Sony Ericsson HVR-MRC1 User Manual

Using the Sony HVR-MRC1 Compact Flash memory

recorder

This guide is designed for users and potential users of the HVR-MRC1 with HDV cameras. A lot of this information will also be useful to HVR-DR60 users, although that is not covered in detail here. Likewise, some information relating to using the memory recorder with DVCAM cameras is included, but these are not fully discussed here. This document is not designed to replace the product manuals, as only the key features and settings are covered, so it is also likely to be useful to have the user manuals for the HVR-MRC1 and the relevant camera to hand.

The level of integration between the memory recorder and the camera will largely depend on when the camera was introduced. Older cameras were designed without knowledge of the memory recorder. Newer cameras integrate more tightly and will include more features directly relevant to the memory recorder, such as a dedicated status display screen.

Connecting the HVR-MRC1 to the camera

The HVR-Z5E, HVR-Z7E and HVR-S270E all feature direct connections for the memory recorder. The memory recorder can be clipped directly to these cameras with no need for cables or batteries. The memory recorder will use an internal i.LINK connection to the camera, so while the memory recorder is connected the main i.LINK connection cannot be used.

Figure 1. Images of HVR-MRC1 on back of the HVR-Z7E (left) and on the side

of the HVR-S270E (right)

For all other cameras, the memory recorder needs to be connected to the included i.LINK cradle, and an L-series battery (same as HVR-Z1E battery) or DC power

Issue 1 Page 1 © Sony United Kingdom Ltd March 2009

supply connected to the cradle. Figure 2 shows a rear view of the HVR-MRC1 with the i.LINK cradle and a battery connected.

Figure 2. HVR-MRC1 with i.LINK cradle and battery

The combined recorder can then be mounted onto the camera using an optional mounting bracket or the supplied1 shoe adaptor.

Figure 3. Images of HVR-MRC1 mounted on a HVR-V1E using the supplied

shoe adaptor (left) and the optional VCT-1BP mounting plate (right).

Configuring the HVR-MRC1 and the camera

In this section we will look at the settings of the following controls:-

CAM LINK – This setting is on the memory recorder CAM LINK SEL – This setting is in the menus of the memory recorder and only

makes a difference when CAM LINK is enabled. EXT REC CTRL – This control is in the menu of newer HDV cameras, and will only make a difference when CAM LINK is enabled and CAM LINK SEL is set to

SYNCHRO.

Only supplied with the HVR-MRC1. Not supplied as part of the HVR-Z7E or HVR-S270E.

Issue 1 Page 2 © Sony United Kingdom Ltd March 2009

(a) Selecting the appropriate CAM LINK SEL setting for your

camera

In most situations, the selection of this setting will depend on which camera is being used. Newer cameras can send dedicated control signals to the memory recorder, and tell the memory recorder when to start and stop recording. For use with these cameras, SYNCHRO should be selected. For older cameras, the memory recorder needs to follow the action of the tape drive. For these cameras, FOLLOW should be selected.

Note. When FOLLOW is being used, a tape must be placed in the tape drive with enough time remaining to capture the clip.

SYNCHRO – Follows controls from newer cameras – Typically use with DSR-450, DSR-570, HVR-V1E, HVR-Z5E, HVR-Z7E and HVR-S270E

FOLLOW – Follows the tape drive in the camera – Use with older cameras such as

DSR-PD150, DSR-PD170, DSR-250, HVR-A1E and HVR-Z1E

Note. Some of the older cameras can work with this setting set to SYNCHRO, but will still require a tape to be in the camera, so for reasons of simplicity the settings above are recommended.

The CAM LINK SEL setting is found in the menu of the HVR-MRC1. Follow SETTINGS -> CAM LINK SEL to find these options. Use the buttons indicated by ‘1’ in Figure 4 to navigate the menus on the unit.

Figure 4. Front view of the HVR-MRC1 memory recorder

+ 5 hidden pages