[John Sharaf]

Dusty,

Yes, DA’ing the genlock is fine, but the question then becomes: is it working? Same issue of course with simple daisy-chain too. Are all the wires functional? The only way I can figure to tell is to also patch through an HD-SDI router and notice if the switch is glitch free. On the set this is often how I notice a genlock problem.

It doesn’t matter what frame rate (assuming same brand of cameras and format).

JS

[John Sharaf]

Jesse,

It is my understanding that the recorded video signal can also be disturbed by just daisy chaining TC (as we’re all used to doing with Betacams) and that Genlock must be applied for this purpose.

I have had disrupted video both with Varicam and Cine Altas when I did as you suggest and have made it my policy to always use trilevel sync when daisy-chaining tc thereafter.

The alternative, which I’ve done when it was inconvenient to hook sync up (such as mobile cameras and no Lockit Boxes) is to slave the codes and drop the connection. For editorial convenience in the case of slipping code, it’s also a good idea to hit sticks at the head or tail of the shot.

Some cameras, like the F900R and HDX can output the Y from the test connector and that can be daisy-chained as the sync to the next camera’s genlock in connector, but I don’t believe you can get that signal out of the Varicam.

This technique, and description of the problem, is taught at Varicamp by CJ and others, and confirmed empirically by my own experience, so I would be very careful in proceeding as Jesse suggests, just linking TC out to TC in. Even a short test that does work would not necessarily reveal the problem, and the resulting error, namely disrupted video, is catastrophic!

JS

[John Sharaf]

There are lots of Hd cameras; I hope you have one with advanced Cine Gamma options of Dynamic Range Suppression (like the HVX900) otherwise you’re best advised to use an aggressive knee setting. It’s not as bad it might sound!

JS

[John Sharaf]

Brandon,

A better solution for lengthening the run to your computer would be to install a capture card like a AJA Kona and run a digital coax from the HD-SDI output ay the Camnera to the HD-SDI input on the card. This method allows about 100 meters before the signal falls of.

JS

[John Sharaf]

Dave,

This is a common observation by people new to 24 or 30p shooting. It usally has to do with the technology of the monitor you’re watching. CRT’s have a slower refresh than LCD’s or other flatscreens. You’re final product will usually be interpolated back to interlace, even though the fields are repeated, to smooth out the look. Don’t worry about, you’ll get used to it!

JS

[John Sharaf]

Yes, the footage will come out of the deck, but the audio will be out of sync. There are various workarounds, but you’ll still have to manually sync the sound back up.

JS

[John Sharaf]

Without specific knowledge of the HPX500, I can tell you that the whitebalance settings (preset and AWB 1 & 2) are all adjustable, and in digital cameras these settings are very stable so that once set they pretty much remain the same.

[John Sharaf]

Ian,

If you have access to a 1400 VTR you can do any one of a number of things; use the deck to play the tapes for viewing, eith in HD on a proper monitor (one that will, accept HD-SDI or analog HD) or use a downconverted output to view (in full color) on SD-SDI, Composit or component monitor. These same feeds will allow input into NLE’s that accept any of these connections or even dub to DVD recorder. The 1400 is a very versatile device fand allows many workflow solutions to using DVCPRO100 material.

JS

[John Sharaf]

Robin,

Yes, wrong forum. Try “Lighting Design”. But to save you the effort, cables will be fine; actually 220v uses thinner cables as more voltage requires less amperage for same wattage. You will need adapters plugs and remember to switch out your globes to 220v versions or else yours will pop when you plug them in. Alternative is to wire a series pigtail so two 110v units in series equal 220 volts, then you can use present bulbs. If you understand what I’m talking about you’ll know what to do!

JS

[John Sharaf]

Actually, I’ve come to reevaluate my opinion of grey market product. Some items like lenses, which hardly ever need warantee service are fine to buy from reputable, tey, there are some, dealers in overseas product. If there’s a problem within the customary warrantee period, they will ship to Japan for service and loan you a replacement in the mean time.

JHMO