#Amiga Control VCR?
31 messages in this thread
As you seem fairly knowledgable in these things… (a bit aside from the
thread, I'm afraid…) Do you know if it is possible to control a VCR from
the Amiga in any way? Is there any way to have the Amiga read the video
coming out of the VCR, and decide where it is on the tape, and take action
based on that?
ie. if at location X on the tape, genlock this anim over the tape video,
if at location Y, then pause the VCR for 10 seconds and get some computer
input, etc… Is this what SMPTE is? Is any prosumer level VCR capable of
this? Now, back to CD-I (maybe I should call the other VD-I ))) –jp–
John,
Just the other day, I read/heard/saw a discussion about this. But for the
life of me, I can't find it now. I checked every forum I could think of
related to video, and a bunch of magazines… and no go.
So hopefully someone else has an answer for you. I bet they will.
Hmm. I wonder if I keyed on SMPTE in an article on synchronizing CDROM or
laser disc overlays? I was hoping I'd seen it in a review of an affordable
VCR or SFX/dubbing generator, of course. If I find it, I'll yell.
The other thing I can't find, btw… is that I'm almost positive that a few
months back I saw a notice in BYTE mag of an Amiga -> VCR controller using
a small IR card you trained with your remote control. While not good for
very time-critical synch'ing of overlays, it seems like it would be one
heck of a cheap start. Sorry I'm not of assistance so far. best – kev
Kevin, thanks for the try. I think I'll mosey over to the Broadcast forum
and ask again… likely they have more experience in this. I should have
thought of that earlier…. –jp–
John – I see someone else fixed you up. It was in AMigaVen indeed that I
was reading about MIDI-SMPTE stuff.
I checked all the reviews in CEFORUM, btw… couldn't find anything on the
subject, which surprised me. Luck!
Umm… I'm fairly certain that the answer to most of your questions is
"Yes". I know that the Caligari system has some method of controling one
of the higher end Beta recorders for something like single frame recording,
and I believe Microillusions has a product called "Video Transport
Controller" which sounds an awful lot like what you're looking for.
Microillusions is one of the vendors in the AmigaVendor forum, BTW, so you
can ask them direct.
SMPTE is a Time Code format which the Society of Motion Pictures created
(the "SMP"), which has spread into all kinds of uses. One of them is doing
video edits something like what you're suggesting. As I recall, you lay a
SMPTE code track on one of the audio channels, and as it plays back, you
can accurately tell where you are on the tape for doing edits and the like.
John,
It is possible to control a VCR from the Amiga. Check out TCCOMP.ARC in
DL10 of the AmigaVendor forum. That file describes which VCRs are
compatible with "Transport Controller", and a lot more.
Once you've done that, and realized just how expensive the hardware is,
know that I am working on direct control of VCRs, without an interface. I
have already done it with the AG6500 and AG7500 VCRs (VHS & S-VHS).
However, from frame-accuracy, you still need SMPTE time code. A SMPTE time
code reader/generator for the Amiga is available for $800 list, or cheaper
if you buy it from me.
Also available with the SMPTE box is a program that will trigger a DPaint
animation at exactly the proper video frame, for the "Roger-Rabbit" type of
animation. This is already being done by a few people, who used to do it
manually, and hope they hit the key at the right time to start the anim;
now they can do automatically.
Currently, to record single-frames frame-accurately it takes an
industrial quality VCR ($3000+). Triggerring an anim at the proper time
can be done on even the cheapest VCRs.
Oh yes; the SMPTE software supports ARexx, so you can trigger an ARexx
script frame-accurately. I'm told that you can use framegrabber to
digitize an exact frame using it; useful if your VCR does not have a good
freeze.
Let me know if you have more questions.
—Mike
I am very interested in what you've described – Amiga control of a VCR,
optional SMPTE, and (if I understand your Roger Rabbit analogy), overlaying
an animation on top of a video source, outputing it to a destination deck.
Please tell me how I can get more detailed information. ===Scott
I don't have the detailed information in a file. If you email me your
address, I'll send you some lit.
In the meantime, it's quite simple. MicroIllusions makes a time code
reader/generator for the Amiga. The box can be purchased directly from me.
You record the time code on a spare audio channel, then when you play the
tape, the Amiga will know exactly what frame is being displayed. You can
have ARexx trigger a script. I have written a program that triggers a
DeluxePaint animation at any exact frame.
The Time code box is $799 list, or $680 from me. If you buy it from me,
I'll throw in the Dpaint trigger program.
If you want to control a VCR, check out TCCOMP.ARC in DL10 of
AmigaVendor. Also, for $1100 (includes time code box), I can supply
hardware to control the Panasonic AG6500 or AG7500 VCRs ($3500/$5200)
directly, without the cost of one of the special interfaces ($2400+).
If you want a complete 2-9 VCR editing system, that is available as well.
—Mike
Mike,
Just out of curiosity, have you done anything for the AG1960 using
the Future Video EC1000Pro edit controller? It has a serial port and is
supposed to control the AG1960s with +/- 2 frames accuracy. Also time code
compatible. The relatively low cost of this equipment has made it popular
with Amiga users (ok, ok, with me specifically). Might be worth checking
into for you?
Nick
Nick,
I've spoken with the Future Video people many times. I suggested (last
year) that they output their edit list in standard (CMX) format), so that
it is compatible with industry (not to mention my EDLP program; oops, too
late, just mentioned it). I believe they have done that.
Their system looks pretty good, from what I've seen at shows. I heard
from Panasonic that with the time code option, there are problems;
something about recording time code on the HD track is not a good idea. I
haven't checked into it because so far none of my clients are interested in
it. They usually want frame-accuracy.
At the last video expo (here in L.A.), Panasonic was showing a
modification to the 1960 made by a third-party that puts time code and a
serial port in it. They've promised to send me the specs and a demo unit
when available; probably within six weeks.
—Mike
Mike,
When you do get that demo unit (of the 1960), let us know how it works
out. I'm just exploring the video field and would really like the info.
What I've been doing for the past couple of years is videoing my school
bands throughout the year and then assembling a "finished" video for end of
the year viewing. It's very crude and unprofessional looking. I'd like to
be able to have more control over the creative aspects and present a
product that they will want to see. I've also been approached by the
administration about doing the same thing on a school-wide basis. Sort of a
video yearbook type of project. So far, I know very little about what I
need in the way of hardware to accomplish these things. Any thoughts would
be helpful.
Regards,
Allen
I'm afraid it will always look unprofessional without professional
equipment, although proper editing techniques will help immensely. I've
seen seminars on proper editing techniques for $600. I haven't found a
good book yet. One of these days I mean to write some magazine articles
about it.
The guy who videos the U.S. Olympic gymnasts is now using an Amiga and my
time code reader to log his tapes prior to editing. He's interested in
having the editing done by the Amiga too. We'll see what happens. —Mike
Thanks for the reply re the Future Video and AG1960. The modified 1960
with time code sounds promising. Hope you can share your impressions of it
when you get the demo unit?
Nick
P.S. You have mentioned in the past a commercial version of VTOT…is this
available? If so, where? I want one!
VTOT is RSN. I will let you know when I find out more about the 1960.
—Mike
Nick,
I've been thinking of getting into video a little more and would like to
get an editing VCR (or 2 if I could afford it). Do you own an AG1960? If
so, how do you like it? Know anything about the consumer Panasonic PVS4990?
It appears to be like the 1960, but with consumer goodies (such as PIP,
event recording, etc.).
Regards,
Allen
Thanks for the replies, all. However, single frame is not what I'm after
in this case. What I'd like to do is: Be able, from an Amiga program (via
serial port), to: 1) find out WHERE I AM on the tape. 2) tell the tape to
go to place XXX (in frames, SMPTE, anywhichway). 3) Tell the VCR to start
playing for 10 seconds, etc. 4) Stop the VCR, rewind it, FF it, etc.
Frankly, interactive VCR. ala Interactive LaserDisk. Only using a VCR
instead of a LaserDisk (because mastering a tape is MUCH cheaper than
mastering a LaserDisk!) The VCR can cost $3-5000 or so, that's ok, but can
it be DONE??? Apologies if I wasn't clear before. –jp–
Yes, it can be done; has been done. I can do it (frame-accurately) for a
total of $1100, plus $3500 for VHS or $5500 for S-VHS VCR. This includes a
SMPTE reader/generator, special cable, and software. Uses ARexx for the
script.
It can be done cheaper if you don't need SMPTE or frame-accuracy ($500).
—Mike
OK, no don't need frame accuracy, just within 1-3 seconds or so. Basically
just be able to pop a tape in the machine, tell it what tape it IS, and
then click on various gadgets, etc to move and play the tape at various
spots. Now that I know it can be done, I'll start checking into equipment,
prices, etc… thanks. –jp–
Mike,
I have a friend who is an independent film maker. He is moving from 35 mm
to video (or actully has been doing either based on what the project and
customer demand). He has an Amiga now for his office support – billing,
customer mailing lists, DTP work he requires – but has not yet put it in
the studio. The main reason is that he has not located a dealer in his area
that is video knowledgeable and he spends much time on the road shooting.
Anyway, I told him I would gather up as much info as I could for Amiga
Video products and send him the info.
I was wondering if you had an info pak on TC and if I Emailed you his
address if you could send him some and add him to any mailing list you
might keep?
wmc
Wayne,
I'd be glad to send him (or anyone) information on pro video products for
the Amiga. Just email me the address. —Mike
Mike,
Me too, please.
243 Sherman Canal Venice CA 90291
…Dave
Mike, I would like an info package too.
Frank Schilder 21C Deerfield Drive, Nepean, Ontario Canada K2G 3R7
Thanks
Coming at you. —Mike
Mike,
As long as you are passing out info on pro video products for the Amiga,
could you shoot some my way?
Nick Moore
Digital Graffiti
331 Edinborough Dr.
Findlay, Oh 45840
Thanks,
Nick
You be on the list. 8) —Mike
Hi Mike, if you have time, you could add me to your list for sending info.
Ken Cooper Box 142, Stn A Vancouver, BC. Canada V6C 2M3
Regards, Ken Cooper
Mike, count me in too. John Pendergrass
1039 NE 95th
Seattle, WA 98115 thanks –jp–
Got it. –Mike
Mike Please send me one to Ted Stanford Productions 6521 Burrows Ct.
Dallas Tex. &5023
I'm assuming your zip code is "75023". Let me know if it isn't. —Mike