Software video switcher

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Level 3

679 points

Software video switcher

I am been thinking of purchasing the Datavideo HS-500 switcher. The problem is it does not have an digital out. We have the SE-800 that does. I am looking for a good sofware switcher that I can use for three cameras, or two at least. I use DVX200s. This would be used for the road. The problem I see is how do I connect muli cameras. I can see maybe via built in firewire and expresscard firewire adapter. Will my MBP choke up? Has anyone had experience with this?

I know there are analog to digital boxes out there do they keep the quality? Can someone give me a reference on one besides the Datavideo DAC-15. I don't want to pay that much.

MBP 17" 2gig/G5 5gig, MacPro, Xraid, esata external drives, Mac OS X (10.5.1), FCP Studio 2

Posted on Sep 2, 2008 2:54 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 2, 2008 4:20 PM in response to Tony Brave

Here's my take on the current situation with software video switchers:

Unless you're willing to spend a ton of money for a broadcast quality software/hardware system, most of the available software solutions are really best suited for webcasts. At least at the moment. That may all change tomorrow or next month.

I'd recommend purchasing or renting the hardware needed.

-DH

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Answer 2

Tony Brave Author

Level 3

679 points

Sep 2, 2008 6:50 PM in response to David Harbsmeier

Ok, After further research i concur. If someone can answer the other question analog/digital boxes. I know I can get one for about $50. The HS-500 has BNC/S video out. Can I use a $50 box/firewire out to MBP direct to disk on the fly. I have been using LiveCapture Plus to record direct to disk. allows me to log as I cam capturing. Sure the DAC-15 has a hard drive but it also cost over $1300 dollars.

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Answer 3

Sep 2, 2008 6:55 PM in response to Tony Brave

Here's what I do for live-mixed multi-cam shoots:

All cameras are connected to the video switcher (I use a Sony DFS-300 or a Panasonic WJ-MX50).

All audio sources are connected to an audio mixer.

S-Video (Y/C) output of the switcher goes to the S-Video input of a DSR-20 DVCam VTR.

Line level output of the audio mixer goes to the inputs of the DSR-20 VTR.

Firewire from the DSR-20 to my Mac.

In FCP, set Device Control to "Non-Controllable Device" and use Capture Now.

I ALWAYS roll tape in ALL cameras as a backup and ALWAYS roll a master tape in the VTR as well. Live capturing can go bad on you and having the master (and camera) tapes ready to go can save your butt.

-DH

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Answer 4

Tony Brave Author

Level 3

679 points

Sep 2, 2008 7:54 PM in response to David Harbsmeier

Thanks for the help. so you are saying that I can use eg: my DSR-45 connected via firewire to MBP and do a capture using my FCP6 capture now? The firewire goes through the DSR so I don't have to use DVcam tape? This would be a fix for me.

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Answer 5

Sep 3, 2008 3:07 AM in response to Tony Brave

so you are saying that I can use eg: my DSR-45 connected via firewire to MBP and do a capture using my FCP6 capture now?

Yes. But I STRONGLY recommend that you roll tape in the VTR and in all cameras as a backup. Capture Now can go bad.

-DH

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Answer 6

Sep 3, 2008 7:41 AM in response to David Harbsmeier

"Software switcher" ?

Besides Ye Olde Toaster or Tricaster, can you provide a link to one that runs on a Macintosh?

Or do you mean video disk jockey applications?

bogiesan

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