#1 2008-07-01 13:26:50

**_dahughes_**

Video Switcher

Has anyone tried using two FireWire cameras [we currently use Canon XL-2 for input during high-end captures] and switching between them..? We just tested a DataVideo product that switches FW video between frames without a visible glitch but Connect Pro would not recognize the output. I would be interested if anyone has found a video switch that ConnectPro does recognize.

-David

alistairlee

Re: Video Switcher

I believe we use a video mixer attached to an Osprey 230 capture card for our all-hands meetings at Adobe.  The card will take input from s-video, composite, XLR or composite L-R and send it to Connect.

**_dahughes_**

Re: Video Switcher

Alistairlee,

Thank you for the reply. Can you tell me the model of the video mixer that you use..? We tried a DataVideo switch but Connect would not recognize its output into a laptops IEEE 1394 port. We do use Osprey 530 capture cards and they work great but in this case we are trying to develop a field switchable solution for remote multi-camera shoots. Our thought is to have two cameras [Canon XL-2] connect via FireWire to a switcher whoes output is sent to a laptop's 1394 port and feeding Connect Pro. A single Canon XL-2 to a laptop works great with Connect Pro, we are having trouble when scaling up to two that are switchable...

Thank you,

-David

**_creed_**

Re: Video Switcher

While not really offering switching within a single pod window, there was a post here a while ago about a custom pod for allowing a second camera source in a layout.
http://www.connectusers.com/forums/cucb … php?id=717

If that is not suitable, while I have not tried any of these, there are a number of Firewire signal switches designed for cameras.

http://www.adorama.com/CVCVGFW44.html

http://www.sjmediasystem.com/omx-8fws.html

http://www.signvideo.com/ieee-1394-swit … ntents.htm

Edit:
These are all passive switches and as a result may not work after all, as one manufacturer notes: "Note that the sign video firewire switch is a passive device and may or may not work to switch live signals, depending on your equipment and how it is hooked up. (break before make switch)"

Might this be the problem with your original switch?
-Craig

Last edited by **_creed_** (2008-07-03 12:59:51)

**_creed_**

Re: Video Switcher

My best guess is that you need to use a standard video switcher, even an active a/b switcher for composite or S-video that makes the switch on the vertical interval (no glitch), and pass the output from that to an analog video to DV/Firewire/1394 or USB converter.  This is an alternative of what Alistair was suggesting.

Should be plenty of these solutions out there.  Like a combination of
http://www.comprehensiveinc.com/store/p … tcher.aspx
and
http://www.usbgear.com/USB-Video-Capture.html

Best of Luck.
-Craig

Last edited by **_creed_** (2008-07-03 13:21:41)

**_dahughes_**

Re: Video Switcher

Thank you.