Transferring data from Sony HVR-A1U to JVC HM-DH5U DVHS Digital recorder

dpug · 01-24-2006, 06:01 PM

I've been unable to successfully transfer HD data from my Sony HVR-A1U HD digital camcorder to the JVC HM-DH5U D-VHS recorder. When I attempt to playback a tape recorded through a FireWire connection, the tape is an exact duplicate in sound and picture quality for about a second or a second and one half. Then both the picture and sound breaks up, (the picture breaking up through partial pixelation). Then both the picture and the sound play perfectly for another second or so and then both picture and sound to break up again. This repeats throughout the tape. However I have no problem recording in VHS or SVHS formats from the same camera through the same FireWire connection on DVHS tape.

The JVC recorder will record MPEG-2 compressed data. The recorder has a maximum 28 Mb/s signal transfer rate. The Sony HVR-A1U has a 25 Mb/s transfer rate. Therefore it would appear that the JVC unit should be able to successfully transfer data from the Sony HD camcorder. Is there something I can do to make this process work correctly? I used the settings recommended by both the camcorder and DVHS recorder manuals. I have tried Sony tech support and JVC tech-support at the highest level I was able to reach through my phone. Sony tech support couldn't speak for the compatibility of the JVC recorder. The best information I could obtain from JVC tech support was a statement that the Sony camcorder might be incompatible in the HD format with the JVC recorder. Although the advice from the JVC tech-support may be correct I have no confidence in the tech-support personnel who provided this information.

Any suggestions?

1080PsF · 01-25-2006, 08:52 PM

I noticed something in JVC's specs and that is the "2 x I.Link Terminal (IEEE 1394), DV input only for camcorders". JVC's camcorders record 720p. So I bet that this input is looking for a 720p signal. The Sony is outputting a 1080i signal.

Phototone · 01-28-2006, 10:04 AM

I think the 28mbs transfer rate is just in playback, from D-Theatre type material. I don't think the JVC D-VHS decks are capable of actually recording that data rate, more like 19mbs. I could be wrong, though.

I am also wondering if it is tape dependent? Are you using fresh D-VHS tapes? rather than attempting to use S-VHS blanks? Have you set the recorder for the fastest recording speed? HS, rather than Auto-HS. It sounds like you are at, or slightly beyond the upper limit of what the JVC decks are capable of recording.

The JVC decks can definately record in 1080i, though from a cable box equipped with a firewire port.

You may have to set-up your computer as a virtual D-VHS deck to transfer your material.

01-24-2006, 06:01 PM	#1
dpug What is HD? Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 2	Transferring data from Sony HVR-A1U to JVC HM-DH5U DVHS Digital recorder I've been unable to successfully transfer HD data from my Sony HVR-A1U HD digital camcorder to the JVC HM-DH5U D-VHS recorder. When I attempt to playback a tape recorded through a FireWire connection, the tape is an exact duplicate in sound and picture quality for about a second or a second and one half. Then both the picture and sound breaks up, (the picture breaking up through partial pixelation). Then both the picture and the sound play perfectly for another second or so and then both picture and sound to break up again. This repeats throughout the tape. However I have no problem recording in VHS or SVHS formats from the same camera through the same FireWire connection on DVHS tape. The JVC recorder will record MPEG-2 compressed data. The recorder has a maximum 28 Mb/s signal transfer rate. The Sony HVR-A1U has a 25 Mb/s transfer rate. Therefore it would appear that the JVC unit should be able to successfully transfer data from the Sony HD camcorder. Is there something I can do to make this process work correctly? I used the settings recommended by both the camcorder and DVHS recorder manuals. I have tried Sony tech support and JVC tech-support at the highest level I was able to reach through my phone. Sony tech support couldn't speak for the compatibility of the JVC recorder. The best information I could obtain from JVC tech support was a statement that the Sony camcorder might be incompatible in the HD format with the JVC recorder. Although the advice from the JVC tech-support may be correct I have no confidence in the tech-support personnel who provided this information. Any suggestions?

01-28-2006, 10:04 AM	#3
Phototone High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 148	I think the 28mbs transfer rate is just in playback, from D-Theatre type material. I don't think the JVC D-VHS decks are capable of actually recording that data rate, more like 19mbs. I could be wrong, though. I am also wondering if it is tape dependent? Are you using fresh D-VHS tapes? rather than attempting to use S-VHS blanks? Have you set the recorder for the fastest recording speed? HS, rather than Auto-HS. It sounds like you are at, or slightly beyond the upper limit of what the JVC decks are capable of recording. The JVC decks can definately record in 1080i, though from a cable box equipped with a firewire port. You may have to set-up your computer as a virtual D-VHS deck to transfer your material. Last edited by Phototone; 01-28-2006 at 10:09 AM.

01-25-2006, 08:52 PM	#2
1080PsF Compression Sucks Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Monrovia, CA. Posts: 451	I noticed something in JVC's specs and that is the "2 x I.Link Terminal (IEEE 1394), DV input only for camcorders". JVC's camcorders record 720p. So I bet that this input is looking for a 720p signal. The Sony is outputting a 1080i signal.