How Sony's HVR MRC1 can bring Sony's Digital Legacy Camcorders back to Life
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- čas přidán 13. 05. 2022
- Reel Film discusses how the HVR MRC1 can help to stop consumer waste.
By using the HVR MRC1and its cradle (HVRA -CR1) in conjunction with any Sony Camcorders with a Digital out, you can record directly from the unit to a CF card without the need of a tape cassette.
Magic or what? - Krátké a kreslené filmy
Have you ever run into the issue that your MRC1 is freezing in current state when connecting to any device?
Just got a MRC1 myself but it just won't work for me.
Everytime I link the MRC1 with my VX1000 or the PC the MRC1 is freezing and not reacting to the connected device.
Cannot push any buttons. Turning off while connected makes the MRC1 staying on for about 5-10 seconds before it's off.
So what I noticed in your video is that you are actually able to select the "i.Link Mode" tab which is greyed with my MRC1. Probably because I have no clips yet?!
I even asked the Sony support but they cannot help me at all. Also in other forums and youtube videos I had no luck so far.
Hello there, sorry to hear that you are having issues. It's a pain in the you know what, especially, when there is no service support.
I haven't experienced this problem myself, so I can't offer any definitive answer. Have you tried formatting the memory card?
If I can, I'll try and pin this comment at the top of my page in the hope that others see it.
@@ReelFilm2016 yeah well I almost tried everything possible and it still won't work.
The camera itself cannot be the issue since I was able to connect it via Firewire to my PC.
Meanwhile I got 3 different IEEE1394 cables which also work fine from PC -> Camera.
Also tried different batteries or upgrading/downgrading the firmware.
Nothing has worked out to be the issue.
It's totally pain since I just don't get forward haha.
My MRC1 itself looks flawless like it was almost new so I don't think that something is broken, also because the guy I bought it from used it for his camcorders.
I recently noticed that it doesnt even matter if the CF card is inserted or not when connecting. It is also freezing when I have the "no CF" symbol.
Just so you know, I have pinned your comment at the top of the page, so maybe someone might come to your rescue if you can't find out what the fault is.
You are doing what I would be doing and trying to fault find.
I assume you might have this, but I thought I'd include it.
pro.sony/support/res/manuals/4122/41225071M.pdf?cmp=gwt-
www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/business-professional/hvr-mrc1k
Let me know how you get on@@seplayer
@@ReelFilm2016 thanks for your help.
I just re-read your first comment and saw -
"So what I noticed in your video is that you are actually able to select the "i.Link Mode"
I am going by my gut here, but I think I made that happen, but playing around in the settings. Maybe, if you haven't done so already, have play around@@seplayer
I just happened upon this device and realized what it did today.. after a long stint of making vhs-c and hi-8 cams tapeless... this was awesome to find. Thanks for making this video. It was awesome to find it right now
Thanks for watching, subbing and commenting. That’s great to hear, that’s exactly why I made it.
So did you pick one up and then find my video when you did a search? 👍🏻
Great video as always! I clicked on the link for your NYC 2019 video. The picture quality and how the scenery was shot reminded me of that reality TV show 'The Real World' 😀 Love it!
The real word is tough!
@@ReelFilm2016 Damn right.
The problem is the price.
Skateboarders love the VX1000 and this device is a life saver since tapes are going out
I agree. Very useful indeed. Thanks for watching and please consider subscribing. 🙂
Thanks for the heads up on this toy, just bought the HVR MC1 and cradle +16Gig CF card + reader and the rest of the parafernalia at great cost, because all my four old Video Camers have tape probs, Canon XL1s,. Panasonic N55b, and my first two video camera a Sony ccd V600E Hi8, oh nearly forgot the Sony CCD V5000E 8, bought new both these cameras cost me an arm and a leg in the late 70s. luv to see all the family vids again. Thank for the heads up on this bit of equipment.. I swore that I would never buy any Sony toys again after both these cameras when on the blink after about, being generous Two years of happy holidy use. Now to see if the Three hundred odd quid was worth all the noise. PS dont tell my daughters im wasting thier inheritance.... 😁
Hello, glad the video was of use. You sound like a real enthusiast. Always glad to meet a new one🤣.
Let me know how you get on and please consider subscribing. We have a cool little community. 😀
Thankyou for your uesful information and i will buy Hvr Mrc1.
Glad the video was of use 😀
New subscriber and first video of yours I’ve watched. I always knew these FireWire capture devices existed but I’m surprised Sony made one. This is a great idea for somebody who doesn’t want to use tapes or has a camcorder with a broken mechanism. Part of the charm for me is still recording to tape, (I still regularly use a Sony DCR-TRV280 for videos on my channel) but I suppose not many people want to deal with the hassle and this is a great way to breathe some new life into an old camera.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Don’t get me wrong, I still enjoy recording to tape myself and in some cases it’s the only way.
My hope for this video was to let people know that these camcorders can still be used if the tape mechanism Is broken. 😀😀
Thanks for subbing also.
Thanks for the video. Just bought one for my PD150!
I have your Digital 8 camcorder (TRV255E model) and I like that look of a 4:3 image from 90-2000s! I bought three tapes Video 8, Hi8 and Digital 8 to use with my Digital 8 camcorder until I get money for a MRC1 to go tapeless, also I love the fact of dealing with tapes and that look of the tapes you know.
Thanks for watching and commenting,
That’s fantastic. The digital 8 camcorders are great.
Are you new to the camera world?
What are you planning on shooting?
@@ReelFilm2016 About the answer if im new in the camera world well... Yes and not, im beign interested in this world since I was too little playing with this digital 8 camcorder and a small Point and Shoot digital camera Samsung 7.2 Megapixels from 2007, then with the camera of my mobile phone and wanting to use again the old camcorder of my parents and the digicam samsung.
@@Joscraft_05 Well let me know how you get on. Reach out if you have any questions.
@@ReelFilm2016 Im planning on shooting things like when I go to the mountains... An event from well... Anime and videogames and other things, record very varied things without much duration that the tapes these days are very limited and with their recording time. Until I save money for an MRC1 and then make A LOT of recordings because no dealing with tapes you know.
@@ReelFilm2016 Just having some problems searching an MRC1 device, so fucking expensive in spain seeing it at 200-300€...
And as long as the DV socket isn't damaged and the firewire board isn't fried.
Absolutely. Some of those ports were so tight!! You have a new sub
Deciding to get either MRC1 or the DR60. Do you have any experience using the DR60? Thanks so much for making such a detailed video!
Hello, thanks for watching and commenting. Glad the video was of use.
During the period of time that I acquired the MRC1, I don’t think I was aware that the DR60 was a thing.
I learnt about it a little later and didn’t feel particularly inclined to get one.
I’d like to try it at some point though.
I suppose that I would be a little concerned about the HDD failing. I’m not sure how reliable they were.
Now you have messaged me about the device, I might start looking into getting on.
On a side note, I have never had an issue with the HVR-MRC1, but you do have to rename files to get them to work on an iMac which is ever so slightly inconvenient.
Please consider subscribing if you like this type of content. 😀
You might also find this video interesting.
czcams.com/video/qE_Ujn4P12c/video.htmlsi=CoSwPLHfpHokqAgW
Oh and this
www.sony-asia.com/microsite/professional/hdv/pdf/HVR-DR60_MRC1K.pdf
Would love to see a complete comparison of the Hi8 and digital8 camcorders
Maybe one day. I do have various comparison videos on here. Whilst it’s not quite the same, you might like this one.
czcams.com/video/qmjhXM7i_4g/video.html
@@ReelFilm2016 nice one thanks. Carry on making videos about these cameras, really enjoy these videos. I regularly shoot on my HVR Z5. However I’ve decided to get memory recording module can’t wait. After I’ve experienced a bad batch of dv tapes!
@@SolyuMiya That’s great to hear. Let me know how you get on.
I will certainly keep making videos. Thanks for you interest.
Hi there, i have a sony hvr-v1u, before buying the MRC i need to get it working, i keep geting the "use infolithium battery only", can you help me out? The MRC bypass this problem, is there a other way? I wanted to test it with tape before investing in this unit
Hello, thanks for reaching out.
So let me get this right.
We are talking about the camera battery right?
I had the same problem with my hvr-z5e when I was using third party batteries.
I was able to source official Sony batteries via eBay and that allowed my camera to function properly.
Obviously, once you invest in a MRC unit, you will also need the cradle to attach to it and an additional battery to power it. The MRC is fine with third party batteries which is a bonus.
Hope this helps.
If anyone else reads this comment, and wants to help out, please jump in. 😀
Thanks Adrian,some useful content there for anyone wanting one of these MRC1 recording units,yes the MRC will work with other camcorders with a firewire port,I have used mine with a Canon XM1 and XM2 and also a Panasonic dx100b camcorder.A query for you,have you tried CF cards larger than 16gb ? I have tried mine with 32gb and 64 gb but without success,the MRC does'n't seem to like anything larger than 16gb,although once I did get it to work with a 32 gb Sandisk ,but only the once,after that it did'n't want know,I read somewhere that Sony released an update for the MRC that will enable larger CF cards to be used,but I have'n't updated mine
Thanks for your comment Alan.
That’s good to know that the unit can be used with other cameras with a DV out / Fire Wire port. 😀
I have never even considered the possibility of larger storage. If there is an update, I’d be a bit wary of doing it.
Not because it wouldn’t work, but in doing certain software updates in the past for legacy software/hardware, you can’t always revert it to the original settings and if something goes wrong, there is never any support from the manufacturer. (But if I get a larger card, I will test it out on my unit and report back).
I don’t have any requirement to want more storage but it would be cool.
Maybe a fellow owner can let us know.
@@ReelFilm2016 Yes Adrian,I fully agree about the update ,certainly a bit risky now they are not being produced,I think I shall leave mine alone and maybe get another 16gb if needed.I did say the MRC will work with other makes of camcorders but I seem to think mine did not work with the synchro mode,maybe only with Sony cams.
@@alanvanallen7762 Neither if. One seemed to work with the synchro mode. I can’t seem to find a setting which gets it to work. It’s certainly on the later cameras.
@@ReelFilm2016 I have mine working with 32GB Sandisk and Transcend. However I initially I tried with a CF card adapter and micro SD card. It did not play ball at all. That's a shame given how inexpensive SD cards are compared to CF but perhaps not that surprising.
@@asprinwizard Ahh ha. Did you have to do any kind of software update on your HVR-MRC1?
Nice video. Thumbs up. Question: How do you edit them? DaVinci Resolve does not support these files. Thanks.
Hello, thanks for watching and commenting. 😀
I had a problem at first. Then I found out that I could change the file type.
Let me know of this helps. Happy to try and help.
czcams.com/users/shortsds-4y-yEBck?si=YOfH9uOjylyhksqi
Hey, thanks for the fast reply. I looked at the video but guess what!? I don't get M2T files! My files are either .avi or .DV. I wonder why you get m2t files? Thanks.@@ReelFilm2016
hello, do I need the cradle to be able to use this for my Sony PD100? thank you! I found a very cheap price of this but it doesn't have the cradle.
Hello, thanks for watching and commenting.
Yes, the cradle contains the FireWire port which is required to allow for the data to transfer into, ready to be recorded by the HVR MRC1. If you have found a cheap one, grab it and keep a look out for a cradle on eBay.
Hello I recently picked one of these up for my vx2000 and i am having a problem with the mrc1. When I turn it on it says "No file" do you know why? I have also updated its software to version 3 but that didn't help. If you could help me out in any way that would mean the world. Thanks
Hello,
Sorry to hear that you are having issues with your MRC1.
Mine is still running the original firmware so I am not sure, what if anything, version 3 does.
It might be that your cf card is faulty or not being read in the device.
What card are you using?
Check your CF card size ,I can only get my MRC to recognise up to 16gb cards,I use Sandisk BTW ,Adrian shows you can use 16gb Kingston ,but I have read that some people have problems with Transcend cards
I wonder if you can connect it directly to the shoe of the camera to avoid the extra weight and battery.
Hi, thanks for watching and commenting.
You can certainly connect it to a camera shoe, but you have to use the battery pack provided. No other way of powering the device unless it’s connected to either the HVR Z5E/Z7E.
Please consider subscribing if you like my content.
@@ReelFilm2016 Thanks for the answer!
Just wanted to give a note about the battery, I have had many people reporting 7.4 volt batteries are over heating the unit. The 7.2 volt is the correct spec L series battery to use with this unit, which can be read on the cradle sticker.
Hi Mike,
Thanks for this. I had no idea. Very useful tip indeed.
Thanks for watching.
@@ReelFilm2016 thanks for making too, was a great watch and love to see this word get spread on using old gear and bringing them back to life
@@mikecrook I enjoyed making it. I have a new video in the works which I hope to have up in the next week. If you like my content, be great to have you subscribe and be part of the community. 😀😀👍🏻
I don't know if it's the case here but labelled voltages can be misleading, as they're nominal(ie: in name only) voltages - the actual voltage varies quite a bit in use.
For example many tool batteries are variously labelled 18v, 20v, 21v etc, while all using the same number & type of cells.
By any chance do you know if this will work with Sony MICROmv camcorders? The format used for those tiny tapes are MPEG-2 compression but they do have an ilink , FireWire port.
Hello, thanks for reaching out.
I have seen that format, those tapes are tiny.
In theory, it should work fine. As long as the camera has a digital out (iLink / FireWire)
I can’t say for certain, but logic would say yes.
@@ReelFilm2016 Yes, my thoughts exactly, should work logically speaking. I have found that this MicroMV format is such a stubborn thing to transfer lol. Well, I will buy the Hvr-Mrc1 and give it a shot. Only one way to verify. Thanks for your response 🙏
@@kevinblanco3244 Well, if you buy an HRV MRC1, please make sure that you get the cradle attachment. Without that, you won’t be able to do what you are hoping.
They are quite expensive for what they are, so be patient and have a trawl of Facebook marketplace / eBay etc. what part of the world are you in?
If it doesn’t end up working (which I’m sure it well) you will have no problem selling the recorder.
@@ReelFilm2016 Yes, I am aware of the price and the cradle. I live in the USA, Florida. I have been searching the web and waiting on a good deal. I do this more so as a hobby. This MicroMV format has taken me down a rabbit hole of looking for alternative ways to transfer the digital footage. From a Laptop with Windows XP with Sony MovieShaker,D-VHS deck that uses the same MPEG 2 to the Sony DvDirect VRD-MC5. This HVR-MRC1 should in theory be the easiest and fastest way to get that micromv data. And yeah I could always sell it doesn’t work. Quite the hobby
@@kevinblanco3244 Nice part of the world you live in. 😀
One last thing, I also use my iMac (2017 model) to get digital footage off of various cameras.
I had to buy the additional Apple adapters but it works flawlessly.
is this only compatible with sony camcorders or any camcorders? I'm thinking of using it with a canon xl1
Hello, thanks for watching and commenting.
As long as the camera has a digital out port also known and referred to as ilink on Sony cameras or a FireWire port it should work fine.
If you read the comments in this thread, you will also see others mentioning what you are asking. Look specifically for a comment from alanvanallen.
Any more questions, please reach out.
Sorry, I had something else in my clipboard yesterday, so I pasted the wrong thing, ha ha. Here is the correct text: I was advised on a video forum that instead of using the outdated and expensive SONY HVR-MRC1, I could opt for a more cost-effective solution. The suggestion is to use an S-Video to HDMI converter along with devices like an Atomos Ninja or BMD Video Assist to record the incoming video stream. I am curious if anyone has experience with this setup or has any input on its effectiveness. Thank you.
Ha ha. No worries. The original comment left me puzzled.
The set up you talk of is certainly feasible. I have never tried it myself, but I suppose that as long as the video out signal is able to be put into a device which can record, you should be fine.
One thing to consider about that setup is the overall quality of the video out signal. Due to the fact that some of these cables were not available during the cameras lifetime and have been made after, the quality of the signal might not be as good whereas the HVR MRC1 setup is able to capture the original signal with cables which were available during the period it was on the market.
I have an atomos ninja star which has an HDMI in, so maybe it’s something I can play around with in the future.
Let me know how you get on. Please consider subscribing. 😀😀
@@ReelFilm2016 I totally hear what you are saying, and it makes sense. The only issue I have is that some say Firewire will be the better quality because... X, Y, Z and others say that s-video to HDMI converter to Atomos will be just as good because ... A, B, C. Both sides use arguments that make totally sense to me, so it is hard to figure out who is really "right"? That said, if you have a Atomos already, I hope you have a s-video to HDMI converter as well and give the whole thing a try! Thanks.
@@fc1133 Yes, I totally hear you. I will have to look into one of these s-video converters. Maybe I can make a short video about. Appreciate you commenting and letting me know such things exist.
@@ReelFilm2016 Thank you for taking the time to respond, and I truly appreciate your willingness to give it a try! If I had an Atomos or BMD Video Assist, I'd be eager to order an s-video to HDMI converter and experiment. However, the unfortunate reality is that I don't have those devices, and I'm not comfortable buying one just for testing, considering I'll have to return it later, if you catch my drift.
On another note, I'm currently working on building a Raspberry Pi with firewire capabilities. The main idea behind this project is to use the Raspberry Pi along with a screen, firewire, and SD card to record incoming video streams. My hope is that this setup will perform at least as well as the Sony VR-MCR1, but with the added benefit of not relying on 20-year-old technology, and using a screen and SD cards instead of CF cards. I'll definitely keep you informed on how this project progresses. Thanks again!
@@fc1133 😀 Believe me, I totally understand. You wouldn’t believe the money I have spent for this channel which I haven’t got 🤣🤣 However I have finally started to make a tiny amount from the channel, so that can go toward projects.
If you haven’t done already, please consider subscribing and join the community.
Re your Raspberry Pi project. A fellow subscriber and I struck up a friendship and he is making very similar devices. If you need any support, he would be a good person to talk to.
Keep in touch. 😀👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Would you recommend this over the HVR-DR60?
Thanks for watching and commenting. I haven’t been able to use a DR60 yet, but I did plan to try. I will look into this at some point and get back to you. If anyone else in the community has any ideas, please let our friend know.
Update. So it seems like this unit came out in 2006 and was compatible with HDV and DVCAM. It was a solid state recorder, and was connected via the i.link port (firewire).
Whilst I have never used one, it would be quite similar MRC1, but you don’t have the option of a memory card. If you send me an email, I have a useful pdf that you might like. (Email is in info section.)
@@ReelFilm2016 Ah, I understand now. I was curious if this tapeless solution would work on the Sony EDC-55 but it doesn't have FireWire so I guess not.
@@SplendorSolis if that camera had an i.link port, then it would. 😀 but I just found the camera online and I am certain it doesn’t because of its age.
@@ReelFilm2016 I got really lucky and found a Datavideo DN-60 complete in the box for under a hundred dollars.
Does this work with my Sony Pro DSR- PD170 ?
Thanks for watching and commenting, As long as the camera has a digital out, it should work. 😀
@@ReelFilm2016 …. Thanks for your reply, Marry Christmas and happy new year
@@roydl8536 No problem
app-pair-rel
Has anyone tried using this device on non-Sony cameras that have FireWire?
Hello, thanks for watching and commenting. I did plan on doing this test, but as yet, I haven’t got around to it. It should work in theory.
However, I might be able to do it very soon. I will update this message thread if and when I do it.
@@ReelFilm2016 that would be awesome. I am split between purchasing this unit or the Focus Firestore FS-100. But the FS-100 has an ide drive but can be modified for use with a CF card or a small ssd and wouldn’t want to mess with it.
@@MataHaji Hello again, as promised, I grabbed my HVR MRC1 and connected it up to my JVC GR-D21EK, using the fire wire. I started recording on the HVR MRC1 only and then checked the recording on the CF Card. You will be glad to know that it worked. I had to convert the file, but that’s very easy to do. So, you have your answer. I think that as long as there is a Digital out, it should be fine.
@@ReelFilm2016awesome! Thank you!
No problem. My recommendation to you would be, if you own an MRC1 and you are going to buy an non-Sony camera with a digital out, see if you are able to test it with the MRC1 so you can be certain. 😀
Why happens if I use a FireWire 800?
Firewire 800 will not connect to the MRC1 unit,different shaped connection socket,use 400 only,IEEE 1394 4 Pin to 6 pin and no problems
@@alanvanallen7762 Thanks for answering Alan. That is the correct answer. 😀😀😀 I was just about to answer.
Just got back Wales. I’m shattered but I got some nice drone footage. 😀
I
@@ReelFilm2016 Hi Adrian I was surprised by the query as you covered the connections well enough.
Pleased you enjoyed your trip to Wales,I've been many times and always enjoyed it.look forward to seeing the drone footage if you post it here.
@@ReelFilm2016 It's not the correct answer unfortunately (though fortunately for use)
This only needs a cable with a (presumably 9 pin) firewire 800 plug at one end and the suitable 4 or 6 pin firewire plug at the other. Firewire800 is backwards compatible.
After all old Macbooks had firewire800 connections when the majority of products were still using firewire 400.
I have an old audio interface that included both cable types in the box.
Now what about the batteries?
Do you mean batteries for the devices? And how long will they be available on the market?
@@ReelFilm2016 hi, yeh. I recently got back into these old cameras. Love my old hi8 tr713 I got a few mini dvs and batteries issue has always worried me. I have a few now that won't charge.
@@Theninjagecko Yes, it is a pain in the backside. Some of what I would consider to be the later camcorders had some terrible battery issues. If they dropped below a certain threshold, they would never recharge.
The good thing is, there are plenty of third party vendors out there that still make batteries, so I would suggest buying some and giving them a regular charge every month or so.
Atleast we live in a time where we can still use these devices. Imagine 300 years from now and someone reading this!!!!!!
@@ReelFilm2016 Does the firewire cable keep the battery charged when using a Sony VX1000/2000/2100?
@@donovanday9062 No unfortunately not. They weren’t that forward thinking during the time these camera were made. Have a spare battery. Good question though. 😀
would totally get this for my PD150 if they weren't so damn overpriced
Thanks for watching and commenting. Yes, I know what you mean. I got pretty lucky with my purchases, paid £150 for the recorder and £75 for the dock.
I found the Recorder on Facebook marketplace but the seller didn’t live anywhere need me. But I reached out and felt I could trust them with the transaction, so that was great.
I got tipped off about the dock from a subscriber.
Keep your eyes peeled. There are bargains to be had.
I miss tapes so much. You label the thing and it goes to the archive. Hard drives are not that reliable.
I do like an archive! I still love physical media.
You can still buy tape drives for computers, for backups, though they tend to be expensive & store very large capacities. Apparently a 580TB tape drive is being released.