[Tom Matthies]

I don’t know which one it might be, but is it possible you might be running a demo version of some software that will “watermark” your video when it’s rendered?
Seems strange it shows up only after you render.
Just a thought…
Tom

[Tom Matthies]

Historically, when a noTomTw model is introduced, the older models get “pushed” down one position. The older top of the line becomes the new intermediate machine. The middle one becomes the entry level and so on. The bottom level is discontinued. Usually it means a price reduction on the older designs as well. Normally this is about $500 or so. If this what’s going to occure again, the sooner the better. I’ll still end up spending the same amount, budgets being what they are, but I’ll be able to get a little more bang for the buck.
It’s no fun to buy a machine that’s obsolete in a month. Besides, I want one NOW!!!
Sigh…
Tom

[Tom Matthies]

Yea, I’m looking to buy a new G5 and I’m holding back just to see what happens at the NAB convention. I’ve been waiting to make this decision for a few months now. I’m not sure if I would go with a brand new technology, the 3Ghz, or just settle for the more proven 2.5Ghz, take the reduced price and add more extras with the price difference.
The last machine I ordered was a dual 1Ghz, my current machine. (It’s been too long!) I ordered it on a Friday, Apple came out with the somewhat illfated 1.42Ghz that weekend, so my platform was basically obsoleted before I even took delivery of the machine the following Tuesday. After a bit of discussion with my VAR, they at least reduced the price a bit. I’m looking to not run into the same situation again with the new computer.
But, I don’t want to wait too much longer before making a decision. I’ve already ordered the FCP5 upgrade and I want the new platform ready when it arrives.
What to do…What to do…
Tom

[Tom Matthies]

I’ve never been too impressed with the chroma keyer filter in FCP. I just never seem to get that “nice” key from it. I’ve been using DVMatte for about a year with good success. It’s not too expensive and easy to use. Might want to try it. They used to have a free, downloadable version to try it out.

Otherwise, for your problem, you might try adding the matte choker filter after the CK filter and try to “squeeze” your keyed material down a little. It might help get rid of the green fringe a bit. Add the spill suppressor filter as well. Try adding the spill filter before the choker and see if that helps. Play with the various controls until you get a combination that works best for your particular situation.
Tom

[Tom Matthies]

I had this problem a few months ago and it was fixed by downloading the latest drivers for the Io from AJA.
Wierd thing was that it didn’t do it for some time and then just suddenly started. Possibly after doing an upgrade on the Mac OS? Who knows.
Anyhow, give that a try and see if it helps.
Might check on newer firmware as well. I think there are new drivers and firmware posted at AJA’s website.
Tom

[Tom Matthies]

It’s just a 9-pin D Type cable. I’m pretty sure that it’s just a one to one cable. In other words, pin one goes to pin one on the connector. Pin 2 goes to pin two and so on. Actually, I don’t believe that all the pins are actually used. Just a pair for transmit and a pair for receive and a ground. A cable with the extra pins/wires will work just fine though.
Any supply house like Markertec or B&H Photo should have them in various lengths. They aren’t that expensive. You could most likely find one at a good computer store as well. Just make sure that the pin-outs are correct and it should work.
Liik for a cable for an RS-422 application and it should work.
Tom

[Tom Matthies]

Very interesting. Thanks for the tip. I never even considered looking at Wal-Mart or Sam’s Club for this stuff. I’ll check it out tomorrow.
BTW, the unit looks a lot like a Panasonic on the back. Hmmmm…
Tom

[Tom Matthies]

I use the full Io here at work and it will control all of our Betacams. We use UVW-1800s, PVW-2800s, and BVW-75s without any problems. I have an AJA La on my system at home and run a UVW-1800 and a PVW-2600 without any problems there. It should handle any Betacam using the RS-422 protocol. I even have an old BVW-40 that works OK. Your La should be able to control a BVW-70 as well.
Some UVW series, I believe, use RS-232 protocol. I’m guessing that a 422 to 232 converter would be needed in those cases, but I’m not certain of that.
Just my 2

[Tom Matthies]

You might try this too.
Go to System Preferences>Energy Saver.
Change the settings on the two sliders (computer to sleep & monitors to sleep) to “never”.
Uncheck the “Put the hard disk(s) to sleep when possible” box.

Not sure if this will help your case, but I have my computer set this way and I have 6 Firewire drives attached and have had no problems with them spinning down or unmounting.

worth a try…
Tom

[Tom Matthies]

Yea…
Well, this kid has been doing this for over 30 years now and started out by changing reels on Ampex Quad recorders. Actually my first editing job was done on a hot splicer with 16mm film. From there it was on to Convergence editors. Then CMX. Then on to some of the first Avid systems in Chicago. We even had a pair of CMX-6000 laser-disk based editors. Google those for some entertainment! Then it was on to CMX Omni’s and Accoms. Finally into NLE’s that actually worked and could finish a video without taking it into an on-line suite. Now it’s Symphonys & Final Cut systems. Tomorrow…HD.

Hell, I’m not lazy, just really, really tired. 🙂

…an since I live in Wisconsin now, I DO know what it’s like to walk uphill, both ways in the SNOW. Brrrr…..