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Cabling Out from IO, Though Multiple Decks, Then back into IO
I am wondering if it would be ok to run component cable out of my aja IO Output into, and out of 3 different decks and a component monitor, then back into my aja IO Input. I would be making a big loop. (Out of IO into BetaSP, out of BetaSP into my digitalS, DigitalS to Monitor, Monitor back to IO)
I also have a VHS deck and a DVD player that I would like to run in a similar way exept with Composite. Am I dreaming thinking that this might work? Can decks be used to simply “pass” the component signal through to another deck without sync or quality issues? Its not like I am going through 50, or even 10 different things. I would be passing though 2 or 3 at the most.
The reason I ask is I am sick of crawling under my desk to get behind the decks (small office to say the least) to change component cables and XLR audio from one deck to the other. I have looked at video switchers but can’t seem to find one for three or four inputs/outputs. I see a bunch for 24+, obviously I don’t need, and could not afford anything like that.
This is when I started thinking about running cable through each deck to the next, then back into the io to form a small loop. In my head it works great, with me being able to capture and lay off to any deck without changing anything. Technically, I have no clue about sync issues, quality issues, or if this will even work…Anyone have any comments or suggestions? Everyone can’t be dissconecting and reconnecting everytime they want to grap a beta clip or lay off a vhs copy. Does everyone work in sweet studios with comfy couches (not found in the alley), fish tanks, wierd colored lights casting shapes on the walls, and no cables in sight? What is everyone doing?
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8 Replies
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Can you put in a small patch panel with component in and out and then just change the patch to go to the IO? It seems like you are going to lose some signal strength routing through the various machines. You can either buy premade component or RGB patch cords to connect between the IO and the patch panel or use three BNC cables of equal length. You can probably find all the items you need at Markertek.com or B&H Photo, etc. Looping through the machines doesn’t seem like the best way to go. Tecnec used to make a small 3 or 4 machine router that would do what you need to do. It had video and machine control routing built in and you changed the routing from the front panel. I’m not sure if they still make it or if they even made a component version.
We have a large patch panel bay with all component, composite and SDI signals going through the various patch points. When I want to use a different source, I change the video patch and machine control and load the footage.
Doug Olin
Pensacola Christian CollegeG5 DP 2.0, 2 GB RAM, FCP HD, IO, OS 10.3.9, Medea RT3X 1200 GB
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Yep,
A patchpanel or a router is the way to go.
You just looked for the wrong item (videoswitcher)…Rienk
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At my post company we have ADC patchbays in all the rooms as well as the machine rooms. We run both analog component and composite through these boxes as well as SDI. Every can rout to any piece of equipment both in the edit rooms or the machine room. Deck control is switched via an A/B/C/D box which also runs into the machine room. Most audio patching is done via the Mackie 1604VLZ mixers in the rooms. All our rooms are equipped with Aurora Pipe Studio cards or Kona2 cards, however the basic concept works the same with the IO box.
Michael Alberts
Ambidextrous Productions, Inc. -
Thanks so much for the input. Anyone have one of these smaller patch panels or routers? How much did yours cost? I have looked on the markertek site and found these things to be very expensive ($800 to $2000). This is out of my spending range.
Is this something that I can build myself? Seeing prices like that make me feel better about crawling around on the floor.
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Alan,
The problem you are having has to do with inproper infrastructure. A professional edit suite requires some type of routing either via a patchbay or routing switcher to allow the most functionally while at the same time improving productivity (not having to tear out cables each time you want to do a dub).
In addition to a patchbay you may also need a component and/or composite video distribution amps for the other recorders you intend to feed.
Consider hiring a post production engineer who can install and set up the patchbay and video DA’s. The amount of time you are wasting each time you unhook and rehook cables over and over again can be recovered in the time saved and increased productivity. Hiring an expert post production engineer to assist you with your system will be an investment in your future sanity.
Tony Salgado
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Alan,
If you really know what you are doing than you can easily build this yourself. You can find ADC patchbays on e-bay for several hundred dollars. We build all our cables ourselves but you need the tools and the knowhow. However, I would suspect you’re of the “This is my first edit system” crowd who purchased an IO box because Apple said to. If that’s the case than I would follow Tony’s advice and hire a professional to do this for you. I hate to break it to you, but you’ve got to spend money to make money.Michael Alberts
Ambidextrous Productions, Inc. -
I appreciate everyone’s comments. Believe me, if I had money to pay someone to come in and wire my room, I would. It will not happen. I wish it could, but I know it won’t.
I guess more explaining is in order. I work for a company that primarily does print work. I am the only one doing video. My budget is, wait, I don’t have a budget. I end up spending money on things that I need. The company has no clue about anything video related. It took me alot of explaining to get a firewire pci card. I am not trying to complain, just trying to represent my purchase position. I have tryed the whole “spend money to make money” and “time is money” approach many times.
I guess when you can do print work on pretty much any computer built in the last 20 years… Its a 100% different mindset.
Again, thank you for the input. It’s at least nice to not have to think about it anymore.
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Well there is this, but it is $4995
Blackmagic Design: Workgroup Videohub
https://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/workgroupvideohub/Everyone in the biz uses patch bays and/or routers. At a minimum you could get by with just a video patch bay with something like a Mackie 1402-VLZ or 1642-VLZ Pro mixer for audio routing and mixing and at least a Horita BSG-50 Multiple Output Black Burst & Tone Generator for sync and reference.
Beware going to loop-thru hell,
BrycePS You really need a video engineer/consultant that has real world experience with video distribution which use to be a black art in old world linear editing suites and production facilities.
Don’t worry Mr. B. I have a cunning plan…
PowerBook 1.67 Ghz ATI 9700 128 MB 2 GB
Final Cut Pro HD
DVD Studio Pro 3
Motion
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