Best Dvr for groundstation

[Andy Sayle]

Hi folks,

Following on from a thread Istarted about using a netbook as a groundstation display, I am now convinced a seperate Dvr would be a good idea. I want one with a built in display if possible, unless there is a good argument for a seperate screen. So, what is:

1.the best money no object dvr
2.the best value for money option?

Cheers
Andy

[Coyote]

PVR700 otherwise knows as the SD3 is pretty good value.

http://www.firstpersonview.co.uk/recorders-dvrs/fpv-pocket-dvr

[gtv]

I got an Archos AV7000 off the bay for £20, great buit of kit, 40gb HDD and will run on its battery for around 3hrs.Also you can use it to hold and play your MP3 or films to :)

[BlueFlyer]

money no object? get a good second hand DV camcorder with AV input off ebay. this uses firewire to transfer video from DV tape to your computer... likelyhood is that your computer wont have firewire if it's newer than about 5 yrs old. so you'd have to either fit a firewire PCI card, or buy an old computer.

hands down, footage from VRX recorded on a digital DV camcorder is the best quality you can get


2nd best would be an Archos media player with DVR adapter very good quality video

3rd would be this (or variants of it) http://www.bevrc.com/bevrc-pv700-high-quality-digital-video-recorder_p297.html
but be aware that the AV in cable is "aparently" not standard and spares can only be bought from BEVRC.

best middle ground between quality and price would be an angel eyes mini dvr: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-2-5-LCD-Portable-Button-Mini-DVR-SPY-Camera-Video-Recorder-Motion-Detection-/271106945090?pt=UK_Gadgets&hash=item3f1f3bb042


and for complete value el-cheapo... some aiptek handheld SD card camcorders have AV in, can be found on ebay for around £30 if you're lucky


hope this helps

[Ratty]

I have the PV700 from BEV (same as FPVUK but cheaper) and it is awesome.

[BlueFlyer]

I have the PV700 from BEV (same as FPVUK but cheaper) and it is awesome.

ratty, what size AV jack is required? I'd assume a 2.5mm 4 pole AV plug like this to connect my fatsharks directly to the DVR: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/170983665841

[Coyote]

You cant use that wire, the 4 pole 2.5mm from the dvr carries 5v so you would have to make your own custom cable from a 4 pole and 3 pole cable joining the two together with the 5v wire snipped

[BlueFlyer]

did you just reply to my support ticket Ian? or is that another Ian? lol

[Coyote]

No that`s me :)

[BlueFlyer]

doh! :)

[Ratty]

It is a 4 pole 2.5mm jack, but thats all i know.  :D

[Andy Sayle]

What are the Archos screens like when viewed outside?  Would they be easily visible?  Also, how do they handle a less than perfect signal?

Cheers
Andy

[BlueFlyer]

I wouldnt use the recorder screen to fly from, but they're great for passengers/spectators as they'll have hands free to shield screen from the sun etc

[Andy Sayle]

That's the plan, I've got a pair of Attitude googles for flying from, I just want something that passengers can see, and if possible, I can record the downlink too.

The little PV700 from FPVuk looks great, the only downside is the small screen.  I'm thinking that this combined with an external monitor would be the best combo, it allows me to still have record capability when I want to travel light :)  It's a bit more money, but it gives me a bit more flexibility.

Andy

[Baner]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-2-5-LCD-Portable-Button-Mini-DVR-SPY-Camera-Video-Recorder-Motion-Detection-/271106945090?pt=UK_Gadgets&hash=item3f1f3bb042

It works.