#New User
13 messages in this thread
Hi Folks i`m rather new to compuserve and i`m interested in DTV i at presently
own
a Panasonic MS70 SVHS camcorder and would like any help on software and
hardware on linking it to my P.C.
P.S i don`t know if i done this write so if anybody can read it would they
please reply…
Craig:
>P.S i don`t know if i done this write so if anybody can read it would they
please reply…<
Well, at least you're in the right forum, Craig! Welcome aboard!
>i at presently own a Panasonic MS70 SVHS camcorder and would like any help on
software and hardware on linking it to my P.C.<
Well, what do you need/want to do exactly? Do you want to "dump" footage into
your computer from your camcorder (all that requires is your camcorder's A/V
outputs being hooked up to a video capture card)? Or would you like a
computer-oriented edit controller that can interface w/your camcorder (which
means, we'll need to know what sort of edit control protocol, if any, your
camcorder uses)?
Let us know,
Tim Liebe
Hi Timothy
I would like to control the camcorder with a software/hardware
package that allows the P.C. to control the camcoder, the panasonic uses a 5
pin din type socket for editing and is called VITC, a 10 pin character
generator socket also resides on the side of the case the manual says something
about accepting time codes sorry i can`t help you with anymore info.
Craig. (Scotland)
Craig,
That 5-pin socket sounds like it may be a Panasonic "Control-M" interface. I
am not sure how (or why) they would use it as a "VITC" reader/writer interface,
VITC being a Time-Code format, and not a Control Signal Protocol. Now it is
possible that as part of the control signal they provide a VITC signal from an
onboard VITC reader…
-John
Hi Graig,
>> the panasonic uses a 5 pin din type socket for editing and is called VITC,
<<
The 5pin plug is only used for the Panasonic M type protocall to controll
the deck. VITC is a form of time code that resides in the vertical interval
section of the video signal. Unfortunatly you cant send VITC information
through the 5 pin conector.
Regards,
Michael W. Towe
Falcon Video Productions
Santee Ca.
Craig,
If you would like to use the computer to add titles and graphics to your video
tape, an "overlay genlock" will let you *add* any title or graphic that you can
create on your PC to existing video and then you can record the combined
result. A decent genlock at a decent price is the the GVP GLock VGA. It
replaces your VGA card (so you can actually take a hit there) but is cheap,
maintains a good quality, and comes with good software for machine control,
titling and graphics.
-John
I have this package, GVP's Personal Suite Plus (PSP), $499 from Electronic
Mailbox. I'm concerned about putting it on for these reasons:
1. G-Lock VGA+ replaces the video card with an ET-4000 chip. While
compatible with everything it is SLOW in Windows. I moved an ET-4000 chip
out of my 486SX40 two years ago for an accelerator card and I'm not keen on
returning to it.
2. GVP is out of business. Whether they liquidate or go under bankruptcy
protection and reorganize I don't have a clue. But I'll assume the worse
since I've seen it lots before in this business. I guess they're collateral
damage from Commodore.
3. The software is three packages that must be integrated by the USER.
Spells trouble. Essentially Video Director 1.5 was modified to work with the
scripts that Curtain Call generates to schedule effects and titles. The
titles are supplied by a script compatible version of PrimeTime. It is of
considerable note that VD 2.0 dropped script support! They do still get
requests to put it back in but since they now sell a competing solution to PSP
I'll bet they're just laughing at those requests.
Bottomline on 2 and 3 is, YOUR ON YOU OWN BUD. I don't like these odds.
If you've used the board and programs what do you think?
Thanks.
-jts
John,
Not much anymore! 🙂 Wow, you make some very good points against the GLock,
and I think that it is time that I look for some other solution. I have had
experience with RocGen genlocks (from the Amiga world) and they were decent.
Have you come accross any other >$700 or so Overlay Genlocks that you might
recommend?
Actually we have had this (overlay genlock) discussion here in the forum before
and I probably should review those messages. I remember that someone, at some
point, did point out to me that many of the Windows Video Capture Cards now
feature overlay genlock functions, and that may be the all-around best
solution, no?
-John
> many of the Windows Video Capture Cards now feature overlay genlock
> functions, and that may be the all-around best solution, no?
Interesting point … at gets to the nub of my dilemma. I'm just starting
out and I severely want to go NLE with a low cost consumer card like the
Miro DC1 or ///FAST MMP with M-JPEG. DC1 has video out and MMP has a
separate overlay card. BUT, it's prudent to wait on the DC2 and whatever
.///FAST throws out in competition. This may take until the summer according
to Bertel Schmitt even tho to be announced in two weeks at NAB.
What does a body that's hot to do home editing do in the meantime? It is
rational to plow ahead since in my case I want a basic tape editing suite to
accompany the NLE (this stuff is not yet good enough nor are the hardware
requirements inexpensive enough for the hobbiest like me to go with a single
deck … tho it is certainly getting close).
Well, there's STUDIO MAGIC. This has the genlock card and fine software to
go with it. But it will be 1-2 months before they have the machine control
software.
Abbate VIDEO TOOLKIT is in late beta. But it is beta, not a shipping
product. And still one needs an overlay card (which is, of course the
question you asked) or SEG like the Videonics MX-1 (and something for
titling in this case).
And after all, as you say, it seems that since overlay genlock is packaged
with JPEG video capture cards it's a bit much to buy a separate one right
now.
Bottom line, I dunno.
-jts
Hi john
Sounds great this GVP GLOCK how much are they, anything i`ve done
previously was just with the camcoder on the tripod pointing at the screen but
it seems to flicker on playback and ain`t to professional looking even for my
own use come to think of it the stuff i done on my amiga with scala looked
better <g>…
Craig (Scotland).
Craig,
Yes, you will get much better results with an overlay genlock as opposed to
recording directly from the screen on your PC. John Small, in this same thread
has pointed out a number of limitations to the GVP GLock solution that I was
unfamiliar with (especially that they are going out of business!!) and you may
want to read his post if you haven't already. The search continues… 🙂
-John
John (& everyone else)
Here's some straight answers, some of which noones gonna like and others that
are very helpful
1) GVP is out of business. We still have about a dozen boards left. Magni the
OEM manufacturer of the boards, will still service them
2) Studio Magic ….RIP another casualty of the engineering only mentality of
doing business. (ie Our product does everything, is better then anyones, the
problems are the users and what marketing program…how many can you buy)
3) Aver media (ADDA technologies) has upgraded their AVer Pro overlay card to
work with VD 2.0 and Curtain Call, an excellent Windows based titling and
effects program.
4) How quickly we forget. Video accelerators have only been significant for
little more then a year. Add to this the intro of first VESA then PCI video bus
technology. Now maybe you can understand the dilemma facing overlay
manufacturers. The dust has settled PCI has won. Expect to see accelerated PCI
bus overlay cards within 6 months. (I can't yet tell you who, but its a fact).
5) Non-Linear is here for real. 8+ megs of ram and a 500+ harddrive is typical
nowadays. Expect tremendous improvements in under $1000 non-linear systems over
the next 6 months as well.
6) This is where the commercial starts –
Buy from a retailer who will listen to what you want to do, and will
work with you to get a system that fits your budget and needs. Thats what we
try to do!
Thanks for listening,
Gary Bettan
The Electronic Mailbox
800-323-2325
Thanks for the post Gary. In talking with Phil today I said my sense of the
'state of the art' for Windows DTV is that what Video Toaster started has
not quite made it here yet … looks like about six more months. That
estimate seems to be consistent with your message.
> upgraded their AVer Pro overlay card to work with VD 2.0 and Curtain Call
Tell me more about this board and the upgrade … for example, Videomaker
March issue shows it lacks chroma key that GVP G-Lock VGA+ has. In what
ways is it to be preferred over the G-Lock? What's the cost? What kind of
software package do you suggest … maybe (a guess) VD 2.0 with Curtain
Call? How would the suggested package compare with VD's similar 'overlay'
solution that they're selling?
> The dust has settled PCI has won. Expect to see accelerated PCI bus
> overlay cards within 6 months.
I like this notion of one standard to build to. But I was not aware that
VLB or even ISA accelerator cards were a dead issue. But you're saying no
fast ISA/VLB cards are made and none will be made?
Right now, today, is there a 'best' linear editing, titling, etc. solution
that we can anticipate to fit in with the new consumer NLE stuff like the
Miro DC2, etc. which I assume will use Adobe Premiere 4.0 for Windows?
> Studio Magic
What, this company has closed its doors? I don't fully understand your
message. I talked with them earlier this week and they anticipate have the
edit control module ready in 1-2 months. There was no hint of impending
doom in the conversation.
Thanks … glad you're feeling better.
-jts