A timecode SDI Capture semi-success
 

Hey everyone,

I was able to capture SDI HDV output to the Kona with device control and timecode this evening. I used a RS 422 to Control L adapter and controlled the H1 through the LANC port. The only hitch is each time I tried to do an automated batch capture, FCP lost VTR communication and aborted capture. However, I was able to do a capture now with timecode and just stop capture manually. Timecode is there but I can't seem to do a simple unattended batch capture.

Well, on one hand it's nice to know that I can work with SDI and have a timecode reference for future batch redigitizing if necessary. On the other hand I am really annoyed that FCP still doesn't support this camera and 24F mode. Sure would be nice to not have to attempt all these crazy workarounds.

fwiw,

Barlow

Isn't it possible to control the camera via the firewire connection while capturing via SDI?

As far as I can tell, no. FCP gave me a message each time saying the capture had to be HDV if the control was through HDV/Firewire. It didn't give any other options.

Deck Control via Firwire
 

You are right about not being able to choose hdv deck control over firewire. For the Z1 you must choose Firewire NTSC or Firewire NTSC NDF. We use this to capture uncompress HD from the component outputs.

So firewire NTSC control actually gives you the timecode from the HDV tapes? I'll have to test this. That'd be wonderful if true.

I just tried this and it didn't work at all. It just said "no communiction" for VTR functions. I've only had luck with this adapter thing, but it doesn't keep VTR communication when batch digitizing. That's ok for me because I don't like to shuttle around on the camera anyway, but I do want an actual tape timecode reference for possible future uses.

[rant] All that said, it's pathetic that the camera will have been on the market for nearly 6 months if and when FCP 6 is announced at NAB.. If they do add support I guess it's another one of those "forced" upgrades for functionality that should've been added with relatively little fanfare months ago. [/rant]

I agree with you on that, the 25F mode works perfectly with FCP, so to me it just seems to bee a small software tweak or so..

Amazing how Apple offered up support for Panny BEFORE the HVX was even released. I guess Canon didn't write enough zeros on their check to Steve Jobs!

Which RS-422 to LANC adapter did you use?

It's called "Rosetta Stone" model RS-4L from Addenda Electronics. I borrowed it from a friend at an edit studio I often work at.

Well, to be fair, the hoopla over FCP 4.5 (year and a half ago?) was the integration of the DVCPRO HD codec. The Panny demo DVD was 1080i stuff and a lot of Varicam material. Overall, I'm glad they acquired the codec in FCP because it's a good practical option, and where's HDCAM?

It sucks that FCP has dragged it's heels with the HDV cameras, but it'll be sorted out soon enough. Probably the best thing about FCP are all the codecs integrated in it. It has made for some interesting workarounds that may be a PITA, yet I'm still glad were possible.

Blame Sony for that, they don't go public with the codec, so third party's like Apple have to go uncompressed with that material. Only Sony's NLE's use the real HDCAM codec is what I've heard.