Troubleshooting - Video Files Are Corrupted (DC-S1H)

The DC-S series (DC-S1R, S1, S1H, S5) utilizes a variety of codecs that offer high-bit-rate and long-time recording modes. To support these capabilities, the cameras create an intermediate temporary "MDT" file*1 that is created during video recording. Once the recording is stopped, the camera adds header (memory control) information to MDT file. The file is then saved to the media card.

Intermediate file: An MDT file

Since the MDT file does not contain any useable meta data, it is not recognized by any PC or camera, and cannot be directly viewed. The MDT file is written to the memory card when specific actions take place:

• When there is a power interruption to the camera during recording, for power supplied by either an internal or external battery or any form of an AC adapter. Third party batteries, incapable of supplying the required amount of instantaneous power can also cause the generation of an MDT file.
• Removing the media card from the camera before the writing process is completed. The memory card should never be removed while the card access indicator is ON.

The DC-S1H camera is equipped with a Silent mode, which allows you to intentionally turn off the card access light.

In Silent mode, the write LED is off, so there are cases where the media card was accidentally removed without waiting for the card to process the end of video recording meta data. This results in the creation of the MDT file. Make sure the memory writing process is completed before removing the media card. To assure that an MDT file won’t be created, we recommend waiting 5-10 seconds after the recording has ended before removing the media card.

Reference

With specific media cards, there have been cases where the media card stops accepting data in the middle of a video recording due to insufficient write speed of the media card.

After extensive research, Panasonic determined that MDT files were being created depending on the media card being used in combination with specific camera settings. For each scenario causing an MDT file, firmware improvements have been made by newly released firmware.

Even if you have not experienced an MDT file, we recommend updating the firmware to the latest version before use.

Firmware Updates

How to repair an MDT file using the LUMIX Repair Tool

• For MDT files that were created before the latest firmware update, in many cases these can be repaired using the LUMIX Repair Tool. Since the damaged condition of the MDT file varies, there is no assurance that the recovery process is 100% certain, but in many cases it will work.
• First, copy the MDT file to a folder on your computer. Do not attempt to repair the MDT file on the memory card.

Precautions before use of LUMIX Repair Tool

• The LUMIX Repair Tool may not be able to recover all the damaged intermediate files.
• This repair tool has applicable limitations. This tool may not have applicability to some video recording formats.
• Read the contents of the LUMIX Repair Tool download page carefully before use.