OT: Instant replay for a live event

GregFlowers wrote on 9/4/2010, 11:22 AM
As a favor to a friend, I do video for mixed martial arts events. My friend that puts on the shows would like to add an instant replay feature to show the highlights of the previous round in between rounds and after the match. He is looking for something simple, like the instant replay feature found on his DISH dvr. He event got a cheap TIVO but it wouldn't accept the camera's input. The video is run to a distribution amp and viewed on four 50 inch LCD tvs.

I am looking for a set top box, like a pvr/dvr that will take the composite imputs from my camera and allow instant replay of the live video, and be able to go back to the live video instantly with the push of a button. We would like to avoid the use of a software solution because the operator will likey be a novice with no real time to train. The simpler the better. We are looking for an inexpensive solution, in the hundreds of dollars rather than thousands.

I've looked quite a bit but have been surprised I haven't found many solutions yet. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

baysidebas wrote on 9/4/2010, 12:48 PM
Look for a used ReplayTV unit on ebay (these have been discontinued for many years but have a tremendous following and are part of a thriving community).
musicvid10 wrote on 9/4/2010, 1:53 PM
One great solution to this is a DVD-RAM recorder, such as my Panasonic set-top unit.
You can preview, Play, FF, FR, all while the unit is recording continuously on the same disc, or jump back to the live feed.
Anyone who can operate a DVD remote can run your replay booth.
I use it a lot for instant replays during live football broadcasts, for instance (now that Denver has a couple of quarterbacks).
GregFlowers wrote on 9/4/2010, 7:53 PM
Thanks both of you. Musicvid, what is the model number of the panasonic unit you're using. Sounds like it would work well for what I need.
musicvid10 wrote on 9/4/2010, 9:41 PM
Greg,
See a recent related discussion here:
http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/forums/ShowMessage.asp?ForumID=4&MessageID=724263

Since my unit (which I use almost every day) is obsolete, I can neither critique nor recommend newer units. However, I have the impression that the criticism of the newer Panasonics is possibly hype, because of my 25 year consumer experience with Matsushita.