HHB Communications PORTADRIVE software upgrade promises significant enhancements

HHB Communications has released new PORTADRIVE V2.0 operating software, delivering a number of critical enhancements to the market-leading multichannel location sound HD recorder in direct response to specific requests from the company’s ever-growing user base.
"PORTADRIVEs are now in daily use on film and TV locations the world over, as well as for music and sound effects recording, and our users are an invaluable source of feedback," says HHB Technical Manager Henry Edwards. "By responding to their needs in this and future operating software releases, we can ensure that the PORTADRIVE remains at the forefront of location sound recording technology."
The facility to copy recordings to external DVD±R/RW and CDR/RW in addition to the existing DVD-RAM greatly increases flexibility in the provision of rushes, while adding another dimension to the PORTADRIVE’s already extensive data transfer facilities. Furthermore, the added support of the UDF format for DVD-RAM now enables PORTADRIVE sessions to be played back on Fostex DV40 and DV824 devices.
V2.0 also offers a substantially extended iXML implementation in readiness for the wider adoption of this powerful metadata format.
Updates have also been made to the HFS drivers for SDII files and Pro Tools sessions, ensuring even greater disc and file compatibility.
In line with HHB’s policy of continually improving the PORTADRIVE through responding to user feedback, V2.0 also includes a long list of developments designed to enhance the PORTADRIVE’s operation in the field.
The Peak Reset key on the front panel is now assignable, most usefully for slate increment. Phase reverse is now available on all six input channels (previously three) and with +6db of gain on the busmixer, it’s now possible to create a ‘hot’ mix of tracks that have been recorded at low levels for increased headroom. Any input can now be routed to any track for greater flexibility, and track names now follow input names, with this naming also appearing in the new iXML metadata.
Timecode functionality is also enhanced, markers may be stored with a project for use when a session is reloaded, and a facility for the deletion of markers has been added.
A free DVD including a full PORTADRIVE demonstration and contributions from leading sound mixers Tony Dawe and Brent Marchenski is available from HHB Communications.
For further information visit, www.hhb.co.uk
(SP)