OT: Video Mixer

RalphM wrote on 12/29/2007, 10:28 AM

We have a need to switch between 2 or 3 video sources at my church. Our existing setup is cumbersome and unreliable.

Our sources are a laptop running through a VGA to Composite video converter and a DVD/VCR player. We occasionally add live video. Composite video is fed to ceiling mounted projectors. We have no need for bells and whistles - just smooth switching from one source to another and the abiulity to preview the source before projection.

I've been looking at a new Edirol V4 ~$900US and some warranteed Panasonic WJMX20's which appear to sell around $500 on eBay.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks,
RalphM

Comments

baysidebas wrote on 12/29/2007, 10:40 AM

Smoothness, when switching among non-genlocked [read free-running] video sources, is a hit and miss proposition, mostly miss, and you can forget about dissolving between such sources. What you must look for in a mixer is the ability to frame synchronize among the sources. This raises the price for the device as it involves the addition of electronics to achieve that, but it would be essential for your needs.

RalphM wrote on 12/29/2007, 3:50 PM

Thanks baysidebas,

The V4 does claim to have frame synch, don't know about the Panasonic.

Catwell wrote on 12/29/2007, 8:42 PM

Look at the DATAVIDEO SE 500. It is a simple 4 input mixer with time base correction. I use one at work and it has been very good for the purpose.

autopilot wrote on 12/30/2007, 11:37 AM

We've been using Videonics ( I think now it's Focus Enhancements ) for years now. We started off with the MX-1 and now we're using an MX-4 DV. Look on Ebay for an MX-1 if you don't want anything too elaborate.

richard-courtney wrote on 12/30/2007, 12:01 PM

I'd recommend using the TriCaster from Newtek and if you can wait.

I visited a few large churches with JVC GY-DV550 cameras. Can't
tell you how much I loved a genlocked system. As we move to HD
you might find a complete system up for sale.

RalphM wrote on 12/30/2007, 1:27 PM

Thanks for the specific recommendations all!!!

RalphM