What mixer should our church buy for 2 Z1U's
 

Or church has about $8,000 to spend on a mixer for a couple of HVR-Z1U's.
Any suggestions?

Please let me know what you would use in this case. We are looking at a DataVideo SE 800 from http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...867&is=REG&m=Y

Joseph,

Your question is a little vague for someone to offer up any solid advice at this point. While the Datavideo switcher is a fine piece of gear in the right application, it is not capable of switching HD signals. The Z1U is an HDV camera that is capable of also shooting standard definition as well. So a few basic questions would be, do you intend or need to shoot HD, or is standard definition ok for your application? As well, what is the final delivery method of the switched signal - IMAG, post production for DVD, web? If for IMAG, will the church's projection system reproduce HD resolution or standard definition only. Do you need to perform any chroma or luminance keying?

If you intend to use the camera and switcher rig for live image magnification, you may want to look at the Edirol V-440HD or the new Edirol V-44SW as they offer very nice scalers for scaling standard definition signals up to the native resolution of your projetor. It is also fully capable of switching HD signals at full resolution as well. Take a look at the Kramer Electronics VP727 as well if you are needing to switch the cameras only for the projection system, as this unit will only output computer resolution and higher signals (ie no composite video)

you can see the Edirol hardware at www.edirol.com

Kramer is found at www.kramer-us.com

I have installed the Datavideo, Edirol, Kramer, Extron and other products in a number of churches, and they all have their strengths and weaknesses depending on the application.

Hope this helps.

Lance

I am sorry about the "vague" question. :-(
The church is wanting to do live switches for the projector, archive the video, and live stream it over the net.

We will not do HD at the present, as there is more than just a camera and a mixer to purchase.

I will research the mixers.

Thanks so much!!!

Joseph