[David Shulkin]

I second Bob’s thoughts on the Sony LMD’s. I have four of them in 17″ and 23″ (HD & SD-SDI inputs). DO NOT waste your money for any color grading! I have no problem with them for our production and confidence monitoring (as I know the limitations), but would not recommend for this application.

[David Shulkin]

Peter:

I couldn’t agree more with the previous comments. Let me throw in a low ballpark figure of just initial costs assuming one HD 1/3″ camera package (non-robotic), one audio package, one small light package (3 lights/banks) NO GFX package, minimal monitoring and measurement equipment, and any additional conversion/terminal equipment to get a HD-SDI feed to a rented satellite uplink truck parked outside = ~ $45,000 (as I’ve done this before). This assumes no other costs of building needs or the cost of the rental of the Sat. truck, etc. But these ideas are truly focused on an specific need, access, quality needs, and cost structure. Frankly some of the discussion needs to consider how often it is used an what technologies to get the signal to the broadcasters. Right now the best methods is fiber or sat., but if local, a rented microwave truck might do the trick to get your signal to the station.

[David Shulkin]

Eileen:
Forgot to mention that you are in 1920×1080 or you could be in 1270×720/60fps. Just confirm your raster size and frame rate and match to the Compressor settings.

[David Shulkin]

Eileen:
This might depend on what frame rate you set up your camera with.
The video is all progressive regardless of the frame rate. Your choices are 30p (29.97), 24p (23.97), 25p. So just confirm your frame rate and make sure you keep it progressive. Should work out fine.

[David Shulkin]

Aaron:
One other note to consider – are you on Snow Leopard (10.6.x)? I know you mentioned FCP 6.x, but the Canon plugin needs to be on Snow Leopard as I recall.

My workflow is to run my clips through MPEG Streamclip to ProRes(HQ) – works like a charm – but I have also used the Canon plugin with success – nice to log clips, etc.

While a tad more cumbersome, don’t forget Compressor as a possible option if you have a ton of clips and you just need to batch and control (and utilize more processors).

[David Shulkin]

Don:
The ZePlay – according to my notes – was ~$40K for SD 4-channel and $60K for HD 4 channel. I spent time yesterday with Grass’s Dyno, and I’m still lovin the ZePlay. Will finalize my replay stuff today with EVS (which I probably can’t afford – but…).

I finally spent time on Wed with Cat DV – without a doubt a fantastic product. Downloaded the trial version and will play over the next couple of days.

I’ve got graphics stuff today (Adobe, Chyron, Inscriber, etc.) and Avid as my top stops and some minor appointments.

Still very impressed with the Ki-Pro – and intend to purchase 2 (I know it is old news, but with Avid supporting ProRes, and the AJA updates, I’m buying).

And…
“The guy that is working with his Beta 1800 and Iki HL79 , and says “I still make great looking videos” will never think that anything is new.” – Bob you are so right! That made me chuckle. 🙂 – and made me rethink my skepticism on 3D.

[David Shulkin]

As it is only Tuesday, I’ve seen just few things. Most of my two days have been appointments for non-sexy stuff (fiber optics, converters, etc.).
However, the coolest thing I demoed today was the ZeePlay from TightRope Media Systems. Fantastic 4 channel SD/HD replay system. Extremely impressed and the price point is solid with the feature set.

Also very interested in the new AJA FiDO optic converters and I briefly saw Blackmagic Design’s versions.

Matrox MXO for use with the Avid look solid – this actually is nothing spectacular, but makes me very happy.

On the switcher front the Ross CrossOver switcher is amazing for the price point and form factor. There new version makes this a real competitor in that form factor for production switchers.

I’ve got cameras, software, and other goodies for Wed. So now I can really play with the sexy stuff.

[David Shulkin]

How long are your runs from the Gen-10 to the equipment? Since you don’t have any test equipment, it will be a trial and error approach. Consider testing one of the signals with a DA and boost the signal. If your equipment is getting sync then, it may be cable run length and require some signal boost.

[David Shulkin]

Well if you are committed to the Net switch, I think you are committed to the Leightronix (most cost effective). If you were not as concerned about the Net switch and considered another router, you would open up a larger world. At minimum, the best bang for your buck in terms of automation (in this type of budget realm) is the TightRope Media Systems Cablecast (https://www.trms.com). I’ve recommended and consulted on these type of systems and they provide a great value for your dollar.

In terms of servers, you need to look at the Princeton servers, TightRope servers, and even 360 Systems. Are you thinking SD or HD?

[David Shulkin]

My list grew considerably this last week after a staff meeting. So here is my “to do list” rather than my “Must see” list. Some of these stops are to deal with problems, upgrades, or other non-support issues.
NOTE: I haven’t confirmed all of these vendors are exhibiting, just my list from my staff mtg.

PANASONIC-T
JVC-T
SONY-T
AVID-T

MATROX-W
TRMS
ROSS VIDEO (OPEN GEAR/Switchers)-W
VIEWCAST-W
AJA-W
BLACKMAGIC DESIGN-W

ADOBE
MICROSOFT-SILVERLIGHT
RHOZETTA
SORENSON
NEWTEK
CLEARCOM
AUDIO TECHNICA
ROLOLIGHT
EDITSHARE
360 SYSTEMS
HAI VISION (VIDEO FURNACE)
EVERTZ
TELECAST
-ENG/EFP HEADSETS (CLEARCOM)