Tyler Ries
Forum Replies Created
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I agree with Mark’s last statement, take that HD jump carefully. HD cameras can still produce a nice looking SD image. The important part is that all the white balance, iris, and other level controls match between the cameras; if they don’t, HD is not going to make the production any better. Once people catch on to the video productions, think about making the change to HD.
I assume that you are not making Blu-Ray disc copies for anyone who wants them, so having a good SD recording is the best way to go. Capturing straight into a computer will allow you to have some of the best image quality and edit straight out to a DVD.
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I think you might be on to something with the externally updated fields. If you are using a Chyron running Lyric software, it might be updating externally from some form of news software. Personally I have used AP’s ENPS software to update graphics in a Chyron and the templates can be made any way you want, then the information is replaced by what the producer or assistant producer puts into the rundown. Check to make sure they are not just copying the information from am old script with the typo, that would explain why sometimes it is right (they typed in the info) or incorrect (copied the old info with the typo).
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This might seem to obvious, but check to make sure the color correction on the B bus is turned off. If there is RGB color correction on, it can make everything have a colored tint, even a blank input which is seen as black video. Just a thought for the simple stuff. . .
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Just a bit of extra information, I know that you can adjust the settings of the compression used in DVD Studio Pro, but I am not really sure about iDVD. Taking the DV video and using the DVD Studio Pro compression will most likely yield higher quality results than just the standard compression settings in iDVD.
I would also recommend exporting from FCP using Compressor, then burning that with DVD Studio Pro. Compressor has some settings specifically for making DVD’s and the settings can be adjusted. In Compressor you can be sure that the conversion will be at the highest quality (and it doesnt sound like you will need to worry about going over on disc space).
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Thinking back to the last time that I used one of these, about 7 years ago, I think that they are only able to playback VHS/SVHS that were recorded in SP speed. I think you might be out of luck trying to use this deck with anything slower than SP.
If you have to, see if you can borrow an old consumer VCR to play back the LP/SLP speed tapes and make a dub into a better format or straight into Avid. I know the quality might not be great, but how good is it really from LP/SLP VHS …
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A program that I have played around with (but never used for a real taping or broadcast) is Live Channel Pro by Channel Storm. This program allows you to connect multiple cameras (through Firewire or capture cards) and switch them live. The live stream can then be output through your computer’s secondary monitor output or directly to a web stream. It also allows the use of keyed graphics that are made as PNGs. This program seems like what you are looking for, but I don’t know anything about the performance. They have a full version for free that outputs with a water mark, so this would be a good way to test it and see if the program can handle what you are trying to do.
Hope this helps …
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I am currently using Panasonic WV-5100 with a JVC KM-2000 with success. What you need is to make sure you have a “gen-lock” or “sync” input on the camera. That might require an extra piece of hardware like the WV-AD36/37. If you do have those inputs, you can connect the “BB” (which is black burst) to the “gen-lock” or “sync” inputs. Also to keep the camera image from distorting when a transition is executed, you need to phase the cameras using a waveform monitor and comparing the camera image to black. This is more difficult to do if you do not have camera control units, so the adjustments will have to be made at the camera. Instructions can be found in the manual for the WV-AD36 (found on http://www.manualshark.org). As far as I know, the JVC KM-1200 does have an internal sync generator, so using the BB output should provide the cameras with the proper signal to synchronize them together and to the switcher. This is also old equipment, so re-phasing might be required every once in a while due to phase drifting or if the cable lengths to the cameras change. Good Luck!
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I have just come from working in a High School environment, and know how much trouble it can be dealing with small budgets and old equipment. Just remember, that although the professional world is making their transition toward digital and HD production, you are not quite there. And, the basics of a video camera, production direction, and editing are what is relevant in a teaching environment.
My best approach to this is to be creative and use what you have, in conjunction with what people are willing to get rid of. E-Bay is littered with used equipment that is still in fantastic shape. I purchased a used Grass Valley 3400 DA for $20! All I had to do was replace the fuses and I had 8 Analog, Broadcast quality DA’s! I know that this is not Digital or new, but your current setup is only Analog, and might be for some time. You might be surprised what replacing simple parts on old equipment can do to it. Also, using cheap security camera quad-split processors is a great way to make your own multi image screen. The quality might be low, but it is only really used for monitoring. Buy using 3 quad-splitters (feeding 2 into the other 1), and buying a larger LCD screen (consumer, less than $1500), you could have your very own multi-image screen with 8 reference monitors, and large preview and program. If you buy right, the monitor could have on-screen labels as well. If you are using Premiere, look into a cheap Analog to DV converter box, and using that as a video recorder through capture mode (and then burn strait to DVD). Just some things to think about when you need to get creative.
Just remember, sparking the interest in students is half the battle. Use what you can and keep on the School Board for some funding now and then. Also, don’t forget about grants!