[Thomasarts]

Very good advice. We are currently slating with the camera as master, but this additional technique would cover our butts.

Matthew Thomas
Multimedia Director
ThomasArts, Inc.

[Thomasarts]

This was very helpful info. I believe the older versions of FCP wouldn’t include the log info when using Capture Now, but it appears this has been added in FCP 5.

Panasonic’s HD SDI does indeed include timecode, so it should work without the RS422 hack I mentioned earlier. However, it would be necessary for the Varicam to start rolling tape before I initiate the capture now, or things could get messy. I also should exit the capture before tape stops.

I look forward to reporting back on my success following the shoot which is this Friday (Feb 17, 2006).

I suppose the only variable that I haven’t been able to clear up yet is that of Genlock. Does the Varicam accept a standard BlackBurst SD signal (from my Horita BSG-50), or does it require a newer HD-specific genlock system?

Matthew Thomas
Multimedia Director
ThomasArts, Inc.

[Thomasarts]

Yes. That’s about how I plan on doing this. Roll tape first, then capture. I’ll use the Kona’s DVCProHd 24P pulldown setting since uncompressed wouldn’t be possible with my temporary 2 drive SATA RAID and the footage isn’t really that complex. It’s a series of DRTV commercials in which elderly people speak about Medicare.

It should work, but I would really like my captured timecode to sync with what’s on tape. Chances are this won’t be possible with the Kona card since it doesn’t have a timecode port outside the RS422. Perhaps I could connect the Kona to my BetaSP deck RS422 port while the deck connects to the camera’s timecode port. This might passthrough the timecode. Any predictions?

I’d better remember to bring my Blackburst generator to the shoot in case the rental kit doesn’t have this. Does the Varicam have a Sync In? If so, would it work with just a plain SD blackburst or does it need a fancier one?

Matthew Thomas
Multimedia Director
ThomasArts, Inc.