Frank Bella
Forum Replies Created
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We use laptops running various software to create lower third keys for live events using a Panasonic HS-450 – which is the big brother to the HS-400 – same features. You can create the graphics over black backgrounds and use the luma key function – either as a title key or a DSK on these switchers. The limitation is of course that there can be no black in your graphic or it will key through. The next best option – or your only option if you can’t use luma key – is the chroma key as a title key. This works well in the HS-450 and I am sure the same is true for the HS-400. Again, nothing in your graphics can be anywhere close to the color you are keying out. We once tried to chroma key a graphic that had some objects that were a very off shade of green, and they were partially keyed out (transparent). We’ve successfully used PowerPoint to create title keys in HD resolution – it’s no Chyron, but it’s not bad. The important thing there is to keep the computer generating the graphics in as high a resolution as possible. The new breed of laptops that output 1080p over HDMI can be plugged directly into the Panasonic switchers using an HDMI to DVI cable and the new Hi-res DVI input boards for the switchers. No scalers or scan concerters needed – the images are great! Hope this helps.
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In answer to question #1 – no – not exactly at the same time – as you’d have to hit the “Aux 1” button and then select the source to route to Aux1, and then hit “Aux 3” and select that source – so it would be as fast as your fingers 🙂
In answer to #2 – yes, you can crop the DSK – but we ususally just make it a luma key, or chroma key as needed – works great for lower thirds coming off of a laptop – given that the laptop is putting out same resolution (ie:1920×1080). Not scaling the gfx up or down helps keep the key clean.
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We’ve had the HS-450 for several months – and it is a great multi-putpose HD switcher with a ton of features and flexibility. The stock HS-450 simply comes with 16 SDI inputs that handle SD/HD signals at various video resolutions. They offer two different optional DVI input cards that each add two computer resolution inputs, a less expensive one that handles low to mid resolutions, and a Hi-Res card that accepts resolutions up though 1080p. We installed the later and have connected all types of computers with DVI and HDMI outputs directly to the switcher with no additional scan converter or scalers. It works flawlessley and the image quality is great. PPT presentations formatted for 16:9 and output at 1920×1080 screen resolution mix beautifully with HD video at the same resolution – bring on those small fonts – no problem! It also offers 4 AUX sub switchers, each routable to a dedicated output. Combined with the right projectors, you can use the HS-450 alone to switch video and computers, with different mixes for projection, video record, IMAG, webcast, and muliple multi-view displays. It truely is an amazing box.
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Hi Doug – I read somewhere in an HPX3000 thread that you own this camera and are in the SF Bay Area. I just bought an HPX3000 and am blown away by the imagery this camera produces. I am looking to connect with other 3000 owners in the area to possibly offer a multi-camera option with the 3000’s and the HD flypack we’re assembling. Let’s connect.
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New to this forum, but had to relay my experiences with the Motu V4HD. We originally bought 2 V3HD’s for use with FCP. When V4HD came out, Motu sent us free upgrades to the new unit. Have had the V4HD in FCP suites for 6 months now – and, in short, am looking to now replace them with AJA Kona or I/O. The only positive thing I can say about it is that it has a lot of I/O capabilities, and the up/down scaling fucntions are very nice. But the V4HD suffers numerous problems – the most frequent of which is a FW800 connector that becomes separated from the circuit board, causing intermittent interface issues with the workstation. Frequent firmware re-flashing is required to ge the V4HD to work after malfunctions, and the interface with FCP is unpredictable at best. As a production house owner, my FCP editors want the V4HD “outta here”. We routinely have to re-start FCP, re-boot the V4HD, or do a total system re-start ot get things functioning again. It is a very frustrating I/O interface to use. And to make all matters worse, Motu phone support is non-existant. When the product first came out, their (not toll free) support number was answered and the help was good. Now – the support line is busy every time we call it – never answered – just a busy signal. That must mean our experiences are not unique to us. I can not recommend the V4HD based on our experiences for FCP – at all.