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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Skype with an Epic?

C

Craig Schober

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Does anybody know of a setup allowing me to use my Epic for my Skype or FaceTime camera? I'm running a Mac Mini with thunderbolt ports so you would think that all I need is an HDMI to thunderbolt converter (which I have) but it does't work. I guess the converter only outputs TB to HDMI and not the other way around?

Would this do it or is there a cheaper solution I'm missing?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...SIN=B007CYJ4WM&linkCode=as2&tag=helincocom-20

thanks
 
You need an SDI or HDMI converter to a class compliant webcam device. This is possible, and asked on here before, but really, why?
 
I have a studio that regularly streams to a few internet and broadcast TV networks conducting interviews with guests via Skype. I have the Logitech C930e Webcam and the Epic in the studio. The Logitech is good for a webcam but it looks terrible (fisheye distortion, poor auto iris and white balance) when you consider this video is streaming to broadcast HD network TV. Why not use the Epic if I can?
 
To be compatible to low bandwidths and all skype clients you need to get down to SD.. I'm not sure do not have the camera infront of me, but if the camera can output SD out of the BNC then hook that to a video card and select the video card as your skype camera and is should work. I done it via... HD BNC out to a HD - SD down converter to a SD - Fire wire converter to my laptop Firewire port....

sounds like a lot of hassle but it's actually so that the picture that then came to the camera was so freaking clean so the compression hardly touches is. Clients could sit on another continent and follow the shoot like they where on set sitting in the agency sofa. We put the sound to come from the laptop so when needed we just walked over to the laptop and discussed the image with them. Did the wardrobe the same way just had the talent go stand in front of the camera together with the stylist...
 
Craig - have a look at the Intensity Extreme from BlackMagic Design. You feed it from the HDMI output on the RED and it should just show as a "connected camera" on your mac. Then you should be able to use it as an input for Skype.
The UltraStudio Mini Recorder should offer the same and give you option of using either the HDMI or the SDI inputs.
Best to ask anyone with either of the above products to make sure this works - but my money is on it being just fine...

:sifone: Peter
 
Thanks Peter and everyone else for your replies. It's strange to find myself with both a 5k camera and a need to send a tiny video stream at the same time. But rest assured, I am shooting 5k on my Epic and editing on my 5k iMac so no complaints from me.
 
Craig W. Bickerstaff said:
So that the person you talk to can marvel at all the bokeh that would be behind you.
Click to expand...

That's just one advantage ;-)

Does anyone know what video resolution and frame rate Skype supports? I am outputting HDMI into a Black Magic Intensity Extreme box and into my Mac Mini via Thunderbolt. I'm getting a picture on the Mac Mini but nothing in Skype. I've tried 720p, 1080p all at 30fps and 60fps. Skype sees the BlackMagic box so I know thunderbolt works as a source. I just don't know if there's a limitation in Skype software or a setting i'm missing.
 
Craig Schober said:
That's just one advantage ;-)

Does anyone know what video resolution and frame rate Skype supports? I am outputting HDMI into a Black Magic Intensity Extreme box and into my Mac Mini via Thunderbolt. I'm getting a picture on the Mac Mini but nothing in Skype. I've tried 720p, 1080p all at 30fps and 60fps. Skype sees the BlackMagic box so I know thunderbolt works as a source. I just don't know if there's a limitation in Skype software or a setting i'm missing.
Click to expand...

only used it with 25p. so you maybe try that.
 
When my fiance was in South America for 5 months I sent a nice professional shotgun mic with her. I would have definitely tried to get my Epic hooked up on my end if HDMI capture cards weren't so expensive and unreliable. Having a laptop as your only means of communication to a loved one for extended times definitely gives you a appreciation for high quality sound and picture. There is almost nothing more frustrating in the world than trying to have a serious conversation with feedback problems in sound or the camera constantly flickering between overexposed and underexposed.
 
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