Welcome to our community

Be a part of something great, join today!

Log in
  • 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 :)

VIdeo assist on the set

Miguel "Macgregor" De Olaso

Miguel "Macgregor" De Olaso

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 29, 2006
Messages
796
Reaction score
0
Points
16
Location
Los Angeles
Now, since RED ONE only has HD digital outputs, the videoassistance for the script girl is becoming a problem.
Usually in the set we used to have one of these: http://k2w.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/gvhd7003q_lg.jpg

This was perfect for the script girl, she could record the takes, and watch them in a tiny device. And she could herself go back 2takes back to check how the actor´s hair was.

Now i haven´t been able to find a small, easy to use and compact product that can record via HDsdi and play quickly. Something small, portable and affordable.

ANy ideas out there?
 
I would suggest the AJA HD10MD3 downconverter.

This is a perfect accessory for RED steadicam work and other situations where you need to convert from HD-SDI to SD. With a tiny footprint and built in scaling and pulldown options, you now have a solution to get SD Composite Video, Y/C, or Component which is needed many times for Video Assist. They seem to be going for around $1800, but you probably could get a reasonable rental if you don't need to purchase one.

Here is more information from the AJA website:

The HD10MD3 is a miniature digital downconverter for converting HD-SDI video to standard definition SDI and analog component/composite video. The HD10MD3 uses a full 10-bit data path and multi-point interpolation to produce broadcast quality downconverted video.

In addition, the HD10MD3 converts either 1080p24 or 1080p24sf to 59.94 Hz output video using the standard 3:2 pulldown technique. The output can be formatted for either 4:3 or 16:9 standard definition monitors. Four-channel input embedded HD-SDI audio is passed to the SDI output.

One other note: On Union productions, the script supervisor is not allowed to record and playback takes for the director, as this is a violation of local Union regulations. In this circumstance, the Video Assist operator (local 695 in CA) would be hired and be able to offer this since most would carry a converter or have access to them in their kits or through a rental house.

Also mentioned on the AJA site is the ability to work with 720p

http://www.aja.com/html/products_converters_HD10MD3.html

971_1205247596.jpg
 
jtm said:
doesn't change the fact that we need a downconverter for steadicam etc. - any thoughts on that? Can we use the red monitor for this?
Click to expand...

We used the panasonic lh80 hdsdi, the cable just hung out there but it worked. We are currently changing out the wireing in the steadicam rig to handle hdsdi, the ohm rating is differant in the current model that does not allow sdi.
 
the aja box converts exactly what is coming in. if you send the 720p 50Hz signal in you get a PAL signal out. If you send the 720p 60Hz signal in you get a NTSC signal out. we are using it, and its running perfectly. not cheap at all.... but small...
 
KLang said:
We used the panasonic lh80 hdsdi, the cable just hung out there but it worked. We are currently changing out the wireing in the steadicam rig to handle hdsdi, the ohm rating is differant in the current model that does not allow sdi.
Click to expand...

You would still need a downconverter for the video transmitter. I've seen only one HD transmitter from Tandberg. It was €10'000 and had a 12 frame delay.

I've used the AJA on a feature film and it worked great. It was powered by a 12V lead battery that lasted all day long. (The AJA was mounted to the director's monitor).
Just be aware that there are 5V and 12V versions of the device. I think the newer ones just take any voltage.

Simon
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top