HV40 - Tapes and Time/Date Setting

[Zaidan]

Hi all, new member here.
I just got my hands on the Canon HV40. I did some quick test and wow... that image is great! But I have a couple of questions.

I recorded with the Sony MiniDV Premium, because I coundnt find the HD one in my city. Is there a big quality diference between the two of them?

When I connected with a HDMI cable on my Tv, it said that the resolution was 1080i. Does the camera record in 1080p? Or it does only in 1080i?

Lastly, I noticed that the time and date appeared when playing on my Tv. I couldnt find this information on the camera manual so I played arround with the settings a little bit to find out how can I make this data dont show up in the final video. In the `play` mode, I found an option that allowed me to choose between the date, the time, the date and time or the camera info, that would appear on the screen. But there was no `none` option. I havent uploaded any video to my computer yet, so I dont know if thats gonna appear there. Anyhow, is there any way to make the time and date information dont show up?

Thanks.

[Chuck Engels]

Hi Zaidan, Welcome to Muvipix

There is really no difference between standard MiniDV tape and HDV Tape, don't waste your money

The camera records in 1080i, it does not record in 1080p.

I'm not sure what date and time you are referring to exactly.
If you choose to record and display the date and time as you record it is on the tape for good.
That is part of the setup.

The Timecode is another thing, that will not appear on any video but is used to determine the change in scenes.

I have a HV40 which is similar but the manual is probably somewhat different.
There are many HV30 users here that can help you turn off the date and time display.

[Bobby]

...There are many HV30 users here that can help you turn off the date and time display...

Well, here is a HV30 owner who does not know how to turn the date display ON! I have often wished for that and can't find out how to do it. HV40 feature only?

Sounds like an area that needs some investigation!

[Bobby]

Ah, found it under On Screen Display functions. Apparently when playing a tape the output is the same for the OSD as for the HDMI output. Something learned today...

BUT, as Zaidan says, there seems to be no option for "None".

But I don't think it actually goes on the tape - I have never seen that info (or any other OSD info) on the actual tape.

[momoffduty]

Welcome Zaiden to Muvipix! The timecode is not on the video. I have an HV30 and there is a small 'Disp.' button on the camcorder body's left side. This will turn the time display off.

[Ken Jarstad]

I have the HV20 which should be similar. You can use the little remote control "Disp." button to change the display output - OSD. It will change from partial display to full display to no display. The OSD will never show up in your videos. Vegas has a timecode plugin to make that info show on your video if you want it.

[Chuck Engels]

In looking at page 58 of the HV30 manual it looks like the date and time will only be displayed when playing back the video from the camera. I don't think you will see this when you capture the footage. Do a short capture to test.

[Zaidan]

Thank you all for the comments. Im gonna buy the firewire cable tomorrow so I can work on my video. Thanks again.

[Jayell]

There is really no difference between standard MiniDV tape and HDV Tape, don't waste your money

Are you serious?! I've just stocked up, so it won't matter for awhile, but I assumed I HAD to use the HDV tapes

[Chuck Engels]

Sorry Jayell, no major difference in the tapes.

I think Jack has mentioned this a few times in the past...
viewtopic.php?p=48435#p48435

I have been using the standard miniDV tape with my HV40 and it works great, no problems at all.

[Jayell]

Sorry Jayell, no major difference in the tapes.
I think Jack has mentioned this a few times in the past...

Well, piffel! That conversation came up before I bought my camera, so I wasn't paying attention. What brand are you using, Chuck? (in that same conversation), Tiny suggested staying away from Sony, which of course is what I've been buying.

[Chuck Engels]

What ever you buy stick with that brand. The different brands use different types of lubricant and mixing tapes can cause problems. The Sony tapes should be ok as long as you stick with those.
I have been using TDK with my HV40 and previously I have used JVC with my other camcorders.
Only using TDK because I got a really great deal on 20 blank tapes
I will stick with TDK for the HV40 and not switch brands.

[momoffduty]

I use Sony brand with the HV30 and with my old Sony camcorder no problems.

[Jayell]

Since I've got 7 or 8 Sony's, guess I'll stick with those. Thanks Chuck & Cheryl for the input.

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

Just my twopennyworth - with my old Canon SD camera I always used JVC tapes. Since switching to my Sony HD camera I have always used Sony tapes. I only use the tapes once.

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