AJA V2 analog versus DECIMATOR 2

[Janice Arthur]

Charles and Suzanne;

 

Its nice to hear that things are getting fixed regards to power. I have to say the company seems to have been mum about these changes and they could have proactively explained these points.

 

Just a small point you telling us the decimator wasn't for steadicam use is not how I'd phrase that; lots of income was made from us and many may now just say the competitor is where we are supposed to go?

 

Charles has always been a good guy and the decimator was valuable option when it come out, so his further input should be considered.

 

I don't have one that needs fixed now so don't need the link thanks anyway.

 

One of the those other units (not sure which) had more dip switches than could be understood and didn't fit my needs in the field.

 

Good luck and hopefully this discussion is getting at the issues.

 

Janice

[Suzanne Mills]

Hi Janice,

 

Excuse my phrasing - although the Decimator 2 wasn't originally designed with Steadicam use in mind, that absolutely doesn't mean we don't welcome the application. It's simply the reason why the hardware was designed for 24v. It's great that so many Steadicam users have found the Decimator 2 so useful!

 

All your comments are read and taken into consideration.

[Charles Papert]

One of the those other units (not sure which) had more dip switches than could be understood and didn't fit my needs in the field.

 

Just addressing these things as you bring them up Jan...the newer units from Decimator Design have a front panel display, much easier than the old dip switch system (although in the case of using a Decimator 2 for Steadicam, not sure which parameters you would have changed there on a regular basis). And the control panel software that was long only available for the PC platform is now available for Mac as well, which is very helpful also.

[Janice Arthur]

Charles;

 

Yes decimator 1-2 just had couple of dip switches which always got covered with velcro! And yes hardly ever needed switching.

 

It's been a while since I looked at their website but when I did more featured models were just starting to have screens which seemed wonderful concept. I honestly couldn't figure out all the Multi featured Applications and didn't look further. The idea that you can use PC/Mac was not as common as it is now and I'm sure you're accurate these features make the products really user friendly.

 

I was, at the time, looking for more featured units for rental applications. Now I can look again being more versed in the terms and uses.

 

I think, as an idea for someone, now that we know the older decimator 1-2 units don't have a wide voltage range; maybe a bridge cable with a voltage compensator (I know the wrong electrical term) to safeguard our units and headaches and save the company some money on repair hassles. If nothing else it's another sale for someone and maybe make the company have a positive touch point with previous client?

 

Janice (Don't confuse me with the facts) Arthur

[Alec Jarnagin SOC]

I just happened by RedBytes booth at a recent NYC trade show and saw their new MD-HX converter:

 

http://www.decimator.com/Products/MD-HX/MD-HX.html

 

I was very impressed by this stylish and durable looking little beast. The LCD screen for settings is a major improvent. While this is not a down converter, I've oredered one to fix the psf issues with my Cinetronic 2 monitor (as well as act as an HD-VDA sort of speak). Yes, I know, it's a shame that an external box is needed but I otherwise love this monitor and this little box should fit very nicely on the back and frankly look good too.

[Michael Desiderio]

As far as Decimator support goes, I popped two Decimators in the mail just a little over two weeks ago. They have been relatively responsive over email, they have an online system that gives you status updates for your RMA. It shows as received and in progress with the manufacturer, and the service rep Julian informed me that the repairs have been authorized and will be completed in the "next couple of days."

 

Though it wont have been the speediest, I think it looks like it will turn out to be a lot better than it has been in the past.

[Michael Desiderio]

Heads up. Symbiosis received my decimators 11/10 and shipped out replacements 11/24 with fedex tracking stating expected delivery date 11/26

 

I think this is reasonable. Will update when received.

[Michael Desiderio]

Received both decimators back today, they didn't even bill me for the repair or shipping back actually....not sure what to make of that. Perhaps legacy units are being treated differently due to the switch over recently to the new repairs partner.

 

Both units seem to function fine, though heads up the HDMI on both units seemed to be faulty. Strangely they both needed to be ... physically broken in. Intermittent signal that cut off at the slightest bump of the cable. Almost as if there was a short in the unit, or the contacts were coated in something preventing a clean signal. Lots of unplugging and wiggling fixed it from being useless to almost perfect....never had to do that before with any device.

 

edit: super fast symbiosis response from Julian suggesting that the units sometimes get a layer of flux residue that can settle on the connectors and it should wear off with time

Edited November 27, 2014 by Michael Desiderio