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Is it just me, or are the years flying by faster
than ever these days? It's hard to believe a whole year has passed since our last annual report,
detailing the trends we see in our shop, pertaining to service and repairs. 2010 was certainly an
eventful year. In mid year, we moved just up the road a piece. What we thought would take a couple
of weeks, actually took a full month to do. It's amazing how much junk you can acumulate over the
years! If you haven't updated us in your address book, we are now at 260 Milton St, Ste 101,
Dedham, MA 02026. 2010 also saw us add 120 new clients! We are eternally grateful for all 2900+ of
you.
At the end of each year, I review our invoices and
look for trends in new and used camcorder and format purchases, and also what video products we are
repairing and maintaining. New camera purchases have increased about 40% over 2009's numbers, with
the majority of those (58%), being the HPX P2 models - up from a 19% increase in 2009 over 2008.
Sony's PDW series dropped to 20% over 2009's numbers, from 50% in 2009 over 2008. We arrive at
these figures by reviewing the invoices for the past year, for new cameras set-ups. Our clients
send in their new cameras that we set-up to our Macie Uniform Standard camera setting, along with
more specialty settings. About half of our clients come to us for our camera set-ups.
Pre-purchase check-ups of used cameras/camcorders
were down 24% from 2009, with the majority of those (62%), being Panasonic HDX-900s. Sony PDWs
accounted for 23% of the total for the year. In 2009, the PDWs were the most popular at 41%, with
the HDX-900s at 24%. All cameras checked out were HD models. Clients send us their cameras to be
checked out prior to purchase. We evaluate the condition of the recorder unit, look for internal
damage, and check for bad pixels that can not be fixed, and require a very expensive optical block
replacement.
As expected, with general maintenance and repairs
of all cameras and decks, BetacamSP has decreased the most - down to only 9% of our repairs from
23% the previous year. Digibeta, HDCAM, DVCAM, HDV, and DVCPROHD are all up slightly. The biggest
increase for service was with the Sony EX, XDCAM, and HDXDCAM models, which more than doubled. By
manufacture, Panasonic increased to 39% - up from 27%, and Sony decreased to 60%, from 65% in 2009.
Panasonic's market share has certainly increased, mainly due to the popularity of Varicam, SDX, and
HDX. The Sony HDXDCAMs and Panasonic P2 camera seem to be taking hold as far as new cameras are
concerned. The breakdown of SD camcorder service vs. HD service is about the same: 60% SD vs. 40%
HD.
The most interesting trend last year and so far
this year is the popularity of the Panasonic HDX-900 DVCPROHD tape based camera, both with our
clients and with the rental market - at least in the Boston area. The PDW camcorders seem to be
increasing especially with reality show producers.
As I mentioned at the end of last years article,
more and more video is being recorded on memory card based camcorders, whether P2s, SXSs, or using
outboard memory card recorders. That also explains some of the popularity of the Panasonic HDX-900
tape based cameras. By using archiving on tape, and providing a memory card, you have the best of
both worlds. Another great tool for producers is the NEXTO-DI Video Storage Memory Card Reader.
With an internal 500GB recorder, you can back up CF, SD, MS, xD and P2 cards with an adapter. With
an integral monitor to check recordings, it records to an internal 500gb hard drive, and has the
capability to record to external hard drives with USB, Firewire, or eSATA PC connections. You can
shoot during the day, back up Memory cards on its internal hard drive, then transfer the video
files to a client supplied hard drive when job is completed. The client is happy, and you have an
internal NEXTO drive, and memory cards that can be reformatted and used again. Don't you just love
technology!
With the Sony HDXDCAMs, clients can just walk away
with their disk, sort of like a video tape.
As a side note, I have continued to perform
on-location services in 2010 with three PBS and one Food Network cooking shows, ESPN's World Series
of Poker, and a national dance contest. After being "Tied to the Bench", I have been enjoying field
productions. I'm hired to set-up and match a multitude of cameras and often "Shade the cameras"
during the shows. Need our services on-location, give us a call. 888-macievi(deo)
We, at Macie Video Service, want to thank you all
for your support of our business with both service and referrals. In spite of a changing industry,
with your help, we were able to service and additional 120 clients. May God continue to bless your
businesses as well.
Thanks,
Roger
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