For Immediate Release:
Convergent Design released today Vr 1.1.116 of the firmware with several product enhancements including frame-accurate edit-to tape. This unique feature will eliminate the need to re-record an entire tape when only a small section needs to be modified. This capability will save editors countless hours re-recording tapes and make seemingly impossible last-minute changes possible. The details of this firmware update are outlined below.
Firmware Enhancements
1) Added frame-accurate “Edit-to-Tape” capability. This function supports frame accurate insertion of new video and audio onto an existing BetaCam, DigiBeta, or MII tape (assemble as well as insert edits). It can be used to frame accurately print video to tape at a predefined “in-point” and a ragged “out-point” (assemble edits). Additionally, by entering the “out-point” on the LCD panel of SD-Connect, frame-accurate insert edits can be achieved. This function does require the user to pre-pend a special 3-second black leader, available from the Convergent Design web site, to the time-line. (See Application Note 0001)
2) Improved the genlock via better alignment of the composite video output to reference input. (additional corrections planned)
3) Added error messages for missing 1394 cable and missing LAN connection.
Bug Fixes
1) Corrected adjustment of the internal clock (genlock) during playback. This problem caused audio/video sync issues when using SDI as the video source during playback.
2) Added audio error correction (high pitched pops) caused by audio bit errors in the DV data stream.
3) Corrected time code read errors reported by some users.
Planned Enhancements
1) Uncompressed over 1394 Support. The standalone capture/playback application is now running with 8-bit uncompressed video. We are working on DirectShow drivers and 10-bit support. Full support for Vegas, Premiere and FCP is expected in 1st quarter 2005.
2) RS-422 command input -> 1394 AVC control. This feature is useful for Media100 and high end AVID systems which want to control a DV deck, but do not have 1394 I/O.
3) Audio level meters and comprehensive test pattern generators: scheduled for early next year
4) LTC support. We are working on an external box which will connect to SD-Connect via the RS-422 port for LTC I/O.
5) Ability to select individual audio channels, video and time code recording to the tape deck. This will allow audio dubs over existing video, for example.
Known Bugs/Issues
1) SDI Audio Header Error. Tape decks will accept the embedded audio over SDI, but the “SDI Audio” indicator will flash indicating an error in the data stream. We are researching this problem.
2) AES Audio Header Error. Similar to the SDI Audio Header error, the tape deck will accept the data stream but complain. We may have the consumer / professional bit reversed.
3) Video unlocks in fast-forward mode on consumer tape deck. SD-Connect will capture video from a consumer tape deck, but the screen will go blank when the VCR is put in fast-forward or reverse modes.
4) Switching between NTSC and PAL using external reference sometimes requires the box to be power cycled.
5) The 1394 cable must be disconnected and re-connected for the box to properly recognize a DV camcorder or tape deck (generally only a problem on Sony devices).
Convergent Design released today Vr 1.1.116 of the firmware with several product enhancements including frame-accurate edit-to tape. This unique feature will eliminate the need to re-record an entire tape when only a small section needs to be modified. This capability will save editors countless hours re-recording tapes and make seemingly impossible last-minute changes possible. The details of this firmware update are outlined below.
Firmware Enhancements
1) Added frame-accurate “Edit-to-Tape” capability. This function supports frame accurate insertion of new video and audio onto an existing BetaCam, DigiBeta, or MII tape (assemble as well as insert edits). It can be used to frame accurately print video to tape at a predefined “in-point” and a ragged “out-point” (assemble edits). Additionally, by entering the “out-point” on the LCD panel of SD-Connect, frame-accurate insert edits can be achieved. This function does require the user to pre-pend a special 3-second black leader, available from the Convergent Design web site, to the time-line. (See Application Note 0001)
2) Improved the genlock via better alignment of the composite video output to reference input. (additional corrections planned)
3) Added error messages for missing 1394 cable and missing LAN connection.
Bug Fixes
1) Corrected adjustment of the internal clock (genlock) during playback. This problem caused audio/video sync issues when using SDI as the video source during playback.
2) Added audio error correction (high pitched pops) caused by audio bit errors in the DV data stream.
3) Corrected time code read errors reported by some users.
Planned Enhancements
1) Uncompressed over 1394 Support. The standalone capture/playback application is now running with 8-bit uncompressed video. We are working on DirectShow drivers and 10-bit support. Full support for Vegas, Premiere and FCP is expected in 1st quarter 2005.
2) RS-422 command input -> 1394 AVC control. This feature is useful for Media100 and high end AVID systems which want to control a DV deck, but do not have 1394 I/O.
3) Audio level meters and comprehensive test pattern generators: scheduled for early next year
4) LTC support. We are working on an external box which will connect to SD-Connect via the RS-422 port for LTC I/O.
5) Ability to select individual audio channels, video and time code recording to the tape deck. This will allow audio dubs over existing video, for example.
Known Bugs/Issues
1) SDI Audio Header Error. Tape decks will accept the embedded audio over SDI, but the “SDI Audio” indicator will flash indicating an error in the data stream. We are researching this problem.
2) AES Audio Header Error. Similar to the SDI Audio Header error, the tape deck will accept the data stream but complain. We may have the consumer / professional bit reversed.
3) Video unlocks in fast-forward mode on consumer tape deck. SD-Connect will capture video from a consumer tape deck, but the screen will go blank when the VCR is put in fast-forward or reverse modes.
4) Switching between NTSC and PAL using external reference sometimes requires the box to be power cycled.
5) The 1394 cable must be disconnected and re-connected for the box to properly recognize a DV camcorder or tape deck (generally only a problem on Sony devices).