Quick question for video shoppers
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I had a situation months ago that I still do not know what happened. I tested unit at home. I did a shop. Both videos were fine. I went to do another shop but when I got back there was only 4 seconds of quick footage. It looked like I switched the record button on and off to stop it from recording but the whole shop disappeared. Do you guys use the rec stop button or the remote control to stop your recordings?
I always, as Bob Asher admonished 4+ yrs. ago, use the remote.
I always use the remote!
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Nobody ever told me to use the remote. Bob did tell me that the recording should be stopped first and then the unit could be shut down. Luckily, I had always done it that way and didn't know shutting down the DVR first would lose the shop.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I usually switch it from recording to stop but I do not shut down the dvr. I let it run for a while to play things safe. This situation happened a while back but I still do not know why the shop disappeared. I will try using the remote instead of the button from now on.
Could you just have run out of space on the SD card? I had an odd situation and it happened at least a year before my button cam shorted out. Four shops and the second one had no sound. The first, third and fourth were just fine. Sometimes these outrageously expensive little devils can be awfully persnickety.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
LisaSTL Wrote:
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> Could you just have run out of space on the SD
> card? I had an odd situation and it happened at
> least a year before my button cam shorted out.
> Four shops and the second one had no sound. The
> first, third and fourth were just fine. Sometimes
> these outrageously expensive little devils can be
> awfully persnickety.
SD card had plenty of room for sure. 2 possibilities that I know of:
1. Camera was not pushed all the way in or it came out while I put the dvr in my pants. Would the first 30 seconds of the video still show up? I usually look for the red dot but cant say for sure that I did.
2. I remember turning the record button to stop. It often does not stop right away so I turn to record again and then stop again. That usually stops the recording but maybe it messed the recording up.
From now on I will use the remote. I never had a problem with the stop button before or since that shop but losing that shop really frustrated me.
-------------------------------------------------------
> Could you just have run out of space on the SD
> card? I had an odd situation and it happened at
> least a year before my button cam shorted out.
> Four shops and the second one had no sound. The
> first, third and fourth were just fine. Sometimes
> these outrageously expensive little devils can be
> awfully persnickety.
SD card had plenty of room for sure. 2 possibilities that I know of:
1. Camera was not pushed all the way in or it came out while I put the dvr in my pants. Would the first 30 seconds of the video still show up? I usually look for the red dot but cant say for sure that I did.
2. I remember turning the record button to stop. It often does not stop right away so I turn to record again and then stop again. That usually stops the recording but maybe it messed the recording up.
From now on I will use the remote. I never had a problem with the stop button before or since that shop but losing that shop really frustrated me.
Lost video is always frustrating and expensive. Here is an embarrassing story. I was on the final day of a five day road trip and because of some bad weather the day before it was going to be a long one. My morning started in Cincinnati with one shop in Lexington, KY, two in Louisville and one in Evansville, Indiana before heading home. Everything was going great. Traffic out of Cincy was minimal and there was even time for a relaxed breakfast in Lexington before the car dealership opened. After the shop I got in my car and stopped the recording. While getting ready to pull out and go somewhere to shut down the camera the sales associate comes running out to give me some brochures. Guess who forgot to turn off the DVR. My first Louisville shop had about 3 minutes before the battery died
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Well I'm glad I'm not the only one who has had a shop lost. I was embarrassed.
If a video shopper has never lost a shop they are either brand new or a big ole fibber, lol!
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
I've yet to lose one, but then I've only averaged 27 video assignments per yr. since 08/09. I'm certain my lack of interest in hitting-the-road and fee requirements are, understandably, at the root of this sparse number of completions.
Dang Bob, I certainly can't call you a fibber. That really is a good record.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Oy vey! If you continue to video shop you will make every mistake in the book! You will only forget to turn on freaking recorder once! But it WILL happen. Just be sure to call the scheduler immediately so that she/he can get another v-shopper in there right away and you will be on that shceduler's great shopper list. Seriously, keeping the scheduler up to date is half the job and ALL of your credibility.
Been doing this since 2005 and within the last year flubbed my lines so badly that I knew the shop would fail. Went straight out to the car, called CE and told them. Got a huge hug, reassurance and tons of points for helping them to get a second shopper into that location in time to meet their deadlines. Have had many shopping oportunities and first dibs on shops since then. @#$% will happen. Just suck it up, confess and move on. video schedulers have almost all been in our shoes and will support you and give you credit for your teamwork, when you help them to get on with their jobs.
Been doing this since 2005 and within the last year flubbed my lines so badly that I knew the shop would fail. Went straight out to the car, called CE and told them. Got a huge hug, reassurance and tons of points for helping them to get a second shopper into that location in time to meet their deadlines. Have had many shopping oportunities and first dibs on shops since then. @#$% will happen. Just suck it up, confess and move on. video schedulers have almost all been in our shoes and will support you and give you credit for your teamwork, when you help them to get on with their jobs.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
I've lost two videos so far! I can't believe it! I ALWAYS made sure my gear is on and "ON." However, what was weird is losing two shops entirely...not a single blip! Both times, the DVR was completely shut off. I am now very careful in how much I record on each SD card!
Walesmaven - I'm with you! I try and give my schedulers a heads up or even try and find someone who can do it on the fly to make the schedulers happy! They are gracious but it shows I am really not being negligent!
Walesmaven - I'm with you! I try and give my schedulers a heads up or even try and find someone who can do it on the fly to make the schedulers happy! They are gracious but it shows I am really not being negligent!
@OP You have an SD card that has 14.8 GB? Is that due to HD resolution? I prefer to use 8 GB cards with either the "4" or "6" circled. Mainly the latter, whenever they are available. You did right to go to the VSN and read about the higher number cards. I would strongly heed many of the posters advice on this in order to minimize any video problems.
I try to get the 8GB with either "8" or "10". A bit more expensive but I recycle the cards to my DSLR's for still shots and the higher number lets me get more rapid continuous shooting.
.
Have PV-500 & willing to travel.
"Answers are easy. It's asking the right questions which is hard." (The Fourth Doctor, The Face of Evil, 1977)
"Somedays you're the pigeon, somedays you're the statue.” J. Andrew Taylor
"I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him." Galileo Galilei
Have PV-500 & willing to travel.
"Answers are easy. It's asking the right questions which is hard." (The Fourth Doctor, The Face of Evil, 1977)
"Somedays you're the pigeon, somedays you're the statue.” J. Andrew Taylor
"I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him." Galileo Galilei
@JamesBond 007.5 That's good though yet those cards are in very high demand.
Hi, been mystery shopping for 6 years but would like to try video shopping. Hate to waste money but don't want a junk camera. Anyone willing to give suggestions for equipment? Thanks.
brian,We almost all use a PV-500 with a high quality button camera. For the latest details on the minimum technical specs, I always send people to [www.videoshoppingnetwork.org] the Video Shopping Network. Most of the active v-shoppers who post here, plus a ton of others, post there. It is sponsored by the 7 "big" video MSCs.
At this time MCP has just managed to negotiate a special price with the supplier of the new model of PV-500 for around $600, if I remember correctly. BUT, the best way to start is to sign up with MSCs that will loan you a PV-500 and provide training and back-up. These include EPMS, Clear Evaluations and Instant Replays. EPMS has a whole seperate division that does only recorded shops, btw.
In addition, at VSN you will find information on paid, inperson video training. It's not the technical stuff about the rigs that is the most chal;lenging; it is the long scenarios, calling for unique aliases, email addresses, and phone numbers, with back stories about why you are looking for that (huge house, Porsche SUV, assisted living arrangement for your Mum, etc.) If you take a look at back issues of Jacob's Mystery Shopper Magazine, you will find articles to help with such matters in several issues. Also, please check out the sticky here on the forums on video shopping.
Enjoy!
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/11/2013 01:48AM by walesmaven.
At this time MCP has just managed to negotiate a special price with the supplier of the new model of PV-500 for around $600, if I remember correctly. BUT, the best way to start is to sign up with MSCs that will loan you a PV-500 and provide training and back-up. These include EPMS, Clear Evaluations and Instant Replays. EPMS has a whole seperate division that does only recorded shops, btw.
In addition, at VSN you will find information on paid, inperson video training. It's not the technical stuff about the rigs that is the most chal;lenging; it is the long scenarios, calling for unique aliases, email addresses, and phone numbers, with back stories about why you are looking for that (huge house, Porsche SUV, assisted living arrangement for your Mum, etc.) If you take a look at back issues of Jacob's Mystery Shopper Magazine, you will find articles to help with such matters in several issues. Also, please check out the sticky here on the forums on video shopping.
Enjoy!
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/11/2013 01:48AM by walesmaven.
What she said except for one thing, the cameras through Measure are at $690 and include everything except the 7 hour battery which is an additional $79.95. The battery that comes with the rig is a 3 hour.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
Thanks, Lisa. I have much older models and must admit that I have not been in the market since I am so happy with what I have.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Thanks for the fast replies and the info. I will check them out. I had done a google search for that camera as I had seen it mentioned. I found it was replaced by a similar HD model. Thanks again.
brian,
Be careful about "deals" on the rig. Many will not include an adequate button camera. Most will not include the extended battery, which you WILL need if you get serious about video. Still, start with loaned equipment; this is NOT for everyoone.
Be careful about "deals" on the rig. Many will not include an adequate button camera. Most will not include the extended battery, which you WILL need if you get serious about video. Still, start with loaned equipment; this is NOT for everyoone.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
I never heard of RPMS before. Can somebody fill me in on who they are?
Sorry. I have edited that to read EPMS.
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
I once did a retail shop in a hard to get to place and forgot to insert the SD card into the DVR. I previously had it in my laptop after moving a couple of shops from the card and completely forgot to remove it. And it was as close to perfect of a shop as can get, and because I didn't have an SD card recording the footage, it was all for naught.
I also had 2 shops before where the video came out upside-down, but that's another story.
I also had 2 shops before where the video came out upside-down, but that's another story.
Eric,
Leaving out the SD card and forgetting to turn the #$%^ rig on are just rites of passage that every video shopper must endue!
Leaving out the SD card and forgetting to turn the #$%^ rig on are just rites of passage that every video shopper must endue!
Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel
Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.
I have five video shops on the way home today and now I will be triple checking everything, lol.
Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.
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