Recommendations on Pro DV converter that works with VV3?

mikemo wrote on 9/9/2002, 2:53 PM
Hi -

I'm wondering if VV3 has a recommendation on a professional grade analog/DV converter. We're using VV3 for all our DV productions now, but we'd like to be able to capture/print to analog sources in a more productive way. That being said, is there a firewire based converter out there that VV3 works with to:

1) capture from a Sony BetaSP deck with RS-422 serial control (logging/batch capture ability through VV3 is key)

2) allows us to control and print BACK to the same Sony BetaSP deck. Doesn't need to be frame accurate - just want to be able to control the print to tape feature from the computer without having to que up the deck manually.

Any recommendations? Thank you for your help!

Comments

John_Beech wrote on 9/9/2002, 3:06 PM
Do you have information on if the ProMax DA-MAX+ does not allow this implementation of functions - i.e. the one on this page at ProMax . . .

http://www.promax.com/Products/Detail/27012

Here's what was posted within results of a search on ProMax DA-MAX+ . . . this is a handy facility of this forum.

Posted by: SonicEPM (Ignore This User)
Date: 9/3/2002 8:45:14 AM

Active- please let us know if you find any issues (pro or con) with the Promax. I messed around with it for about a month, but had to return it (loaner). I had been looking for a box like this for about 2 years and it seemed to do just about everything well with both a PVW and BVW deck.


wcoxe1 wrote on 9/9/2002, 9:50 PM
Check out the DataVideo DAC-2. It has a full complement of in/outputs, including Componenet for your Beta, as well as firewire. It has locked video and is well rated by just about everyone I can find who comments on it.

Let us know what you think, and your final decision.
John_Beech wrote on 9/10/2002, 9:28 AM
It would have helped a bit if you'd given a web site for these guys. Meanwhile I ordered the DA-MAX+ yesterday - the principal feature the DA-MAX+ has over the DataVideo device is machine control using RS-422.

This is very important to us if for example we never get VV to perform insert edits as I can subsequently use the same DA-MAX+ device with Avid's DV Express software instead. The way it works is that instead of connecting the edit deck's RS-422 to the DA-MAX+ device's RS-422 port we connect it to the computer's RS-232 (common serial connection) port and the included software (from proMAX) will permit the editing application to control the deck. The editing application of course could be Avid's DV Express or (for example) Apple's FCP - both of which permit insert edits with IEEE-1394 technology using thi DA-MAX+ and which SoFo's VV does not currently have.

Nonetheless, I remain hopeful of its presence in the upcoming VV4 as I am amazed at what VV3 can currently do . . . especially when I take into account Avid has been doing video for going on 10 years (and hence, would be expected to 'know' the importance of this) while SoFo is a relative newcomer to the arena. Of course, other editing applications, i.e. Adobe's Premier, can also use RS-422 decks to perform insert edits when using a DA-MAX+ by using a third party application (reference Pipeline Digital).

RS-422 via the Sony 9-pin protocol is the defacto standard for deck control in the professional video world. In my opinion, any attempt to woo professionals would by definition permit them to connect the VV workstation to the rest of the facility and to further neglect an issue like this would injure SoFo's attempts to promote their world-class piece of software amongst them. There are other issues of concern to professionals, to wit, accurate EDL import/export using common formats like Sony, Grass Valley, and CMX.

Otherwise, thanks for the info.

John Beech
wcoxe1 wrote on 9/10/2002, 9:53 AM
All you had to do was enter the URL: www.datavideo-tek.com
John_Beech wrote on 9/10/2002, 9:54 AM
Thank you. John
mikemo wrote on 9/10/2002, 5:01 PM
Thanks guys...I'll be checking out both and posting what we decide to go with.

I know this may be a ridiculous question to ask - but are there any rumors as to when VV4 may be coming out? Would hate to buy this thing, then find issues related to a new software version...

Thanks again!

mike
wcoxe1 wrote on 9/10/2002, 8:46 PM
also try:

www.datavideo-tek.com
Active wrote on 9/11/2002, 4:53 AM
we are still having problems with the promax...this has helped. however i keep posting problems on this list every now and then !

(1) only have 1 video input connected at any one time (ie compoonent/comps/yc)
(2) do not use the internal 6 port 1394 hub
(3) run the latest firmware builds (currently 42)
(4) do not connect any dv devices to the promax
(5) turn off all OTHER dv devices when using the promax (obviously not 1394 HD's)

this is a good starting point.

GLEN