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How to use FCP for monitor live camera
I am trying to set up a situation where I am using teleprompting software from my Mac Pro. What I need is a way to see the prompter app with the text scrolling (I contol the speed, etc.) and the live picture from the camera. We cvannot hear the talent speaking because they are deaf people using sign language. so the operator needs to see the text scrolling and the talent using sign language from the camera feed. I used a Firewire cable from a Canon XL2 camera and FCP Log and Capture. I have a 30″ monitor. I can get a live picture in FCP, but when I use the mouse or keyboard to focus on the prompter app, I lose the the live pictur in FCP log and captrure window.
Is there a way to keep the live picture in FCP on screen when changing focus to another app? Is there another app out ther I can use besides FCP that will stay on top with a live picture from firewire? We do not have any capture card like Aja or Declink, thus the firewire. I am close to getting what we need except gpt this problem.
Gary
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3 Replies
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Long shot here, but do you have Leopard?
If so, Photo Booth will accept a firewire input and display live video. I know that it stays “live” no matter which application is being controlled. It’s also a nice small application which won’t take up much screen space.
Only problem is that the video is mirrored so left and right are reversed. That can be fixed with this $10 app:
https://www.ecamm.com/mac/iglasses/If you don’t have Leopard, I guess try iMovie. I don’t know, but I suspect it will have the same problem as Final Cut, so that might not work. But it’s worth a try.
Finally, here’s another free app that might do it:
https://www.apple.com/quicktime/broadcaster/I know you can bring up a firewire input on it, but once again, I don’t know if it will stay ‘live’ once you switch away from it. Worth a try too, though.
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Hi Jeff,
Thanx for the info. I will give it a try. I guess I could also try to get a small LCd TV monitor with component or composites inputs and plug the cam outs into it. Set it up next to the monitor where the operator running the prompter text sits. I was trying to make it work with what we have on hand and use that real estate on the 30″ ACD.
Working with the deaf community brings on new challenges we usually don’t think about. The people are really nice to work with.
Gary
Mac Pro Intel Quad, 2GB RAM, 30″ Apple Display
MacBook Pro 17″ matte screen, 2GB RAM -
Can’t you use the simplest QT Video recorder?
RafaelPPC G5 2x2Gh 4GbRAM/BlackMagic SD/PMBP 17″Core2Duo 4GbRAM
JVC DTV-17″/FCS2/AE CS3/COMBUSTION/SHAKE
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