OT : Editing system to complement an FCP suite

StudioB wrote on 3/12/2005, 10:20 AM

I am currently designing a video production and play out system for a theatre. The prospective user prefers Apple so the main editing stations will be FCP HD based.
As a complement to this I want to add a second editing system which is PC based and thus more familiar for the corresponding users and at the same time maybe offers some features and functions FCP HD is not so good at.
The budget is limited meaning that the PC based system should have a comparable price tag as the FCP system, which btw will be using Decklink video adapters.
The customer is eager to expand to HD/HDV in the future and a Sony HDV camera is on our list already.

Regarding the play-out I am also still looking for the perfect solution. Ideally we would go for a Catalyst or Coolux media server but both are quite expensive. We need random video (SD/HD) playback with realtime processing capabilities.

Any ideas welcome.

Boris Balin

Comments

Yoyodyne wrote on 3/12/2005, 10:36 AM

Sounds like a job for Sony Vegas and Dataton Watchout!

Vegas is, of course an incredibly powerful and flexible NLE and DAW and works great with FCP. Watchout is an infinitely scalable, computer based, multi screen playback system with tons of realtime compositing plus a bunch more stuff.

Check it out here;

http://www.dataton.com/

B_JM wrote on 3/12/2005, 12:46 PM

if you need help with dataton, or more info outside the forum on dataton - email me ..

i am a dataton programmer/engineer system designer (among many other things) and have a dataton system set up in my house ...

JJKizak wrote on 3/12/2005, 1:18 PM

BJM:
You are one amazing dude.

JJK

StudioB wrote on 3/13/2005, 8:01 AM

Thanks for your input.
What kind of video I/O hardware would you recommend ?
AFAIK Vegas cannot use the effects functions of let's say canopus or matrox boards.

Re : Dataton
I have seen a demo of this system - I like the basic concept (internal timeline, synchronized playback) but the realtime processing functions are rather limited, at least compared to Pandoras box and Catalyst.
What about harddisk video players like the Alcorn McBride DVM or the Visual Circuits units. Has anybody used these already ?

Boris Balin

B_JM wrote on 3/13/2005, 11:50 AM

ive used lots of the alcorn mcbride units (and i mean lots) --

both HD and SD ...

problem is that you cant really mix and match file types ....

StudioB wrote on 3/13/2005, 11:22 PM

That's true - thsi unit is really picky about the file types and formats it will accept. Audio is played back only when it's at 44k1 which is a problem when playing back DVD material.
On the other hand it has all the control functions like GPI, 9-pin, RS-232, MIDI and a (slow!) network connection.

Boris Balin