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Focus FS-4/ User Manual

Fs-4/fs-4pro portable dte recorder
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FS-4/FS-4Pro
Portable DTE
Recorder
Release 1.0

User Guide

Part Number: MANL-0954-01

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  • Page 1: User Guide

    FS-4/FS-4Pro Portable DTE Recorder Release 1.0 User Guide Part Number: MANL-0954-01...
  • Page 2 LEGAL NOTICES THIS DOCUMENT CONTAINS CONFIDENTIAL AND TRADE SECRET INFORMATION OF FOCUS ENHANCEMENTS AND ITS RECEIPT OR POSSESSION DOES NOT CONVEY ANY RIGHTS TO REPRODUCE OR DISCLOSE ITS CONTENTS, OR TO MANU- FACTURE, USE, OR SELL ANYTHING THAT IT MAY DESCRIBE.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction .......1 What is DTE Technology? ..... . 1 Features .
  • Page 4 Technical Specifications ....55 Physical Description ......55 Input/Outputs .

  • Page 5: Introduction

    Introduction FireStore FS-4 and FS-4Pro are the first portable DV disk recorders with Direct To Edit (DTE) technology designed for hand held cam- corders in a small, rugged and shock proof chassis. If you edit with applications from Adobe, Apple, Avid, Canopus, Matrox, Pinnacle, Sonic Foundry, Ulead, and many others, Fire- Store's DTE Technology is the only solution that can save you up to 25 hours a month by recording clips to disk in your NLE’s native file...

  • Page 6: Unpacking

    the optional camera mount kit, or clip the FS-4 directly to your belt. The FS-4 can withstand the rigors of field shooting. The six second electronic shock cache ensures your video is always recorded even in the roughest of conditions. •...

  • Page 7: Quickstart

    Quickstart This section contains information to help you to use the FS-4 as quickly as possible. It contains the following sections: • Physical Description and Basic Controls • The FS-4 Menu System • Installing and Removing the Battery Pack • Connect the FS-4 to AC Power •...

  • Page 8: Physical Description And Basic Controls

    Physical Description and Basic Controls Front Panel Controls The front panel of the FS-4 is illustrated below. Screen Function Keys Navigation Power On Keys Record Button Transport Control Keys Speaker Screen This is a 14 character by 7 line dot matrix, backlit, LCD display. Function Keys Function A (left), Function B (Center), Function C (Right) The three keys below the FS-4 LCD display are user-defined function...
  • Page 9 To power off the FS-4, hold down the stop key ( ) for three seconds. During power off, the FS-4 makes an audible beep indicating it is turn- ing off. Navigation Keys These keys enable you to navigate the FS-4 menu. The navigation keys include Left, Right, Up, Down, and Select.
  • Page 10 Bottom Row Back Index Key This key returns the FS-4 to the beginning of the current clip when in playback mode. Press this button twice in sequence to return the FS- 4 to the previous clip during playback. In STOP mode, press this key to return the FS-4 to the beginning of the previous clip.
  • Page 11 Top Panel The top panel contains the following connectors and LEDs: Serial Camera Computer Firewire Connector Firewire Connector Connector (remote control) Status LED Charge LED States of Charge LED • No Charger Connected • Green Fast Charge Mode • Yellow Float Charge Mode •...
  • Page 12 Serial Connector GPI / RS232C; 3.5mm TRS mini jack. (3.5mm to DB-9 cable acces- sory available). Switchable to act as a simple contact closure or RS- 232C port. You can also connect an optional wired remote com- mander. Camera FireWire Connector •...
  • Page 13 Side Panel The side panel contains cooling vents as illustrated below. Cooling Vents (Do Not Block!) Bottom Panel The FS-4 bottom panel features a single 2-pin DC power connector. Connect the supplied AC power adapter here. Cooling Vents (Do Not Block!)

  • Page 14: The Fs-4 Menu System

    The FS-4 Menu System The FS-4 menu system provides an easy way to perform the func- tions available in the unit. Each of the screens below (except the Wel- come Screen and the Home Screen which come up automatically when you start the unit) can be accessed by repeatedly pressing the Left or Right navigation keys.

  • Page 15: Installing And Removing The Battery Pack

    Reels Screen (FS-4Pro only) - allows selected clips to be marked for placement in particular Reels Folders. Installing and Removing the Battery Pack Before operating the FS-4, install the battery as follows: Step 1: Turn the FS-4 unit over, so that the back is facing you as shown in the following illustration.

  • Page 16: Connect The Fs-4 To Ac Power

    To remove the battery, use the following steps: Step 1: Slide the battery latch to the left and slide downward on the battery pack about 1cm or 3/8. Step 2: Remove the battery pack. Connect the FS-4 to AC Power You can use the FS-4 immediately after you install the battery using AC power.

  • Page 17: Recording And Playback With The Fs-4

    Recording and Playback with the FS-4 Before using the FS-4, you must prepare it by performing the follow- ing procedures: • Power “On” the FS-4 • Set the Time and Date • Select a DV File Format • Recording With FS-4 •...

  • Page 18: Set The Time And Date

    Step 2: Wait for the following Welcome screen to appear. This Welcome screen appears as the unit initializes. You are ready to proceed when the Home screen (shown below) appears. Set the Time and Date After you have powered on the FS-4, set the time and date as follows: Step 1: Press the Right navigation key several times until the Setup Screen appears on the screen as shown below:...
  • Page 19 Step 3: Use the Up and Down navigation keys to change the highlighted value. Use the Right and Left navigation keys to highlight the Month, Day, and Year. Step 4: When complete, press the right-most Function Key indicated as BACK on the screen. The new date will be indicated on the Setup Screen.

  • Page 20: Select A Dv File Format

    Select a DV File Format After setting the time and date, but before recording, you should set the DV file format as follows: Step 1: Press the Right navigation key several times until the DV Formats Screen appears on the screen as shown below: For a complete and up-to-date list of supported applica- tions and their associated formats, visit the website: http://www.firestore.com...

  • Page 21: Manual Recording

    Manual Recording Before recording, make sure both the video camera and the FS-4 are powered on and connected with the FireWire cable. Step 1: Set your video camera to “Camera” or “Cam” mode. Make sure you can see an image through the viewfinder. Step 2: On the FS-4, press the Record key.

  • Page 22: Syncro Slave Recording

    Syncro Slave Recording Synchro slave recording allows you to control FS-4 operation com- pletely from the video camera. Make sure the FS-4 is in STOP mode and that the video camera and the FS-4 are connected. Also make sure that a video tape is in the camera unless your camera supports tapeless recording.

  • Page 23: Playback On The Fs-4

    Playback on the FS-4 Before playing back a recording, you must have first recorded some- thing. Also, make sure both the video camera and the FS-4 are pow- ered on and connected together with the FireWire cable. NOTE: This feature may not be available on PAL cameras. Step 1: Set your video camera to “VCR”...
  • Page 24 FAT 32 volume. This includes Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP and Mac OS9/OS10. FAT32 volumes will not work with Windows NT. Check the FOCUS Enhancements' website (www.FOCUSinfo.com) for more compatibility information. In order to use the FS-4 with a computer, you must have an active IEEE-1394 connection on your computer.

  • Page 25: Mounting The Fs-4 (Windows)

    Mounting the FS-4 (Windows) Use this procedure for Windows XP, 2000, 98SE and ME. Step 1: On a Windows-based computer system, double click the My Computer icon on the top left hand corner of the desktop. You will see a window similar to the following: Step 2: Locate the FS-4.
  • Page 26 The FireWire disk drive contains several different files. Clips can appear as: • RawDV (.dv) • AVI Type 1 - (YYYYMMDDHHMMSSa01) • AVI Type 2 or 24p AVI Type 2 - (YYYYMMDDHHMMSSb01) • Canopus AVI - (YYYYMMDD-HHMMSSb01) • Matrox AVI - (YYYYMMDD-HHMMSSm01 with a sepa- rate .wav audio file per track) •...

  • Page 27: Using Avid Omf Clips (Fs-4Pro Only)

    Using Avid OMF Clips (FS-4Pro only) The Avid DV OMF file format was developed for use with Avid editing products on Windows 2000, Windows XP or Mac 0SX. These prod- ucts include Avid Xpress Pro, NewsCutter, and Media Composer Adrenaline (with the DV option). The Avid DV OMF file format creates three files simultaneously;...
  • Page 28 On the Macintosh, select File>New Folder. You must type “OMFI MediaFiles” correctly in order for Avid to see the disk drive. Step 3: Drag all the OMF and AIF files into the new folder (do not drag in the files titled Desktop DB or Desktop DF). NOTE: if you are using the ORGANIZE OMF function on the FS-4 prior to using the disk on a computer, step 2 and 3 are not necessary.

  • Page 29: Dismounting The Fs-4 (Windows)

    Step 7: Make sure Master Clips is checked and press OK. The Media Tools Window similar to the following appears: Step 8: Create a new bin (select File -> New Bin) or open an existing bin in Avid. Step 9: Once opened, select all items in the Media Tools window (select Edit>...

  • Page 30: Mounting The Fs-4 (Macintosh)

    Mounting the FS-4 (Macintosh) Step 1: On a Macintosh, start your computer and connect your FS-4 to the computer utilizing a standard 6-pin to 6-pin FireWire cable. When mounted, your FS-4 should appear on the com- puter's desktop as shown below: The FS-4 appears as a FAT32 volume with a PC label.

  • Page 31: Dismounting The Fs-4 (Macintosh)

    NOTE: Use only FOCUS Enhancements original battery chargers. Mounting to a Camcorder Mount the FS-4 to your camcorder using the optional Camcorder Mount Kit (P/N ASYF-0849-01).

  • Page 32: Belt Mounting

    Belt Mounting A belt mount clip is included with the FS-4. This mount is similar to those used with cellular telephones. Attach the belt mount to the belt clip post on the rear of the FS-4 and push it down to lock it in position. The belt clip can ratchet to various positions when attached to a belt.

  • Page 33: General Screen Information

    General Screen Information Use the following information to get acquainted with the screens and their displays. Screen Name: When the Cursor is on the title (screen name), the title appears in inversed text. Press the Left or Right Navigation Key to move to the previous or next screen.
  • Page 34 Home Screen The HOME screen is read only and cannot be navigated. The only way off the HOME screen is by using the Left or Right Navigation Key. 1 - Current function (Symbol and Descriptions) - Refer to “Physical Description and Basic Controls” on page 4. 2 - Volume Disk number.

  • Page 35: Record Screen

    FS-4 information screens indicate conditions such as high tempera- ture, power remaining, or drive capacity remaining. Record Screen On the FS-4, the only two choices in the RECORD MENU are NOR- MAL and RETRO CACHE. It is not possible to set a RETRO CACHE time value, by default, set at 6 seconds.
  • Page 36 Normal Record This is the Standard record mode. All control is from the FS-4 front panel. When you press REC, the FS-4 begins standard recording. Pressing REC once puts the FS-4 into REC PAUSE mode. Pressing it a second time puts the FS-4 into RECORD mode. Retro Disk Record Mode (FS-4Pro Only) Step 1: Press the Left Navigation key to display the Retro Disk...
  • Page 37 • You can use RETRO DISK in LOCAL, and SLAVE RECORD con- trol modes. Retro Cache Record Mode NOTE: You can only set RETRO CACHE in the FS-4Pro. On the FS- 4, it is either on (set by default to six seconds) or off. Step 1: Use the Right Navigation key to display the Retro CACHE screen.

  • Page 38: Hdd Mode Screen

    Snap (FS-4Pro only) When you select SNAP and press REC, a single frame is grabbed. SNAP can be used with LOCAL and SYNCRO RECORD control modes. If SNAP is the RECORD MODE when you turn off the power or power is interrupted, upon re-boot, the FS-4 will be in NORMAL REC mode.
  • Page 39 DV Recorder When you make this selection, the FS-4 functions as a DV Recorder, and expects I/O DV data from the camera FireWire connector. DD Drive When you make this selection, the FS-4 functions as a Volume, and mounts to a host computer using the computer FireWire connector. In this mode, you can also connect multiple FS-4 units together.

  • Page 40: Dv Format Screen

    PINN or Organize OMF function in the Utilities Menu. Refer to the section, “Utilities Screen” on page 45. The latest DTE supported applications and what file formats to use for each is listed on the FOCUS Enhancements website. Check regularly for updates.

  • Page 41: Setup Screen

    Setup Screen Unlike other screens, selections on the Setup Screen are in mutually exclusive groups, or in some cases, making a selection takes you to a settings screen from which the only path back is the BACK key. The values for this screen include: •...
  • Page 42 DATE When you make this selection, the SET DATE screen appears for set- ting the date. Refer to the section, “Set the Time and Date” on page 14. TIME When you make this selection, the SET TIME screen appears for set- ting the time.
  • Page 43 • Use BACK to return to the SETUP Screen with the current cursor row set to VERSION value. LCDLIGHT (GROUP) Value selections on this screen consist of the following: LCDLIGHT ON, LCDLIGHT OFF, LCDLIGHT AUTO (Default) This group allows you to enable or disable the FS-4's LCD's back- light.
  • Page 44 EXT (GROUP) Selections consist of the following: EXT CTL OFF (default). EXT CTL PLAY, EXT CTL SNAP, and EXT CTL FILE. • EXT CTL OFF allows you to connect a 3.5mm-to-DB9 cable to the GPI port and control the FS-4 using an RS232C cable from an external device.
  • Page 45 NOTE: When you set the camcorder Timecode mode to REC RUN, REGEN or EXT TC, the FS-4 will NOT record the timecode when recording to disk only. Use the FS-4 TC modes if you want any of these TC modes. TC SET (or TC / UB SET - FS-4PRO only) This group allows you to enable or disable the FS-4's time code (TC).

  • Page 46: Functions Screen

    Functions Screen On the Home screen shown below, you can assign the Function keys, FA, FB, FC to toggle specific system settings. These values are user-assignable in the Functions screen. Changing a setting with a Function key has a result identical to changing the setting in its corresponding menu.
  • Page 47 FA REEL2 R2 (Marks Clip to Reel 2) FS-4Pro only FA REEL3 R3 (Marks Clip to Reel 3) FS-4Pro only FA REEL4 R4 (Marks Clip to Reel 4) FS-4Pro only FA REEL5 R5 (Marks Clip to Reel 5) FS-4Pro only FA REEL6 R6 (Marks Clip to Reel 6) FS-4Pro only FA REEL7...
  • Page 48 FC REEL2 R2 (Marks Clip to Reel 2) FS-4Pro only FC REEL3 R3 (Marks Clip to Reel 3) FS-4Pro only FC REEL4 R4 (Marks Clip to Reel 4) FS-4Pro only FC REEL5 R5 (Marks Clip to Reel 5) FS-4Pro only FC REEL6 R6 (Marks Clip to Reel 6) FS-4Pro only FC REEL7...

  • Page 49: Utilities Screen

    Utilities Screen This menu allows you to access the FS-4 UTILITIES modes as fol- lows: Step 1: Select the Menu Item using the Up and Down navigation keys. Step 2: Press Select to open the sub menu (where applicable). Values include: •...
  • Page 50 ORGANIZE PINNACLE (FS-4Pro Only) This selection organizes clips for use with Pinnacle Liquid series NLE systems. Products such as the Pinnacle AVI file format were created for use with products such as Pinnacle Liquid Edition. The Pinnacle AVI file format creates three files simultaneously during a recording; an AVI video file and two separate WAV audio files labeled as left and right.
  • Page 51 FORMAT DISK FOCUS Enhancements recommends that the FS-4 is formatted after each recording to prevent lost frames due to fragmentation. NOTE: FORMATTING WILL ERASE ALL DATA ON DISK! Back up or transfer any files or clips on the FS-4 before selecting a format.
  • Page 52 Step 2: Press Select. The following screen appears. Step 3: Select YES and the FS-4 begins repairing the disk and displays a status screen. Upon complete or error, the screen displays either “Aborted” or “Complete.” Step 4: Press BACK to return to the Utility Screen with the current cursor row set to REPAIR DISK.
  • Page 53 Exit the FS-4 from HDD mode and navigate to the Utilities screen. Step 5: From the Utilities screen, use the Down navigation key to move the cursor to Upgrade. The row appears as inversed text. NOTE: Check the FOCUS Enhancements website for available updates.
  • Page 54 NOTE: A System Reset cannot be reversed! STATUS The FS-4 Status screen provides details of the systems power state as well as internal temperature. This screen may assist FOCUS Enhancements Technical Support in determining power and thermal problems with your unit.
  • Page 55 Values include: • R1 “Reel Name”; Default Value • R2 through R9 “Reel Name” Mark a clip to any reel by pressing a key during a recording (in addi- tion to the function keys). • Upon select, value is marked with a “- “ •...
  • Page 56 Play Clip In this mode, the FS-4 plays the selected clip from start to finish when you press the PLAY key. At the end of the particular clip, the FS-4 pauses. Play All In this mode, the FS-4 plays the entire contents of the disk (all clips) in order from start to finish.

  • Page 57: Control Screen

    Control Screen Use the Left or Right navigation keys to cycle to the following screen. Values include: • LOCAL • AV/C • SYNCRO SLAVE • TAPELESS TRIGGER LOCAL Local control mode ignores record triggers from the camcorder and is controlled exclusively from the FS-4 front panel or the optional wired remote control unit.

  • Page 58: Fs-4 Lcd Display Modes

    DSR-390, DSR-370, DSR-570, Canon XL1s and XL2 and the Pana- sonic DVX-100/-100A. FS-4 LCD Display Modes The table below shows the different symbols and states displayed on the top line of the LCD when used with different FS-4 control, record, play and stop modes: PLAY/REC MODE FS-4 LCD...

  • Page 59: Technical Specifications

    Technical Specifications NOTE: Specification are subject to change. Physical Description • Dimensions: 1.59" x 5.6" x 3.74" (40mm x 142mm x 95mm) (with normal 90 minute Battery) • Weight: 1 lb. (.45 kg) Input/Outputs • DV Video I/O - 25Mb/s (1x 6-pin IEEE-1394) •...

  • Page 60: Log Files

    The Disk Drive is Full. Transfer files off the drive and format it before attempting to do more record- ing. DISK ERROR XXX Lost Disk Communication. Contact FOCUS Enhancements Tech- nical Support. NO DISK Lost Disk Communication. Contact FOCUS Enhancements Tech- DETECTED nical Support.

  • Page 61: Temperature

    -20 to 60° C (-4° to 140°F) • Storage humidity: 85% RH or less Compatible Camcorders For a list of tested camcorders, refer to www.focusinfo.com. Optional Accessories For a complete list of optional accessories for the FS-4, visit the FOCUS Enhancements website at www.focusinfo.com.

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