Formac Studio

Feature: Page (2) of 2 - 10/18/01

Formac Studio Analog to FireWire Video Converter for the Mac The interference was much worse with the first unit, but it is still present in the new one, and, while it may be harder to see, it does alter your original footage after it is digitized. If the idea of using a device that converts analog to DV is to keep image degradation down, then the Formac Studio fails the task by introducing this RF interference, which causes different kinds of problems. Whenever the interference becomes fainter?it varies in intensity over time?the DV CODEC sees it as motion, and the resulting digitized images look noisy. Whenever the interference is stronger, not only does it cause this digital noise, but it also becomes considerably more distracting. Using a broadcast video monitor in blue only/noise measuring mode the interference and noise problems are made very clear. To make matters worse, this second review unit I received was very unstable. If you paused any image in Final Cut Pro?especially color bars (and even the ones generated by FCP)?the unit flickered the colors horribly, driving a vectorscope crazy and, again, rendering it completely unusable for output to an analog deck.

It seems to me that the RF interference may be caused by the unit's built-in tuner. Since the tuner has no apparent professional use, this is a case where more is worse. Had the manufacturer concentrated on just doing a good analog to FireWire to analog conversion and dropping the tuner idea, maybe the RF interference problem wouldn't be there. As for the color flickering problem, I have no idea what causes it.

The new review unit came with a manual for a Formac FireWire CD-R/W and DVD-RAM drive instead of the Studio's manual. Fortunately the Studio manual is included in the software CD in PDF format.

I wish I could have recommended this unit, but I simply can't. I gave the company a chance for a positive review by sending the original unit back and asking for a new one. But the original problem was still there, and a new one showed up. It is apparent that their quality control is not the best and what could have been a killer product turned out to be a big disappointment. Unless you want it strictly for home use so that you can edit your home videos and watch TV on your Mac, I see no reason for you to purchase a Formac Studio.

Formac Studio is available for Mac OS 9 and OS X for $399. In OS X, only capture functions are supported. A future software release will add support for tuner functions. An external power supply is also available from Formac for $24. For more information, visit http://www.formac.com.

Formac Studio Maker: Formac Price: $399 (plus $24 for external power supply) Platforms: Mac OS 9/OS X (only capture functions work under OS X; a forthcoming software update will enable tuner functions) URL: http://www.formac.com Overall Impression: It has a large, solid, sturdy external design. The tuner function is nice for consumers, but does not belong in a professional device. The actual input and output is flawed. Key Benefits: The Studio has some nice little touches such as a built-in speaker that compensates for the usual delay caused by the analog to digital conversion and lets you monitor your footage without an audio lag. The unit ships with a very thick FireWire cable with two coils designed to keep interference down. Disappointments: If the idea of using a device that converts analog to DV is to keep image degradation down, then the Formac Studio fails the task by introducing this RF interference, which causes different kinds of problems. Recommendation: Don't Buy

Paulo de Andrade is producer of Digital Post Production, DVD Creation, DMNTV and Film & Video Magazine Online. He can be reached at pdeandrade@digitalmedianet.com.

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