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May 16th, 2012
We now live in a high-definition society. Most TVs are HD, Blu-Ray grows every month, and HD cable and satellite is a given. Back in 2003, when HD was in its infancy, a consortium of electronics manufacturers began working on a high-definition tape that would replace Mini DV. The idea was to create a new video format that would enable high-definition video to be stored on the regular Mini DV tapes that many consumers already had. They called it High Definition Video, or HDV.
Today, the idea seems quaint, since almost every camcorder is high-def, and tapeless to boot. But HDV provided excellent video quality, and we often see HDV tapes at Timeless DVD since many consumers took to the format. So if you’ve ever wondered what HDV was all about…read on.
How does HDV work?
HDV creates high-definition video in the widescreen, 16:9 aspect ratio. It can write directly to plain old Mini DV and DV tapes, and supports both 720p and 1080i definition. Like DVD, the format uses MPEG-2 compression and achieves the same bitrates of regular DV (25Mbps). Audio is written to MP3 and only compressed to 75%.
The downside of HDV
Unlike traditional DV encoding, HDV encodes to MPEG-2 (actually a format called MPEG-2-TS). MPEG-2 is the same format that is used on DVD discs, and so HDV is subject to the same compression issues.
The drawbacks of MPEG-2 technology can be best understood via a crash-course on “GOP,” which is an acronym for “Group of Pictures.” In American (NTSC) video, 29.97 frames occur during every second of video. In DV video, each frame carries complete data information, which is why DV video is so high-quality and takes up a significant amount of hard drive space.
MPEG-2 video, on the other hand, has been compressed so that only a few frames carry complete picture information. The other frames are space-saving, downgraded images of the real video picture. These downgraded frames aren’t noticeable when watching a DVD, but quickly become apparent during editing.
A typical GOP:
Each square in the diagram represents a frame of video. The I frames contain complete picture data and only occur a few times during each second of video. P frames are the second-most prevalent and “predict” what the video should look like based on the I frames. B frames are the most numerous and calculate data from both the full I frames and reduced P frames.
What this all means is that frame-accurate, high-quality editing is impossible with MPEG-2 video. It’s the reason why we tell customers over and over again: NO, it’s not a good idea to edit the video that’s on your DVD. So while HDV is a great video format and definitely useful for HD recording, its use of MPEG-2 encoding is its primary drawback–at least where editing is concerned.
One last note: If you do have HDV tapes and want to watch your video on regular DVD discs, Timeless DVD can accommodate you. We have decks that can downgrade the HD signal to regular standard-def video, and the results are actually pretty fantastic.
February 22nd, 2012
Unlike video tapes, DVDs do not degrade or lose playback quality over time. But nevertheless, DVDs are susceptible to damage–if the proper care isn’t taken. Here are some quick, easy tips for caring for your DVDs.
How to Handle a DVD
- A DVD has two sides, and one is much shinier than the other. Never touch the surface of the shiny side of the disc! This is the side of the disc that a DVD player’s laser reads and where all of the data is stored. When you handle a DVD, grip it by the outer edges and the inner hole.
– Never bend a disc or pry the outer edge when removing it from a DVD case. To release a disc from a case, push the lever or notch in the center of the disc. This lever usually releases the disc easily.
How to Store DVDs
– Always store your discs in their DVD cases. This is the safest way to ensure that they are not exposed to dust or mishandling when not in use.
– Stand your DVD cases upright on a shelf or rack, just like a book.
– As with video tapes, avoid storing discs in areas of your home that have sunlight, humidity, or extreme temperature changes. While discs are not as susceptible to environmental damage as tapes, extreme heat or cold can impact a disc’s physical structure and cause it to play erratically in a DVD player.
 How to Clean a DVD
– If your DVD does get a scratch or smudge, it can be cleaned. Start by spritzing a little Windex (or dedicated disc cleaner) on the shiny side of the disc. Wipe it off with a soft, lint-free cloth, and wipe straight from the inner ring to the outer edge (don’t use a circular motion around the disc).
– If your cleaning doesn’t work, there are companies that can clean your disc professionally by running it through a buffering machine. One of the best is Azuradisc.
If you follow these simple tips, your discs should last for many years!
February 18th, 2012
Taking the time to manually focus your camcorder may seem like a waste of time, since most current camcorders have awesome auto focus abilities. However, using the manual focus can help a great deal in certain situations.
 For instance, have you ever been in a large crowd and tried to tape a single subject–perhaps one that is far away? In these situations, auto focus can be a nightmare. Every time a person walks in front of you, the camcorder will refocus on the closer object, and your subject will become fuzzy as a result. Think of videotaping your child’s school concert; every time an audience member twitches in front of you, the camera refocuses on the movement and the kids on the stage become blurry. This is exacerbated if you are filming in a low-light environment!
So turn on your manual focus in situations where it’s not easy for the camera to keep your main subject sharp and clear. For best results, first let the camera auto-focus on the correct subject, and then turn on the manual focus. The camcorder should then keep its focus on the correct subject, at the same distance, without automatically changing to adjust to new items that enter the picture.
December 8th, 2011
What do you do if you’ve outgrown your flip-type camcorder and need more power under the hood? Move up to a prosumer or professional camcorder! While the prices for these upper-level cams can go increase sharply from consumer models, it’s never been more affordable to own a very advanced video camera at home.
Prosumer or Advanced Consumer Camcorders
 Prosumer camcorders build on the capabilities of regular cams by adding more capabilities, such as increasing the light-capturing ability of the lens or the stability of the video picture. The sensors in these camcorders are also stronger, which results in a more colorful and detailed image. And the videographer stays more in control, because almost every setting has a manual option. For those interested in external mics or lenses, prosumer camcorders offer the ability to add all kinds of accessories as well. But keep in mind: the price also shoots up steeply at this level.
Two current examples of a prosumer camcorder are the Sony NEX-VG20 Interchangeable Lens Handycam ($1,600) and the JVC Everio GZ-HD6 (about $2,300). As its name implies, the Sony cam offers removable lenses, a feature often only found in professional video cameras. It also includes an extremely powerful microphone that can capture surround sound audio. The JVC (shown above) also offers standout features, from a 120 GB internal hard drive to a 10X optical zoom, a 3 CCD image sensor, and a plethora of output options.
 Professional Camcorders
The final group of video cameras is the professional level. The main factor that sets these camcorders apart is not additional features and settings, but the quality of the actual parts: the lens, sensors, mic, display, and more. Look for this type of camcorder if you want the very best video picture possible–and forget about cutting corners to save on the price.
Two examples of this type of camcorder are the Canon XH A1S (about $4,000) and the Panasonic Professional AG-HMC40 (about $2,000). While the Canon writes to HDV tape (unlike many current cams), it features three 1/3-inch sensors and a top-notch lens. It also offers a 20X optical zoom, image stabilization technology, and a wealth of manual features. The Panasonic cam possesses a slightly shorter 12X optical lens and 1/4-inch 3MOS imagers, and stores its HD video on a memory card.
So, what have we learned?
The best camcorder for you is determined by your needs. Do you need something super-simple and fast to use? Try a flip-type, entry-level cam. Or are you a seasoned pro who’s thinking of shooting some weddings or events professionally? Look at the prosumer and professional camcorders that offer extra settings and higher-quality parts.
One last word about the video camera that almost everyone carries already: the smartphone. Definitely easy, definitely convenient. But keep in mind that no multi-purpose electronic device ever performs as well as one that was designed for a specific job. Professional photographers don’t use smartphones to take photos, do they? (Many of them won’t even touch a “point-and-shoot” camera!) As a budding videographer, you shouldn’t either.
If you’re even remotely serious about shooting video, take a look at the video cameras on the market today. There’s never been a more inexpensive time to take the plunge.
December 5th, 2011
Who doesn’t have a camcorder these days? Thanks for small sizes and easy technology, camcorders can be used by everyone from a preschooler to a great-grandmother. But when you go into the store to buy a new cam, how do you know which one to choose?
The main differences between camcorders in 2012 is tied to the skills and needs of the actual user – ranging from casual shooter to professional. On the low end, camcorders have fewer features and specifications (such as a digital-only zoom). Conversely, high-end camcorders generally have better image sensors, larger built-in storage capacity, or more crossover features from digital still cameras. Therefore, knowing which features you need or want will dictate which level of camcorder you should purchase–and what amount you will wind up paying.
Today we’re going to discuss camcorders that are targeted at beginner and intermediate users.
Beginner/Casual Camcorders
 Entry-level camcorders are intended for those who want to quickly shoot and view video at a moment’s notice. They are usually compact in size and offer the lowest price points. Most of these camcorders store their video content on internal memory (via a small hard drive or Flash memory card), which means that you need to transfer your video to a computer in order to watch it. But to make this process simple, many cameras have a built-in USB plug that attaches quickly to your PC or Mac. In 2012, even these low-end camcorders feature a medium-to-high resolution.
Naturally, to compensate for their low prices, these camcorders do have drawbacks, usually in terms of additional features. For example, a low-end camcorder likely has an internal battery, which may not last very long between charges. Most of these camcorders only have a digital zoom, as opposed to the full-fledged optical zoom lens that appears in more traditional cams. And many do not have any form of still-shot photography.
Two examples of this type of camcorder are the JVC Picsio GC-FM1 and the Sony 3D Bloggie HD Camera, both in the $200-$250 range. Both cameras feature HD video, but lack an optical zoom. The JVC requires a removable Flash memory card, while the Sony features internal memory. The JVC is shown above in both front and back views.
Intermediate Camcorders
 For those who want more classic camcorder features, the next step up may be for you. Intermediate-level camcorders are priced higher than the Bloggie/Flip-type models, but still offer ease and convenience. Plus, they have many useful features, such an optical zoom (with a classic glass lens), optional manual settings, and more internal editing capabilities. Intermediate camcorders also generally last longer in terms of battery power, and since they are shaped like a classic camcorder, are more comfortable to use.
Two examples of intermediate-level camcorders are the Samsung HMX-H304 and the Canon VIXIA HF M31 (ranging from $500-$700, respectively). Both are high-definition video cameras that feature 3-inch LCD screens, significant internal memory, and a wealth of manual settings and features. The Canon is shown above right.
In our next post, we’ll examine the highest two groups of camcorders, which are aimed at prosumer and professional users.
December 3rd, 2011
It’s no secret that the big movie studios are unhappy with Netflix, Blockbuster, and Redbox. When you can rent a DVD for $1, why go to Walmart and buy the same movie for $15? In this economy, the answer is a no-brainer.
However, these services have also begun to cut into studios’ bottom lines. Recently, we have seen the introduction of 28-day rental windows to combat this problem. But now the rental services are changing their prices as well to better reflect the value of new movies–and Netflix’s recent pricing changes from late summer was only the beginning.
Blockbuster recently introduced a new program called Blockbuster Movie Combo, a new in-store subscription program. The program allows consumers to rent one DVD, Blu-Ray, or video game at a time in the store with the option to order another by mail each month. There are no due dates, and the charge is $7.49 for the first month and $14.99 per month afterwards.
Blockbuster Express and Redbox have also raised prices. Redbox has increased the price of a DVD rental to $1.20 (up from $1) and Blockbuster Express has made new releases $3 for the first night. (Blockbuster is not as affected by new-release delay windows as Netflix and Redbox, so it is often the only place to rent a new DVD on release day.)
Subsequently, the value of new DVDs has changed. The combination of windows and higher prices for new movies means that consumers will no longer make that $1 rental vs. $15 sale no-brainer decision on the release date. While these changes are definitely not consumer-friendly, they do help ensure that studios will continue to find a reason to produce movies on physical media. If it’s not cost-effective to produce DVDs, we will only see more bare-bones discs and fewer releases in years to come.
November 30th, 2011
Have you ever considered that it’s the concept of persistence of vision that makes video possible–the most basic building block of all? “Persistence of vision” is caused by the brain holding an image even after that image has been removed from sight. The phenomenon has been around forever: imagine cavemen waving a burning stick in the darkness and seeing the trail of light behind it. But the concept of persistence of vision led to some of the first optical illusions as well.
In video terms, persistence of vision is what makes video technology work. In the 1800s, it was discovered that a light that flickers quickly enough appears to be continuous to the human eye. How quickly does it have to flicker? That measure is termed the “fusion frequency,” and it usually depends on how well-lit a room is. At low light, the flicker only needs to occur 50 times per second (50 Hz) in order for the image to appear continuous; this is the frequency used in movie theaters and in European televisions (where some people do notice it). American TVs use 60 Hz, which is a better figure for well-lit living rooms, and computer screens use 72 Hz or higher to minimize eyestrain.
 In the 1820s, revolving-picture toys were invented that used the concept of persistence of vision, and are the earliest precursors to modern video technology. These toys were included the fancifully-named zoetrope, fantascope, and phenakistiscope. In creating these toys, inventors learned that if a stream of pictures is too continuous, the eye only sees blurry motion. Each image must appear just long enough for the brain to process it, in order for persistence of vision to work correctly.
Most of these toys featured a slit through which the image was briefly viewable before revolving. Even today, movie projectors still use this same technology–a slit or shutter–to show each frame of a movie, one at a time. A diagram of a zoetrope and how it operates is shown above right.
November 27th, 2011
Every current camcorder has a beautiful, color LCD screen, and it’s easy to use that screen when filming. However, switching to the viewfinder (the eyepiece) can be helpful in a number of situations.
 First, the viewfinder uses far less battery power than the LCD screen. Observe the battery percentage you have left on your LCD screen. Now close the screen and check out the same display through the viewfinder. See the difference in the remaining battery life? You can conserve your battery time if you simply close the LCD screen. And if your battery is getting low after using the LCD, you can eke out extra time by switching to the viewfinder.
The viewfinder is also much better when filming in bright light. Take your camcorder out into the sunshine. How well can you see the screen? But when you switch to the viewfinder, your face and the eyepiece block out the sun–giving you a clear picture for filming.
Using the viewfinder can also play a role in keeping your camcorder stable. It is always better to hold your camcorder close to your body, because the weight of your body helps to keep the camcorder steady. Since you have to hold your camcorder to your face to use the viewfinder, this happens naturally–unlike the LCD screen, which forces most users to hold the camcorder at a distance.
Unfortunately, viewfinders seem to be going the way of the dodo on camcorders. So if you have one on your own cam, count yourself lucky–and use it!
November 23rd, 2011
The staff at Timeless DVD wishes you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving! When you wake up from your tryptophan coma, here are our suggestions for five great Thanksgiving movies and TV shows to enjoy.
 1. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
Arguably the best Thanksgiving movie of all time. Steve Martin plays an upper-middle-class ad exec desperately trying to get from a business meeting in New York to his family in Chicago by Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, a pre-Thanksgiving snowstorm happens to be blanketing the Midwest, making travel a nightmare. This misfortune is compounded by Del Griffith (John Candy), a shower-curtain-ring salesman who decides to accompany Martin back to Chicago–a decision that leads to a series of misadventures involving the aforementioned planes, trains, and automobiles (plus a bus, pickup truck, and more). If you’re feeling stressed by your life and busy from your job, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles will help you focus on the things that are really important in life.
 2. Pieces of April (2003)
Before she was Mrs. Cruise, Katie Holmes starred in this indie flick about a quirky twentysomething who decides to host her family’s Thanksgiving in her small, dingy New York apartment. While April runs into one problem after another (including a nonfunctioning oven), her suburban family drives to the city, all the while questioning why they are headed toward a dinner that will be awkward and uncomfortable. In addition to Holmes, Patricia Clarkson stars as April’s mother, who is dealing with a cancer diagnosis (Clarkson arguably steals the show). Oliver Platt, Sean Hayes, and Derek Luke round out the cast. Over the past few years, Pieces of April has landed on many folks’ “favorite” lists. Interesting note:Â The film was shot in 16 days on digital video for $300,000.
 3. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)
Definitely catch this one in addition to your yearly Charlie Brown Christmas viewing! Charlie Brown gets roped into preparing a Thanksgiving dinner for his friends (through no fault of his own, natch). When the task becomes completely overwhelming, Snoopy and Woodstock are enlisted to help–and succeed in serving a meal comprised of toast, popcorn, and jellybeans at an outdoor picnic table. When complaints fill the air, it’s up to Linus to provide a lesson about the true meaning of Thanksgiving. As a bonus, the DVD also includes the Peanuts’ educational The Mayflower Voyages special, which was part of a series that cast the gang as participants in American history. (For another cartoon about the Pilgrims, try 1968′s The Mouse on the Mayflower, used only.)
 4. The Ice Storm (1997)
Ready for a Thanksgiving movie that lacks any cozy story of family togetherness? Then The Ice Storm is for you. Featuring an all-star cast, including Elijah Wood (before he was Frodo), Tobey Maguire, Christina Ricci, Kevin Kline, Joan Allen, Sigourney Weaver, and Katie Holmes (yep, she’s in this one too), this story of suburban Connecticut in 1973 is like a train wreck: you can’t take your eyes off it. The story centers around two upper-middle-class families during Thanksgiving weekend and their interactions with each other, from adolescent issues to adultery…and finally, to a tragedy. The Ice Storm may not be a “gather the family around the TV” movie for Thanksgiving night, but if you think your family is dysfunctional, this is the antidote.
 5. Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)
You might not automatically pair Woody Allen with Thanksgiving, but Hannah and Her Sisters is indeed centered around the holiday–and is one of Woody’s most popular movies. Mia Farrow plays Hannah, who is the stable mother figure to her emotional sister Lee (Barbara Hershey) and neurotic sister Holly (Dianne Wiest). When Hannah’s husband falls in love with Lee, all heck breaks loose among the siblings. Naturally, Allen himself, as well as New York City, figure prominently in the film, which is assisted by beautiful direction and cinematography. Hannah is both funny and moving, and a perfect flick to share with family. And the Thanksgiving connection? All the drama takes place during three consecutive Thanksgivings.
Oddly enough, Sigourney Weaver and Katie Holmes each appear in two of these movies! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend, and we’ll see you back here next week.
November 21st, 2011
Headed over the river and through the woods for Thanksgiving? If so, you might want to consider adding another device to your load: power!
We’re all attached to our electronics these days, from phones and iPads to camcorders and the all-important portable DVD player for the kids in the car. But these devices require battery juice to run–which isn’t always easy to track down when you’re away from house circuitry.
Luckily, there a number of portable power generators available that can recharge your devices. These compact, lightweight gadgets can power up cell phones, iPods, laptops, digital cameras, camcorders, and more. Products vary, from car-accessible to airplane adapters, so you may have to do some checking to see what type of generator fits your travel needs.
Here are a few portable power generators to start with:
 The Trent iDual-Port Pack IMP50D is an Apple-friendly device, and can charge a iPhone up to 3 times. It even has two ports so two devices can be charged simultaneously. It’s a great solution for recharging USB devices of all kinds, and gets high customer praise. New Trent offers a variety of other battery solutions as well.
The Stitchway UltraPower Battery Charger is the largest-power iPhone battery in a compact size, capable of fully recharging a dead phone in less than two hours. It can be recharged up to 400 times. At $10 or less, it’s also one of the cheapest options available.
The ReVIVE Series Solar ReStore External Battery Pack is one of many solar-recharging options available. It can recharge up to 1,000 times either by solar energy, AC, or USB power, and can charge up phones, MP3 players, and other USB devices.
Don’t get caught powerless this holiday season! Adding one of these little devices may save you from a constant refrain of “Are we there yet?”
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