The JVC SR-DVM700 is a versatile media storage vessel for anyone who needs to offload video footage from a variety of sources and/or needs to move around a lot of media in various formats. The SR-DVM700 can offload and copy media from Mini DV tapes, DVD-R/RWs, DVD-RAM, and pretty much any other analog device. It also has its own 250GB internal hard drive for storing media. The device is expected to be hitting Japanese stores pretty soon. No word on releases in other territories.

Videomaker has whipped up a "best of 2006" list for consumer and low budget video creators, including a bunch of notable cameras, software, and other gear that stand out from the rest of the crowd. Camcorders receiving attention include the Canon Elura 100 (best consumer camcorder), Canon HV10 (best high-def consumer camcorder), JVC Everio GZ-MG505 (best hard drive camcorder), Sony HDR-FX7 (best prosumer camcorder), and the Panasonic AG-HVX200 (breakthrough camcorder of the year). Check out the full story for some other useful recommendations. 2006 has been another big year for upping the quality in affordable video production equipment.

(via Digital Camcorder News)

As DV Gurus it is only natural to thirst for a behind the scene look behind a shoot. Flickr has an On the Set Film/Video group with over 1,900 photos for your "how'd they do that?" cravings. Ok some of them aren't that relevant/interesting but just look at all of those sweet set-ups. And if you have some behind the scenes photos from your latest production, add them to the pool.

I've been meaning to post this for a bit now, but things have been a bit hectic lately. Anyway, our friend Richard Baguley over at camcorderinfo posted the results of his poll on video formats. He asked readers to vote on which format they will consider when buying their next camcorder.

The results clearly favored HDV. It seems to be a popular choice which, given the DV tape standard, seems familiar to users. Surprisingly, AVCHD, the new format from Sony and Panasonic had a strong showing. I was also glad to see almost no one is considering those damn DVD camcorders. Click READ below for the complete results.

They say you should wear your heart on your sleeve, but what about your whole upper body? Film Tees produces shirts especially for filmmakers out of Paul Zadie's (founder of Film Tees) frustration for lack of quality filmmaking clothing. Tell the world you are the boss with a director t-shirt. Why do you make movies? Because it is all about the story. Or throw most people off with a picture of a C47 clip for you lighting gurus. Whatever your message any one of these shirts would make a good Valentines Day gift for any filmmaker you know, and it is good to find someone producing specific clothing for a specific audience.

Shooting good footage can be a challenge under normal circumstances. Add the elements of shooting underwater, big ol' spearguns and the occasional shark and I won't be signing up for your project. But the crew of Speargun Hunter, a 13 episode series airing on The Outdoor Channel, had to deal with all these issues. They shot the series with a Sony XDCAM HD PDW-F350 and used a Sony Z1 for all the underwater footage. For more details check out this article on the series, plus this interview with the creators.

16x9 Inc. gives you more shot options with the new EX 1.5X teleconverter. This puppy has a 72mm thread and can be used with:

• Sony HVR-V1U, HVR-Z1U, HDR-FX1, HDR-FX7
• Canon XL-H1, XHA1, XHG1, XL2
• Panasonic DVX100B

Sony HVR-V1U and HDR-FX7 owners will need a 72-62mm step-down ring which is included at no charge. List price is $875 but currently it's available at a promotional price of $795.

For all the live video artists and VJ folk, Create Digital Motions offers up a list dedicated to The Best of 2006 for Visualists. It includes their choices in most significant technology, software, and hardware, plus other relevant stuff like "most distracting technology" and the biggest tech disappointments of last year. VJs are in a bit of a different league than standard video editors, so of course their recommendations might not completely apply, but still a neat read for anyone involved or interested in that scene.

(via Video Thing)

Here at DVGuru and other video tech websites, it's easy to get caught up in reading about all the latest and greatest technology. New camcorders with better image quality, faster computers, more advanced software, and the list goes on and on. With the seemingly unending advancement of video technology, you might start to feel pressure to keep up with all of these new toys. That's where a video like this comes in handy. This segment is a great reminder for videographers, filmmakers, and anyone dealing with video creatively. It's a reminder of the simple but easily ignored idea that it's not the gear that counts, but the skills and knowledge of the person who is working with those tools. This is the most important lesson of all. Check out the linked video for a great story about this very idea.

(via little frog in hi def)

Guy Cochran from DVCreators.net reviews the Rode to recording package. If you are looking for a kit that has everything you need to capture great sounding audio, then listen up. This comes with:

• (1) RODE NT1-A Microphone
• (2) EVENT ALP 5 Biamp Powered Monitors (studio speakers for the laymen)
  
• (1) PRESONUS INSPIRE Firewire Audio Interface
• (1) STEINBERG CUBASE LE
• (1) SONY ACID XMC
• (1) PRO PAK Software Suite
• (2) 10' premium RCA cables
• (1) 25' premium Mic Cable
• (1) RODE TRIPOD tabletop mic stand
• (1) Comprehensive Setup Manual

At the end of the episode Guy gives you a taste of what it sounds like and it sure sounds beautiful. What would you expect to pay for something like this? $2,000? $1,000? How about $750 from the DV Creators store. He certainly makes a persuading case.

Watch the video after the break or download the higher quality M4V.

Matt and Kendal have an excellent video review of a car camera mounting system from VFGadgets. Installing the device didn't seem to induce much confidence from them because of the give and the cheap plastic bolts. But when they did use it in a shoot, the mount worked. I have to admit the results were better than what I would have hoped for from what is a prosumer piece of equipment. Also check out the resulting video from the test, it is better a lot of specs I have seen.

Apple introduced the iPhone today at their annual Macworld. The iPhone is 3 devices in one: 1) phone 2) media player 3) an internet device (a mini computer). There are devices that do similar things but none withe touchscreen interface that Apple has not only created but patented. When you watch the demos, you are astounded at the simplicity and elegance of the touchscreen implementation. OS X has never looked so good. For so long people have been talking about which product will be the iPod killer, well here it is, from Apple.

The iPhone will be released in June for the price of $499 (4GB) and $599 (8GB). It will have a Flash disk (I love it) which means less energy, less likely to break when dropped, much faster and quieter. It will be available through Cingular which probably will be the biggest drawback for many. iPhone uses quad-band GSM + EDGE phone, no 3G. It has a megapixel camera (yawn). The headphone also acts as a microphone. Because the operating system is basically OS X, we can assume it is only Mac compatible. Update: People have commented that it will be available on both Windows and Mac.

How does this affect DV users? This is the true video iPod. Like Apple TV, this is yet another distribution channel for indie filmmakers. Next time you are out with your friends and you want to show them a cool video blog, a short available online or even your own work, you can just pull out your iPhone and show.

Media is finally becoming mobile which means that more and more, the success of a video will depend on the social interaction. One person showing another, instead of just reading or watching a review. The peer to peer interaction will bring new classics to the masses, one user at a time.

We also aren't sure how much this thing can do. I doubt you can edit something on the iPhone but it would be interesting to see if you somebody came out with applications that could possibly aid media creation. I mean, we already have widgets that perform cool DV-related tasks, the iPhone will only expand on that.

An iPhone could be very useful in production. It could make a wonderful off-site logging tool. With the camera and iChat, location scouts can not only shoot locations but also get feedback from the director instantly. Maybe, with enough hacking, the iPhone could become a little Wacom tablet of sorts. iPhone ushers in the next generation of portable media and computer devices which in general bode well for Indie filmmakers.

As a Mac follower, even I am truly impressed on what this thing is capable of. The touchscreen interface is revolutionary like Jobs says. It looks like a lot of fun, just like the original scroll wheel was for the iPod. Here is my prediction, if iPhone delivers like promised, this device will bring in more switchers than any hardware, software Apple has ever created.

It's funny being a video technology blogger. most of the year, you find yourself scraping the web, looking for stories your readers will find interesting. Then CES happens. I'm drowning in a sea of press releases, product demos, and tech announcements.

As could have been easily predicted, there's a bunch of Digital Video Recorder(DVR) stuff coming out of the trade show this year. I thought I would round up some of the more important announcements in the world of digital time-shifting.

TiVo finds a home at Comcast. The DVR pioneer has had a tough go since breaking up with Directv. This deal has to be good for them.

Dish Network announces DishDVR advantage. The satellite provider is taking the guesswork out of the DVR, by offering them first party, and not hiding them in the bill, or charging extra for them. Dish Network is also offering a complementary High Definition DVR to new subscribers.

Avid offers HD DVR software for the PC. Pinnacle PCTV To Go offers users the chance to place and time shift their HD content on their home computer.

Diego offers DVR direct to the consumer. The company originally supplied it's Moxi set-top technology exclusively to cable providers. Giving this stuff direct to consumers had to make the big content providers a bit nervous.

Sling Media announces Sling Catcher. Sling Catcher is actually technology that will be used in two new products. Sling Projector allows you to take your media, as well as all other functions of a standard PC to your living room set, while Sling Player lets you watch your TV on someone else's set.

for complete coverage of events at CES, Click READ to visit our friends at Engadget.

Lexar has two high capacity SDHC cards coming up this year, weighing in at both 4GB and 8GB under the Standard and Platinum II lines. This February, the 4GB Platinum II will hit for $100, which promises transfer speeds of 9MB per second, and the slower Standard card will cost $80. No release or pricing details for the 8GB card, but these guys will definitely be beneficial for folks interested in any of the new AVCHD camcorders that support the format, including JVC's recently announced Everio cams.

(via Engadget)

Sony has big plans for the upcoming year, with a massive new lineup of 16 camcorders set to strike, many of which are HD-capable, stressing that the company is moving towards making HD the new standard across the boards. For the new cams, Sony is making full use of a variety of media, including HDD, AVCHD, and even HDV, and their latest ClearVID CMOS sensor is bound to pop up in most of these newcomer camcorders. In addition to these camera developments, the majority of the company's upcoming HDTV lineup will accept an attachable module that can stream broadband HD content and other internet video, bridging the shrinking gap between your PC and television. These, along with other new technological developments will help change how we create new content and access and view it. Check out this press release for a sampling of what Sony has in store for this year in all areas of entertainment.