-
HDV-to-SDI converter
Greetings all!
While investigating DVCPro HD workflow issues, I came across this little device that looks like it could be a real help with our HDV Canon Handcam footage:
It converts HDV to SDI so you can load in several different HD formats (ie DVCPro HD) – have any of you seen/ used this with FCP?
Seems like it may be too good to be true..
– Liam
Liam Lawyer
-editor- -
5 Replies
-
The Convergent box came out a few years ago and I did experiment with it when it was just released. However, I preferred to use a Canon XL H1 and capture to Uncompressed HD.
With FCP 6 however, I have been using the workflow of capture as HDV, Render ProRes and output HD SDI via Decklink to HDCam. If you want to capture ProRes then you can via firewire now. Have a look at Chris Poisson’s article here
https://library.creativecow.net/articles/poisson_chris/hdv-prores.phpI think the intent of the Convergent box is good, but there are lots of workarounds and different workflows available.
-
I am working specifically with DVCPro HD mainly, so that is what I need to encode to. I am using consumer Canon camera’s (HV-20) for the HDV material so I need some sort of conversion tool.
Plus I am currently using FCP 5.1.4
Thanks!
Liam Lawyer
-editor- -
For your setup then the Convergent box makes sense. Another alternative is the Sony HVR 1500 – 9 pin & SDI. It is a vastly better transport plus it has all the SDI & genlock functionality.
Apart from Convergent there was also Miranda. https://www.miranda.com/product.php?i=323
Again it has been years and both boxes appear to have developed. I was particularly critical of both units because they didn’t have external genlock. I notice the Miranda now does. Without genlock, 9 pin timing is likely to be unreliably frame accurate.
-
Liam
With your HV20 you can connect via HDMI to a low cost Blackmagic Intensity card … much cheaper than that HD Connect box. Not that the Convergent Design box is bad … I use their nanoConnect box ( which, like the intensity, takes an HDMI input) to convert from HDV and AVCHD cameras and decks direct to HDSDI video with embedded audio and timecode ).
https://www.convergent-design.com/CD_Products_nanoConnect.htmAndy
-
Let me say that Andy’s advise id the best you can use.
Sure the Blackmagic is a great option, too. BUT…. Let’s just say that their tech support has been less than stellar. It’s your choice.
_______________________________
Wayne Carey
Schazam Productions
https://web.mac.com/schazamproductions
schazamproductions@mac.com
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up