#Transport Controller
4 messages in this thread
Time code must be recorded on the tape. Time code is a signal that
uniquely identifies each frame of video. Using that signal, an external
device can perform a frame accurate edit. Tape positioning thus does not
depend on the accuracy of the machine. It is no coincidence that I am
working on a time code generator for the Amiga. —Mike
Mike…..please expound….what equipment is available, professional or
consumer to perform the timecode task….on equipment such as a Sony 8mm
system Computer generated home movies Intriques me to no end but single
frame is a must! Will your coder handle such a reorder? Is it hardware or
software? Will it be affordable at the consumer level, and the eternal
question…when? ……………………………….Louis
Please call me during west coast business hours at 1-800-522-2104
(outside CA). I need to talk to you about some of your pictures, and we
can also talk about this.
In the meantime, the software for controlling a single-frame hardware is
called "Transport Controller", and has been shipping for some months (KJ
Computers has it for $239). It uses a "printer driver" type system so that
as additional (and lower cost) hardware becomes available, a driver will
be available in the DL area.
The cheapest hardware that is frame accurate is about $2000, not
including the VCR. I expect cheaper ones will be available; I could design
one if I had the time, but I know of at least one other company working
towards it. Remember, this is the first time a computer under $20K has
needed such a device!
The cheapest VCR controllable right now is probably the 1950 at about
$2000 (I think, don't have a price list handy). Controllable with absolute
frame accuracy, that is. The criterion is A; it must have a remote
control connector, B; it must have a "flying erase head" for clean edits,
and C; a piece of hardware must be designed to control it. A and B are
fairly common and relatively inexpensive, and C is coming. (Coming for the
cheaper machines, that is; it is available now for the 1950).
If you need me to record some things to S-VHS or 3/4" single-frame, we
can certainly work something out. Give me a call! —Mike Berro
Why not just work on a cable that you can connect from the serial or
parallel port and into the remore controller port of the VCR. Then you
could make two drivers, one for the SONY SLGF1000 and PANOSONIC AG1950.
Then the controller could send a single frame record command to the VCR at
each frame and there you have it… An animation on a 1200 dollar VCR and
a 200 dollar cable and controller!!! I think that OTHER companies are
working on this, why not try to make it EVEN MORE AFFORDABLE!!!