[Jeff Brown]

The only way I know it to be documented as working is using the “import folder” method. Which, of course, is essentially useless if you have to edit anything.

I typically take the extra step of converting an image sequence into a BlackMagic AVI file (i’m on XP) before I even open Premiere, via either Combustion or Cleaner. It is a bit of extra work, yes, but then I can both render to image sequences, and edit the clips in Premiere. Writing a 4:2:2 AVI from frames is pretty quick.

-jeff

[Jeff Brown]

Look on the back of the deck. Though as I think of it, it only applies to analog video. SDI may need termination to insure signal quality, but it would not affect levels of the image.
…maybe best to ignore me!

-jeff

[Jeff Brown]

Have you checked termination for all your equipment?

-jeff

[Jeff Brown]

I know the Decklink NTSC bars are illegal. May be the same with PAL. The NTSC bars are 100% color bars.

If Blackmagic wants to be taken seriously as a video interface company, it would behoove them to provide accurate SMPTE-type bars as a file. But they have been dodging the analog level mismatch issue for a few years now, so I have to wonder if there is a qualified video engineer on staff.

On the bright side, their cards have been working reliably for me.

-jeff

[Jeff Brown]

I would have to suggest carefully checking all your AE input/output settings. If you are seeing interlacing artifacts, it is from a misplaced setting somewhere. AE handles interlaced footage just fine. It has since version 1.2, at least…

Or, just use Premiere if it works for you. (to avoid any dead-horse-beating…)

-jeff

[Jeff Brown]

I’d agree with Tim’s suggestions. However, I am still disappointed that Panasonic has seemingly ignored Windows users vis-a-vis DV50. The Panny SDX900 camera and codec for DV50 is very nice for SD work. I’ve done several greenscreen shoots with the combo. Had to transcode to an uncompressed codec from the editor’s Mac though. Is it an Apple conspiracy not to offer the DV50 codec in Windows QuickTime? Hrumph!

-jeff

[Jeff Brown]

Did you try what I suggested in AE?

[Jeff Brown]

James,
I would hazard to say that what you are seeing is a combination of 2 things: the artifacting of 30P images moving horizontally at a “wrong” speed, combined with watching progressive images on an interlaced display– which will make it look even worse. Take a look a the boy with the hammer: notice how much motion blur is in the original footage? That’s what you need to mimic to make the horizontal move look right. Something like re:Vision’s SmartBlur, or maybe even simple horizontal motion blur should help. Make sure AE knows the source footage is NOT interlaced. Sounds like your output is interlaced (SD-TV?).

If the destination is SD video/TV, the best source might have been to shoot 60P, which would have more temporal resolution to hold up going to 30i. But it’s also an aesthetic choice.

Play with that mo-blur, you should find something that helps.

-jeff

[Jeff Brown]

I’d look for the multi-format deck. I think it’s a JVC, and can handle large and small DV25, DVcam, and DVCpro25. I have a Sony DSR-11 that will do I/O with DV25 and DVCam (a major client shoots DVCam), but not Panasonic’s large tapes. Of course, it was about 1/10 the price of my BetaSP deck. For a little bit more than DV25 only, you could cover I/O for almost all DV formats…
And, yes, make sure you get FW connectors!

-jeff

[Jeff Brown]

Jack– also, check out http://www.caldigit.com. More cheaper local RAID storage. Not tested myself, but I’m still spec-ing a future HD system.

-jeff