META Data

Is there a way to retreive the meta data off a mini dv tape. There are several changes of white balance , focal lenth, shutter speed and apiture on a tape. I wanted to find out what each one was. If anyone has some input I'd like to hear.

Thanks,

Rob Jones

Rob,

In a word: No!

The only metadata recorded on a DV tape would be timecode. If you're clever, you can throw reel numbers into the userbits, but that's about it. The kind of info you're asking about (shutter speed, focal length, whitebalance, etc.) is NEVER recorded in the DV format.

At best you can create your own database to track this info, but that would require a tremendous effort and attention to detail during the production process.

Good luck.

Mark

Use camera, sound and script super reports. That's the way it's always been done. Not like 35mm film can record metadata. If it could, why would anybody hire assistant editors?

You might be able to read some of the metadata using CatDV: [www.squarebox.co.uk]

Haven't used it myself but there is a free tryout version.

:-) Peter