Comments

GaryKleiner wrote on 11/3/2003, 12:49 PM
You can emulate the pixel aspect ratio, but as far as the picture looks, a computer monitor is progressive scan and has much different gamma characteristics. AFAIK, no way to really get around needing a video monitor to really see what you are working with.

Gary
Kab wrote on 11/3/2003, 12:53 PM
So is there any other way, other than using a cam, for passing the signal from the hard drive tot he external monitor, or are there external monitors that accept a firewire connection?
Jsnkc wrote on 11/3/2003, 1:06 PM
The only other way to do it is to get an external box or PCI card. Check into the Canopus ADVC-100 or the ACEDVio card, both will allow you to do what you want to without having to passthrough your camera.
GaryKleiner wrote on 11/3/2003, 1:25 PM
>are there external monitors that accept a firewire connection?<

Yes there are, but they would cost you more than buying another camcorder (a lot more).

Gary
BillyBoy wrote on 11/3/2003, 1:33 PM
Depends what you mean by emulate. Some graphic cards, even Photoshop comes with a utility where you can alter the gamma of your monitor and effect the color tempature. Doing so will get you closer to how a TV produces colors. Also some monitors allow you to do it directly with the monitor.

For example I noticed a lot here have said they have a Matrox G550. If you do and you want to play around, go to the advanced tab, then color. You can change the gamma of your monitor screen this way and also adjust the red, green and blue. In won't hurt anything to do some knob twisting, just hit cancel when done. Not recommending you change your monitor, but just to see the effect. You can do the same thing with Adobe's utility that allows you to set up your monitor so colors can appear more like under daylight etc..

The reason I and others keep harping on using an external monitor for color correction is besides what I just said its how colors are produced on a computer monitor verses a television that can get you in trouble. So not wanting to open than can of worms again as to how far you need to go, enough to say if you're making vids for viewing on a TV then you really need an external monitor or you're never going to get colors and levels right. If or not you need a expensive NTSC monitor or can get by with a cheaper TV has been beat to death enough.
BrianStanding wrote on 11/3/2003, 1:48 PM
Try one of these:
http://www.canopus.us/US/Products/index/products_advc.asp

http://www.canopus.us/us/products/ACEDVio/pm_ACEDVio.asp
farss wrote on 11/3/2003, 2:38 PM
The ADS Pyro converter is VERY cheap if you hunt around.
I've just ordered one at half the price of the Canopus box.
Kab wrote on 11/3/2003, 4:32 PM
This is all very good advice. I'm seriously looking intot getting that Canopus card, looks that will do the trick. Thanks very much!