[Sam Roberts]

Well for some bizzare reason the computer input on the plasma is VGA RGB. If it was DVI-D my plan might have worked. I didn’t think they made VGA inputs and ouputs on computers and electronics anymore. The damn plasma is only a few months old…go figure.

Anyway, I did change fps out and it didn’t help.

AJA support recommended the following settings:

“In FCP > Audio Video Settings, set the Video Playback to 1080i2997(non HQ)
also set the Primary Format of the Format tab in the IoHD Control Panel to
1080i2997, make sure on the HDMI tab it is set to Primary

In FCP > System Settings > Playback Control Tab > set RT to Safe > Video
Quality to High > Frame Rate to Full”

This setting does give me a full screen picture. This would be fine except it won’t play back in real time although it does move when I scrub the timeline. When I hit play the picture freezes.

I’m awaiting further news from AJA support. I’ll keep you posted.

[Sam Roberts]

While I wait for an answer from AJA I just had what is probably a whacky idea. As I said I can get real time playback at 1080P 24 (FCP Video out preset) the problem is the picture only fills 2/3 of the screen.

What if I plug a computer RGB cable into the back of the TV and then buy an RGB to HDMI adaptor. When you plug a computer into the RGB input on the TV it will allow you to center the picture using controls on the remote. The PC input is the only TV input that allows this. If I can get a 1080P signal out of the AJA with an adapter plug and get it onto the screen, maybe then I can center the picture and that would solve the problem. Doubtful…but worth a try.

[Sam Roberts]

Hi guys, I actually went back and double checked the frame speed on the camera and it was 24fps. I can though, shoot at 23.98 and I will do another test today shooting at that frame speed. I did try the 23.98psf video output settings on both FCP and the same inputs on the io HD with no luck. I have a support request in at AJA so hopefully they may have a few ideas.

It’s too bad because the picture I do get on the plasma screen, even though it is only 2/3 there, is stunning and it will play back from the timeline in real time as opposed to the 1080i settings which do give me a full screen picture (also beautiful) but no real time playback.

Thanks for your suggestions.
Sam

[Sam Roberts]

Hi Jeremy. The original footage is RED One 24fps 4K (4096×2048) transcoded using RED’s proprietary app (REDCINE)down to a 1920×1080 Quicktime using the Apple ProRes 422 codec.

[Sam Roberts]

Does the original footage need to be shot at 23.98 or is it just the FCP Sequence and Video playback presets need to be set to this? Or all three?

[Sam Roberts]

Thanks Jeremy. I got it fixed.

[Sam Roberts]

Thanks Eddie…that answers my question.

[Sam Roberts]

Does a video camera with 2/3 inch imagers and the standard ENG type lens mount (C mount?) need to have a pre existing lens attached to it to uses them 35mm adaptors or do they attach to the camera’s lens mount?

[Sam Roberts]

Hi Don, well I am on the RED ONE waiting list with a projected camera delivery date of November. But like many non movie people I am nervous about all the bugs and the clunky post production workflow. Audio especially is a big concern as I rarely do double system sound.

I love the images and I love the idea of using Nikon lenses, but I do low end TV commercials, corporate and promotional work mostly and the RED camera as far as ease of use and ergonomics go, is still not where I’d like it to be. I have been a Betacam user since the 80’s and I know the PDW700 is much easier to use and the post production is a no brainer. Having the RED might mean I’ll get more high end gigs, but that isn’t a sure thing. On the other hand they are working hard to improve the camera every day. And I worry that the PDW 700’s imaging technology is already outdated as I’m sure Sony, Panasonic and others are going to start making mid price 30-50K ultra high def cams to go up against the RED. So I’m torn. Just trying to get as much info on both cameras as I can.

I even read a post over at RED User that said a native 1080 camera like the Sony might very well outshine the RED image-wise if you are shooting 2K with the RED, which is probably what I’d be doing.

There are a lot of potential RED buyers in the same boat as me trying to decide what to do. The 7 month wait period gives you alot of time to obsess…lol

[Sam Roberts]

Hi Andy,

Well truth be known, most of my clients who are now asking for High Defintion really mean 16X9. Almost all my output goes to DVD and I haven’t met a client yet that has a Blu-Ray player. Yes, many play my stuff back on their computers but really, is there that much difference between Betacam 16X9 and High Def on a playing card sized Web window?

But I am still working with a (gorgeous picture) 4×3 Betacam and it’s dumb at this point to move to Betacam 16X9 only to have to change over again in a few years when (and if) Blu-ray is crowned the winner of the high def DVD war and most average Joe’s have HDTV’s.

As far as the MAC system I was looking to but here it is tell me what you think:

I’m willing to go as high as $20,000 to get the best real time power possible at that price point.

Mac Pro
processors: two 3.0GHz Dual Core Intel Xeon
memory: 8 GB
Hard drive: two 500gb (internal bays 1&2
Graphics card: Nvidia Quadro FX 4500 512mb

Input:

looking at the AJA Kona boards. Keeping in mind
my SD/HD hybrid needs (not going high def camera-wise until next spring) and I will be renting high Def once in awhile until then, otherwise I will be inputting standard def Betcam (BVW 75)
which card do you suggest? Will Kona 3 do the job for DS and HD?

External storage:
not sure exactly what I need as far as external storage and card go. I now use the Ciprico Medivault u320
connected to an Atto card which I am very pleased with.

Is 1.5 TB enough for say, three ongoing 15 min projects on the drive?

I am open to suggestions on this (including filling the Mac’s internal drive bays with 750mb drives How does this work as far as video throughput speed goes?) Is one of those drives
dedicated to the OS and software only?

Thanks for the input.