Onyx advanced audio technologies, based in Houten in the Netherlands, has sold around 70 PMD670 recorders to the Dutch national/regional public radio stations, including NOS and NCRV, and the regional public radio stations RTV Noord, RTV Utrecht, RTV Rijnmond, and Omroep Gelderland. Most of the recorders are being used for ENG (external news gathering) and sports news acquisition and broadcast (some were used at the Olympic and Paralympic games in Athens).
"Our customers prefer solid state recording, chiefly because there are no moving parts to service or repair," says Hans van Vliet of Onyx Audio. "The Marantz PMD670 is also popular because of its fast file transfer capabilities, and streamlined editing systems. This unit is now being used by Dutch universities to teach radio journalism courses."
With the requirements of radio reporters in mind, Onyx is marketing the RepoPack, which packages the Marantz PMD670 recorder inside a protective reporter's carrying case, complete with a useful accessory pocket for microphone, cables, AC/DC adapter etc and a shoulder-length carry-strap. Rechargeable Ni-MH batteries are included, which can be recharged in the Marantz PMD670.
The PMD670 features non-stop record with seven hours of battery life, a menu-driven remote operation, and an EDL marking system for creating new files on-the-fly during the recording for easy file selection during playback. Designed with compatibility for MP3, MP2, BWF, WAV formats, the PMD670 boasts an impressive 40 assignable quality settings as well as a FAT32 File Allocation Table for future multi-gig file capability. A table-top portable model, the PMD670 features a computer I/O connection that allows it to be easily linked for easy file transfer.
(Lee Baldock)
