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JVC's DR-HD100

Nov 1, 2006 12:00 PM, BY STEVE MULLEN

The 40GB hard disk recorder eliminates file transfer.

There's no doubt that as a linear, mechanical device, tape has shortcomings. The tape transport, especially with today's 6mm cassettes, certainly does look fragile and complicated. And although under most conditions it is reliable, it can require service.

The transport's read/erase/write head assembly is the most vulnerable part of the entire tape system. It requires cleaning and periodic head replacement. Even with proper maintenance, dropouts can and do occur, though current tape technology and manufacturing have dramatically decreased the probability.

Alternatives to tape

The JVC DR-HD100 attaches to the GY-HD100 camcorder and records files in the editing system’s native file format.

These issues have prompted engineers to develop alternative media systems. These proprietary systems offer a major financial advantage to their developers because videotape is now a commodity. The new media's price is determined by a single supplier.

Anyone considering the new media technology needs to contemplate the advantages offered by videotape. First, tape is cheap. If you need to record one hour, you only have to purchase an hour. Second, it is available everywhere in the world. Third, and most importantly, it is self-archiving.

Tape, therefore, fulfills three equally critical roles: recording, playback and long-term storage. It does the latter with neither additional costly devices nor extra labor. Moreover, it does not require archive media.

One alternative technology finding favor is hard disk-based storage. Hard disks are a commodity. Today, drives under 100GB are dirt cheap. A 40GB 7200rpm drive costs less than $50.

There are multiple ways hard disks can be used, including:

Mounted in a proprietary, removable package and sold by the camcorder's manufacturer. Ikegami's HDN-X10 EditcamHD records using Avid DN×HD codec on Ikegami's 120GB FieldPak2.
Mounted within a camcorder. JVC's Everio DV camcorders use built-in 30GB drives, and Sony's new AVCHD 1080i HDR-SR1 will also have a built-in 30GB drive.
Mounted in a proprietary, removable package, such as Iomega's REV drive, which is used by Grass Valley's Infinity camcorder.
Mounted in a record/playback device that can be used with a camcorder, such as Hitachi's dockable Z-DR1 and Focus Enhancements' FireStore drives. The Z-DR1 uses Mediapac drives in capacities from 20GB to 120GB.

For the past month, I have been working with a Focus-built 40GB DR-HD100 from JVC. An 80GB version is also available. Both use 5400rpm drives that have an 8MB cache. While the DR-HD100 has firmware specific to JVC's GY-HD100, it can also function with other DV and HDV camcorders.

The 40GB drive holds three hours of DV and almost four hours of ProHD. A 10-second electronic shock cache helps prevent the loss of footage in rough conditions.

The 1.59in × 5.6in × 3.74in unit weighs about 1lb. The 90-minute Li-Ion battery can be recharged using the included worldwide charger or via FireWire. The player/recorder can also be powered by 15V DC, (7.5W) via a 3.5mm minijack.