Maxell iVDR VC102 Video Capture Device

2014-01-29T19:00:00

I am a Filmmaker and I use this device all the time to shoot everything from music videos to documentaries. It's Great in all types of weather and it's very fast starting and easy to use. I admit that when I first got it, I was a tad bit confused about how it worked. I expected it to be more complicated than it actually is, therefore I was trying to figure out the complexities to something that is very simple. That leads to frustration. Once I actually attached it to my camera and turned it on, I was amazed at the simplicity and quality of the image was awesome. I practiced transferring files a few times to be sure that it really was that easy to do and after that I put it to work. At first, I used it with a tape for back up, now I only use the iVDR, no tape. I have not bought a $20 tape in about 3 years now. I love this thing. I was online checking to see if the price had dropped and noticed the negative reviews and I had to speak up. If you are expecting a complex device, you will encounter problems. If you plug this thing in, turn on your camera, turn on this device and press record, you will be very happy with your results. Just remember, when deleting the files from the hard drive, always leave the last clip on the drive so that your clip numbers will start from there during your next shoot. As with all digital equipment, you may have to reboot during extreme usage conditions, it's rare but it happens,(twice in 3 years with hundreds of shoots) the benefits of this device far outweigh the cost. I want 3 more.

Jimmy T.

2012-03-25T21:00:00

Utilities don't work on win 7. You can't format the device until you send it back in. No word if any firmware updates will be available in the future to fix issues. I've been waiting over a year for the software to be upgraded. As far as I'm concerned it doesn't work out of the box and there are errors in the avi files it makes. Timecode problems.

DAN P.

2010-06-24T21:00:00

Don't buy this piece of junk. too expensive, no tech support from maxell is going to help you. frustrating manual, NOT clear at all. NOT compatible with MAC or windows Vista even though it is designed for the windows platform, NOT compatible with Panasonic HVX 200A

Angry M.

2010-05-24T21:00:00

The manual is poorly put together. Talk to tech staff and you find further confusion and short answers that are only half the solution. Ask about HD and Mac and you get sent to two programs that aren't readily explained. Messages that come up when starting to use the unit are not in the manual. Does the unit work? Yes, quite well after all the prodding and trying to figure it out.

McBear