch is used to align the included Sony lens hood so it lines up with the edges of the image. If you don't like it you can cut it off as described on my tips and tricks page, look for "The Lens Hood Mod: removing the notch."
John
USA - Friday, December 10, 1999 at 17:24:45 (PST)
I will be using a trv 900 to record classical guitar with the best condenser mics, neumann, schoeps etc. Has anyone tried the sony mono xlr cube that works thru the hot shoe? Would I be better off sound wise with the studio1 stereo xlr box with no 48v phantom. For solo classical guitar stereo is not absolutely necessary. I also have very high quality mic preamps but I dont know what I would loose by using the attenustor in the studio1 box to bring the signal back down to mic level and going thru another cheaper mic pre in the trv900
jerry <jroberts@lamancha.com>
nashville, tn USA - Tuesday, December 14, 1999 at 23:27:02 (PST)
If you're spending this much attention to your sound, you probably should use a DAT or MiniDisc recorder for the sound and then sync them up in post. The TRV900 can record ok quality through the mic input as long as the levels are high to overcome internal noise but you can do better with DAT or MD.
John
USA - Wednesday, December 15, 1999 at 09:04:20 (PST)
I would like to know how to make the special effect of slow motion. No one ever seems to talk about it. I would really appriciate it if someone would write back and tell me how this could be accomplished with the TRV-900. Thanks
Pete Lopez <thstiger@hotmmail.com>
Tempe, AZ USA - Thursday, December 16, 1999 at 21:20:44 (PST)
I have recently encountered a problem with my 7 month old TRV900 that does not appear to be addressed on your website. I recently noticed some "creaking" noises during tape playback on my TV. On further investigation, I noticed that the piece of molded plastic upon which the rotary power switch is mounted is somewhat loose. There is a clearance fit where this piece mounts in the body of the camera. As I place pressure on the power switch with my thumb (as a normal part of holding the camera), or push the red start/stop button, this plastic piece moves ever so slightly in and out (in the direction of the thumb pressure). The motion is barely visible, and is more easily felt with the thumb. You can see the piece move by removing the battery and observing the location where the piece seats in the camera body. The noise created by the rubbing plastic during this motion resembles a "creak". This is very easily picked up by the microphone during recording, and is annoying during playback. I cannot determine what fixes this separate piece of plastic in the housing. I do not believe that this "looseness" existed previously, and have no idea what may have caused it. I probably wouldn't have noticed it were it not for the creaking noises created by normal handling of the camera. I would appreciate any information you or your readers may be able to offer. The Sony Hotline Tech told me to send my camera to the repair center. If there is any way I can fix it, I would prefer to avoid the inconvenience.
Rick Hessinger <rickhess@enter.net>
Allentown, PA USA - Sunday, December 19, 1999 at 10:10:06 (PST)
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