#Flite Gear & Hi-8 Decks
12 messages in this thread
This Friday evening I received a beta test version of a module which allows
FliteGear to control Hi-8 decks through Future Video controllers and the Lanc
connector (Control-L) port. This means that I can now do batch digitizing of
my Hi-8 source material in the same way that the SFC has been used for
controlling RS-422 decks. Sony's RC time code is read into Flite Logger and the
accuracy of edits is consistently 1-2 frames. If you are interested in this
module, which should be released in the near future by Harrold Russell, I would
recommend giving him a call at (801) 466-7330. Although there are a few bugs in
the software (as should be expected in a beta test version), I am able to
readily use the software with my Future Video controller to batch digitize Hi-8
source material played back on my Sony EV-S7000 decks. It certainly expedites
the chore of digitizing lots of clips from tape.
I continue to be amazed by the level of support Harrold offers for Flite Gear
and find it to be a remarkably useful front end for the Flyer.
Tom
Tom,
Is the module able to connect directly to LANC, or must the Future Video
Controller be used as well?
Regards,
Gary
Gary,
The Future Video controller is required just as the Personal SFC is required to
control serial controlled decks.
Tom
Tom,
I assume the FG Hi-8 model will work only with RCTC, or will it work with any
LANC VTR?
Tom,
Great news about RC TC support!
My Canon L2 supports RCTC and I could use it for batch digitizing { with Flite
Gear. I will definitely buy FG at this point (if RC module works). I also have
a Future Video Controller. Will all this work with the A2000 version of Flite
Gear?
Sam,
Does your L-2 have poor contrast in the viewfinder? After owning an L-1 and 2
L-2s, I have figured out how to adjust this.
Regards,
Gary
Gary,
YES! My L-2 has lousy contrast in the viewfinder! HOW DID YOU FIX IT?
Any other L-2 tips would be appreciated. For one thing, I'm very disappointed
with the auto exposure in the PEAK mode. I still get a lot of burnout when I
try this and usually have to go to manual exposure.
What are your general impressions of the L2? I have mixed feelings…
Sam,
I have no trouble with the Peak Exposure mode. In fact, I use it quite often.
My suggestion would be to knock the exposure control down a notch or two.
To increase the viewfinder contrast:
Take apart the viewfinder housing (three tiny phillips head screws). You'll see
a vertical circuit board. Lift up the front end of the board a bit and on the
side facing the camera there are two adustment screws. The lower (brown one) is
the contrast. Turn it clockwise for more contrast. To be safe turn the camera
power off when actually making the adjustment. Adjust only in fine increments.
BTW, the upper ajustment screw on the other side lets you tweak the vertical
height of the picture.
Regards,
Gary
Gary,
Thanks for the contrast/tweak.
Re peak mode — I often shoot performers in theatrical lighting, and find that
auto peak mode, even with exposure turned all the way down, results in often
washed out scenes. I have to use manual exposure and adjust as I go, which is
not easy…
Hi Gary –
We use the L-1 as our edit suite camera. Any tips on it's use would be
appreciated.
Needless to say, we carry Flite Gear and offer a special discount to CIS
customers. If you, or anyone else, is interested, drop me EMail.
Hank
Videology, Inc Where you always get P.O.M.P. and
Service under all circumstances
Sam,
i am using Flite Gear and the Flyer on an Amiga 4000 so I really can't directly
comment on using it with an A2000. However, I see no reason why it should not
work. I have spent a few hours using the various modules supplied with Flite
Gear. There are some problems which Harrold will need to address, but, by and
large, it does the job of batch editing and digitizing Hi-8 footage quite well.
Tom
Tom,
I think there are two versionss of Flite Gear — one for the A4000 and one for
the A2000. I think this is mostly because of the AGA vs non-AGA issues.
I'm looking forward to using it; my dealer is waiting for the 2000 version.