#EVO-9720
10 messages in this thread
Good day eh! (yeh, I'm from Canada)
Just inquiring if anyone out there as any experience with Sony's EVO-9720 Hi 8
editor.
I already have some specs on it, but would like to hear from people who have
used it.
I realize mastering to Hi 8 is not the best thing to do, (would love to edit
from Hi 8 to
S-VHS or Beta SP), but the EVO-9720 is the only piece of pro gear I can afford.
BTW, does anyone know what this unit costs in the States? I was quoted
$10,300 here in Canada.
So long eh!
CK
If you want to edit from Hi-8 to S-VHS why don't you save yourself some money
and forgoe the 9720 and get a Vdeck and a S-VHS recorder instead. This should
save you a considerable sum. You can edit from the Vdeck with near frame
accuracy with many inexpensive PC programs. The one I use is called EZV2. It is
ideally suited to the Vdeck and will do audio/video fades and control the xport
speed. What are you using this application for?
Is the Vdeck a better option than the 7000 deck that it seems many are using
nowadays? I'm shooting Hi8 and plan editing to SVHS. But I sure don't know
what source deck(s) to use. I'm an amateur and must watch the $$$ outlay
too. Otherwise I'd edit to betacam. <g>
BTW … I was under the impression that the 9720 made a good A/B roll editing
source. Is there some better solution?
Thanks.
-jts
John, some people like to use the 7000 deck but I prefer to use the Vdeck since
it is designed around the VISCA interface and can use all the features built
into it such as audio and video fades. It is also a much more compact machine
than the 7000. I currently use one Vdeck and my VX3 camcorder on a Vbox as a B
deck for an occasional A/B roll. This setup works quite nicely. I cannot
justify purchasing another player for the few times I need A/B roll. Total cost
for a Vdeck, 2 Vboxes
and the EZV2 program is less than $2k US. I use this setup to record to a
EV-S3000 Hi-8 deck or to a SLV-R5 S-VHS deck. It works great.
Ok … one problem with EZV2 is I have a Mitsu U-82 S-VHS deck with IR
control only. The Vbox for my TR-700 and a Vdeck would be cool. But I'd
have to buy another S-VHS deck or is there some way to work it with EZ (is
it Windows or DOS?) or another program that would do this? The Vdeck it
only does a one track PCM audio dub? What audio dub does your 3000 have,
tho this deck is no longer available. Do you record to SVHS or Hi8 mostly?
Thanks.
-jts
Yes John, it looks like you would have to buy another record deck, either a
Panasonic 1970 and a Selectra VuPort interface or any Sony VCR with another
Vbox. I don't think that any serious editor would use a IR wand – too
unreliable.
EZV2 is a Windoze program.
You cannot dub only one track at a time on PCM tracks – both must be done.
The 3000 has PCM dubbing and that is why I almost always use in as my record
source since I can add high quality stereo audio. This tape then becomes my
edited master from which I make copies to VHS. I only record directly to VHS if
I do not have to dub in any audio, the quality of the linear track is just too
awfull.
There are other programs that you could buy to edit from Hi-8 to your U-82 by
using the IR control such as VideoDirector but you will probably be frustrated
with the wand. Try Videonics Thumbs Up – I have not tried it but it might work
better.
I'm most likely to go with Videonics' MX-1 and drive it with VD 2.0. Then
await the Videonics' Edit Suite to decide on this vs. souping up VD with
encode/output card and continue using it. If the latter it will be because
I can do better titling than the Videonics' TM-2000 can do. Otherwise I'll
end up with a total Videonics stand alone solution.
You've given me reason to consider Hi8 as record deck eventually … audio
dub via PCM stereo after the assembly edit on the master tape. This can't
be done on S-VHS?
Thanks.
-jts
Hi John,
The only way to add audio to S-VHS after video editing is to dub to the linear
(usually mono) audio track. I have often done this as well but have never been
happy with the results. The sound quality is comparable to a real cheap
cassette deck. The PCM tracks on Hi-8 however are near CD quality. If you are
adding music to your video there really is no choice but to use the PCM tracks.
Can you tell me more about the Videonics Edit suite. This is the first I heard
of this.
Said to be available June. Here's Videonics blurb on it:
Videonics Edit Suite Product Description
========================================
Edit Suite, Videonics' first A/B roll edit controller, represents a
technological breakthrough for the video industry!
It has a target U.S. suggested retail price of $699 and is scheduled for
shipment in the spring of 1995.
=====
FEATURES
o A/B roll edit controller when used with any multiple source, GPI
compatible mixer/switcher or single source, B-roll editor with random
assemble editing capabilities when used alone.
o A/B/C/D roll editing when used with a Videonics MX-1
o 250 event non-volatile memory
o Professional jog/shuttle wheel for precise video frame-by-frame
positioning
o Supports all major timecode formats: vertical interval timecode (VITC),
longitudinal timecode (LTC) and rewritable consumer timecode (RC)
o Controls both consumer and professional VCRs using Control-L (LANC),
Control-M (5-pin), RS-232/422 and record deck infrared (IR)
o Two independently programmable GPI triggers
o Computer interface for project import/export and CMX EDL export
o Edit preview and review
o Advanced insert, split and auto-match-frame edit capabilities
=====
INTRODUCTION
For the first time anywhere, Edit Suite gives any producer, professional
editing and multiple VCR control capabilities at an incredible price,
hundreds of dollars lower than comparable products! With the capability to
connect to both consumer and broadcast VCRs, Edit Suite can be used by
beginners, serious videographers and professionals in more demanding
off-line editing situations. It reads all the major timecode formats and a
250 event memory retains its contents between sessions. The computer
interface allows you to download and upload the EDL memory for multiple
project management and also export industry standard CMX text files.
A/B Roll Editing
Controlling up to (4) play and (1) record VCRs is an easy task for Edit
Suite. When connected to the Videonics MX-1 Digital Video Mixer, A/B/C/D
roll editing is possible, otherwise any 3rd party, multiple source, GPI
compatible mixer will work. When operated alone, Edit Suite operates as a
cuts-only random assemble editor. All EDL events may be cut, copied and
pasted allowing EDL reordering.
VCR Control
Edit Suite understands Sony Control-L, Panasonic Control-M, RS232 and RS-422
protocols and even includes an IR wand to control decks with that
capability. Accuracy is strictly a function of the equipment attached. As
you upgrade your equipment, Edit Suite adapts. Add a frame accurate VCR and
your edits become frame accurate. Add a deck with split edit capability and
your cutting your audio and video at separate times.
Time Code Formats
Edit Suite reads Rewritable Consumer timecode (RC), Vertical Interval
Timecode (VITC) recorded as part of the video signal, and Longitudinal
Timecode (LTC) typically recorded on an audio track.
Jog/Shuttle Wheel
A professional jog/shuttle wheel allows the user to manipulate the video
from any connected VCR. The center jog portion is a free spinning, velocity
sensitive, weighted wheel, allowing precise frame-by-frame control. The
outside shuttle wheel has five detent positions with a 1x play speed (fwd &
rev) and a maximum speed advance (fwd & rev).
Edit Suite accommodates other equipment
Edit Suite contains two (2) independently programmable GPI triggers. The GPI
1/(M) jack is used for any mixer connection and the GPI 2/(T) jack is
available for any compatible device such as the Videonics TitleMaker 2000 or
other peripheral.
Easily Understandable
The sophistication of Edit Suite is awesome! But even with this high level
of functionality, Edit Suite maintains a user interface which is simple and
elegant. Each EDL event appears on a backlit, 40 character LCD making it
visible under all lighting conditions. The number of keys has been kept to a
minimum reducing the operation complexity when compared to similar units.
U.S. suggested retail price ……………………………… $699
=== === ===
FEATURES (Preliminary)
Videonics Edit Suite: Model AB-1
The Edit Suite represents a technological breakthrough in A/B roll edit
controllers. It is compatible with the Videonics MX-1 and any other GPI
compatible mixers, switchers and titlers. Supporting multiple VCR control
protocols (Sony Control-L, Panasonic Control-M, RS-232/422 & Infrared), all
major timecode formats and a 250 scene edit decision memory, Edit Suite
adapts to any editing situation. With features such as a weighted
jog/shuttle wheel, 2 independent GPI triggers, adjustable backlit LCD, file
import/export and advanced functions such as insert and split edits, Edit
Suite is comfortable in both consumer and professional editing situations.
Capable, versatile, and surprisingly affordable: The Edit Suite A/B Roll
Edit Controller from Videonics.
o A/B/C/D roll editing (when used with Videonics MX-1 Digital Video Mixer)
o Control up to four 4 play VCRs; 1 record VCR
o Sequence, cuts only, or random assembly
o Select MX-1 transition number, direction, speed, backgrounds and border
colors
o Works with GPI compatible mixers, titlers and other equipment
o Two independent GPI ports for multiple device control
o Stores up to 250 scenes
o Control-L, Control-M, RS-232, RS-422 consumer and professional VCR
interfaces supported
o Jog/Shuttle wheel for precise VCR control
o Standard button VCR control
o Supports RC, VITC and LTC timecode formats
o Backlit, 40 character LCD display.
o Advanced audio only, video only, insert, and split edits with compatible
decks
o Internal beeper for user feedback/error detection
o Easy-to-read Edit Decision List (EDL) display
o Auto-build EDL and auto-assemble
o Manual time entry capability
o Edit preview (view planned edits); edit review (view completed edits)
o Multiple project storage
o Computer interface for import/export of project data
o CMX 3400-compatible file export allows off-line EDL transfer to on-line
suites
o Built-in product feature demo
o Non-volatile RAM saves work when power is off
o Includes three Control-L and three Control-M cables, a GPI cable and an IR
wand
o Two-year limited warranty
o PAL and NTSC versions available
====
DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS
Power Requirements: 12 VAC, 1.0A. 120 VAC, 60 Hz adapter incl. in
US/Canada. (Other supplies available in other areas)
Power Supply: UL/CSA approved (non-US/Canada versions meet local regulatory
standards); complies with FCC
Dimensions: 12 x 9.5 x 3.9" (300 x 240 x 99 mm)
Weight: 4 lbs. (1.8 kg)
Ambient temperature: 32P104!F (0P40!C)
Ambient humidity: Less than 90%
CONNECTORS
VITC/LTC: 5 x (RCA)
Timecode video signal: compositeQ1.0 Vp-p 75-ohm
Timecode audio signal: -10dBvQ100k ohm
GPI: 2 x (mini jack), active-low signal
IR Wand: 2"-15' usable distance typical/50mm-4.6 meters +/-20!
Deck Control: 5 x 8-pin (DIN)
Computer: 1 x DB-9 RS-232 protocols
====
February 7, 1995, Mark Calice
Copyright 1995, Videonics, Inc.
Subject to change without notice.
Videonics manufactures a complete line of video editing equipment for home
and prosumer users. CompuServe users can find more information by searching
for keyword VIDEONICS in the Videonics library of CEVIDEO forum (library
13). For a brochure showing the complete line, E-mail your address to
Videonics 72662,3115.
You can also reach Videonics via Internet at:
HelpLine@Videonics.com
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