EVO-9720
Craig,
I've just gotten rid of the earlier EVO9700 (the 9720 hasn't arrived here yet)
because of the limitations of the system as well as the final quality of the
master. As a stand alone the thing was fine, but it has a unigue interface with
its edit controller which cannot be mated with 'standard' RS232 or 422
controllers. If I were looking at the updated version I'd want to know whether
it can interface with conventional controllers just in case one day I'd need to
master to a higher grade format or do A-B roll editing.
My solution was to buy a used EVO 9800P Hi8 edit recorder from a specialist
dealer in London for L1500 and a new Sony UVW1800P Betacam SP edit recorder.
These are new and much less expensive than any other Beta SP machine even in
the UK (L5,600) for as Beta compared to the L16,000+ for a Pro series. You also
need an edit controller. Although I bought the new Sony FXE-100P edit system
(vision desk and edit controller combined), used edit controllers start at
about L250. OK these are UK prices but I'm sure that similar used equipment is
available in the states and Canada. So total cost is about US$11,000! See where
I'm coming from?
I now have Hi8 flexibibility, Betacam SP master quality, AND (and this is the
good bit) can couple any other machine to the system because it is standard. So
I can hire another 9800P or another Beta or U-matic cos they all work off the
same interface.
On quality, Hi8 first generation tapes have a lot of problems with red bleed.
Second generation i.e. master, have even more. If you're working in red
environments expect it to look naff! I've heard that some improvement can be
had with machine with time based correctors and you should check whether the
EVO9720 is so fitted.
Having said that we produced three commercial video on the old system which
sold through very well but are not in the process of remastering them – Beta is
just so much nicer.
Hope this plants a seed.
Mark