Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hi Roger

I don't really see your point about needing a script if you are recording and doing a live broadcast at the same time? If you are sending video to a CDN as well as recording it surely it's a simple enough matter to switch multiple cameras during your nativity play in real time ... The option does have the advantage of being able to pack up after the show and say "I'm done" and not have to slave over your computer editing.

However all you guys have a good point about the cloud versus a physical hard copy ...yes, people do like to have something material in their hands when they part with their money as opposed to just a web link that could quite easily vanish into thin air overnight. DVD still gives you a physical item and is probably the cheapest media option out there. I wonder if anything will come out that allows one to have physical media that's not DVD? SD cards and USB's are still pricey when compared to disks!! I think when selling video you still need to offer a selection of physical media and/or cloud

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hi Chris,

With some types of events, live camera switching works well as you say and I have filmed a number where we have done exactly that using our 4 channel video mixer. That has been really useful for music shows, dances, choirs etc where the action is fairly steady and predictable. The problem with the school shows that we film is that they contain dialogue throughout, so if the speakers are in different areas of the stage or speaking really quietly, we can end up missing a line that someone's parent is waiting to see. As we use a lot of close up shots of the kids, we would need a script to know who was speaking when, or someone to direct the shots. The alternative is to keep the angles wide so that the whole stage is covered, but that just makes the whole show boring and bland, with nobody clearly seeing who is saying what. Two of the shows we filmed just before Christmas were just short of an hour each and each had lots of narrators in different places, who had various sections each and stood up for a few seconds to say their piece. I can just imagine the parents reaction if we failed to show their little darlings doing their bit. These shows usually have 50-100 children involved and following the action is essential.

There is nothing we would like more than doing a live mix, adding titles and just running off copies, but the sort of shows we film just don't make that possible unfortunately.

Roger

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

See, that's what I think is changing today. My son in law just told me that Apple Music "changed his life" and he no longer feels the need to have CD's or even downloaded music. Same thing with Netflix. And when they want to watch a movie at home, they rent it on their Apple TV.

I agree that today many people want to still "own" their media - I am one of them in fact. But 10 years from now, I don't know that will be the case anymore. And then we will see if "the cloud" is really everything people hope it will be.

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hi Roger

Our audio with a live mix never comes from any cameras ..we have a dedicated 12 channel mixer which feeds audio into the vision mixer's audio mixer and cameras simply supply visual content so regardless of where people are our audio is still consistent. With shows that are higher tech we get an audio feed for the mixing desk at the theatre but I'm assuming this is a school play and none of the kids are actually "wired for sound"?? We did a simple 75th birthday in December and what I did is close miced the one man band speaker and that was my sole audio feed. I'm therefore assuming that this is a simple stage and all the kids just talk loudly and you rely on using an on-camera mic that's nearest the child who is talking for audio .. or am I wrong??

Hi Boyd

I love doing cloud based stuff! We do live broadcast weddings now and it streams to the CDN so families overseas can watch it live and our provider also creates an online copy of the stream at the same time. It's really neat to film, pack up and go home!! No editing, no media to create and no post work at all except we download a USB copy for the bride the next day.

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hi Chris,

We film from the back of the hall from a platform to get us above the audience and the audio is recorded into a seperate recorder from a pair of Boundary Mics on the stage or the wall at the back to get a reasonable overall coverage of sound. at the editing stage the audio and video streams are synched and closeups from the appropriate one of 4 cameras cameras, cut to the main track. However reading my previous post I think I was not clear that it was the video of the speakers that is easy to miss, not the audio which is usually fine. Sorry for the confusion.

Hi Boyd,

I totally agree with you that many people just do not need to own a dvd or CD any moreand I am one of them with music from Spotify when I want just about anything and film streaming if I fancy a movie. So what is the point of buying a DVD if I can download films at a much lower cost. Also a film or a song is fairly transient, so I probably won't want to listen or watch again for some time if at all.

Therein lies the problem though, I could fairly easily make a school play available for streaming, but it woukd have to be at a considerably lower price than I would get for a dvd as I don't think parents would be prepared to pay the same amount for a streaming view. Given the limited numbers of parents for each show, the reduced return would not make the whole thing economically sustainable. As far as I can see, the value of a hard copy of a school production comes in the future as a memory for the families of their child in younger days. I do deliver weddings on USB so I will do some research and see if there is a market for a nicely presented schools USB at a price that reflects the increased cost over DVD delivery.

Coming back to Chris's live streaming, I think it would be great for school productions if it didn't mean reducing the quality that we achieve at the moment and was financially viable. Without financial support from the schools, which is unlikely, I can't see it happening.

Roger

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hi Roger

I'm puzzled? You are supplying parents an SD DVD (so 720x576) yet it's quite practical to live broadcast at 1280x720 so the client is getting an HD stream which will look better than the DVD anyway without any crazy costs. Admittedly 1080 and 4K eats bandwidth so that would raise your data costs. At the moment we can stream on the 4G network at 1280x720 and that costs us around $9.33 for an hours broadcast in bandwidth and of course our edit time is totally eliminated which hopefully is worth substantially more than $10 an hour!! Live Streaming can be very cost effective actually if, of course you could work out the delivery hassles but I guess for now DVD's work and as long as the school is happy stick with the current method and maybe just offer a cloud option and see what the response is for those parents that said they don't have a DVD player

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

No Puzzle Chris, I completely agree that streaming would likely give a higher image quality than a DVD even allowing for DVD up scaling, but it is the quality of the production rather than the image quality that I would be concerned about. A live broadcast means it would be impossible to cover the detail in the way that we do now without missing lots of important shots. We would have to do much wider filming to be sure of covering everything, which would lower the production values. As I mentioned before, there is so much rapid dialogue going on from various parts of the stage that it would require more personnel and direction which is not practical.

I'm certainly not ruling it out as I may be overestimating the viewing requirements of the parents and a wider view may be acceptable if it gives immediate viewing possibilities and no editing for us. The jury is still out at the moment.

Naturally there would be no point in doing it if there was no profit involved so I am curious as to how you would envisage the costs for a typical 60 minute streaming. You mentioned $9.33 for the broadcasting but what other costs are involved to set up etc. Also do you get payment from all viewers or is it not a chargeable service? I like the idea of no editing time but editing time is still earning money if it is included in the overall costings. If you're income is reduced because you aren't editing, then that becomes valuable lost time, so the overall income still needs to be there.

I would also be keen to know the sort of equipment and setup costs involved as I am sure that streaming is likely to become the way to go in a number of areas that we are or could be involved in.

Roger

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hi Roger

For a static multicam shoot like a conference or recital we normally use 3 cameras and all feed a pretty much standard i7 computer or a fast laptop. Your switcher software has control of the cameras as well as audio and you can instantly switch between cameras as you have live vision on the screen at all times. You also have 4 "takes" per camera so not only can you switch between 4 different crops on each camera , you can also reframe a camera's POV as you wish. It's basically just a mouse click to switch cameras and again a mouse click to change a preset POV of any camera.

We stream to Livestream and each event we do has a unique URL and event page so it's a "semi-secure" page (unless people share the link) If they pay for the link I think they would be reluctant to pass it over to all their mates anyway but yes it does suffer much the same piracy issues that an online video or even DVD would have. Of course even a password can be shared amongst mates if they want to.

Livestream have a free version of the switching software so if you are bored when the temp drops to negative, download it and have a play!! I think the media has a big part in the future !!

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

That's very interesting Chris so it now leads me to ask how you get the camera and audio feeds into your PC?
Do you have a multi input card in the PC or do you use an external hardware interface? Finally, do you use a conventional wifi card in the PC for internet connection or again a proprietory box?

I appreciate the information as it is new territory for me.

Roger

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hi Roger

Without going into too much detail the easiest way of course is via USB (and we do use the upper range Logitech webcams for cutaway shots too) However main cam use a neat little device called a Broadcaster which can actually send the video via any wifi modem back to the computer and it sits on the camera hotshoe. Do a search for "Livestream Broadcaster" and you can get some info on them. As long as the computer and camera are within wifi range you don't need any other equipment or cards. The little Broadcaster units are all you need on a camera to send video back to the computer. The units can also act as "broadcasters" and send video via a 4G wifi hotspot modem to anywhere in the world making a live camera totally portable too!!

If you have time and want to play with the software and have a webcam at home, LIvestream Studio will find the webcam and give you something to play with. The BIG boys usually use cameras on cables with SDI outputs and then their computers have SDI Black Magic Capture cards. The little Broadcaster units eliminate all that.

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

The other big question I've always had about using video downloads is the use of music.

Can I set up a site that streams or sells an event (Dance Recital, Choir Concert, or wedding) that uses copyrighted music without opening up a whole can of worms?

The only VOD I currently have for sale was a band that owned the rights to their own music, so it wasn't an issue, but my kids' school has me record all of their plays and choir concerts, and they sing music and arrangements that people own. There are some forward thinking parents who have asked me about making the concerts available via HD downloads/streaming, but the music is the thing always holding me back.

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

If the school are performing the shows to an audience, then they must have the permission of the copyright holders to do that. That is pretty standard as most schools these days buy in scripts and music. Sometimes the copyright permission extends to video rights, but have a chat to the school and find out what their permissions are and maybe contact the rights holder. If the streaming is for parents only via a secure link rather than open internet viewing, it should be straightforward, probably with a credit to the copyright holder. If however the school have taken it on their own backs to just use commercial music, then they are doing so illegally anyway.

Roger

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Why would online distribution be any different from DVD in this regard? Don't you need permission to use copyrighted material in a video, regardless of the distribution medium?

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

You would always need permission to use copyright material, no matter whether it was music in a production or the script of the production, or in a video or any other distribution media of the copyright material.

The scope of the permission depends on the potential audience. Most schools that I film in the UK, pay for the licence to perform to the parents and usually for the right to produce a limited number of the DVDs. They are only having enough DVDs to cover a very limited and controlled distribution to parents, but it would likely be a totally different situation of the recording was put out as an open internet stream, with an unknown and uncontrolled number of viewers. It's the same in professional broadcasting, where licenses vary according to the territory, potential viewing times and numbers etc.

Roger

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

In the UK & Australia unlike the US there is a scheme in place that allows videographers to licence copyright music for use on small production runs of DVDs at a low cost. There is no such scheme available to licence copyright music for online streaming use. As in the US many videographers simply ignore the issue on the basis that they will never get sued.

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Generally larger schools don't allow me to sell individual dvds instead pay me a flat fee and some I'm sure make free copies for the cast. Any other small independent dance or drama group play fast and lose with the rules. No doubt selling online increases your chances of having a problem. Most people in this type of business are more worried about trying to eek out enough sales to make a living.

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Unfortunately there are a number of issues to overcome with regards to selling downloads vs discs. You have all touched on the copyright and technical sides, (in the UK there is also the safeguarding issue. Schools like the disc format, because they perceive that this means they are controlling the distribution of the video. They presume that this allows them to control who has access to the film, and from their perspective it reduces the need for policing of social media for people posting clips of other peoples children. (One show we filmed I was told by a parent that someone was live streaming the whole thing to facebook from their phone :-)
I have been asked on more than one occasion to confirm when I will destroy my copy of a schools film, as part of their data security policy.. I have declined to do this.

While people don't want a DVD, unfortunately the hurdles to change the format will take time. Its not the technology that's the biggest barrier, its the other factors.

I am in the process of doing a proof of concept for a download only option with an independent school. The idea being that the filming costs are built into the fees, (I realise this doesn't help your situation Roger). But its interesting to try the concept and see how well it works.

Daniel

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hi Daniel,

It's great to hear that you are exploring other avenues and although it doesn't help my immediate situation, it is something that I am also carefully looking into. You are absolutely right about the schools liking the DVDs from the protection of children aspect, which I think I also mentioned in an earlier post.

I also started a new thread on the costs and profitability of streaming which might spark some input from those already doing it or contemplating it. Hopefully it will help with sourcing equipment, hosting etc.

Roger

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

I have skipped over a lot of replies but there seems to be general concensus about storage media. The question of delivery of new performances in better file quality seems quite open. I am thinking for small runs it could be feasible to record, edit, place on a cloud like Blue Box ,or whatever the name is, and supplying a link to individual purchasers. Yes, again possible for links to be shared. Someone earlier suggested putting the purchasers name in the link,at least as a detergent. I bought photo book online and the actual product came with me as the owner. This presumably stops/slows people from distributing. Not bad.
Music and other copywriter issues are another area with no easy answer. Mind you Disney probably would sue almost anyone for infrindgement. Here in Canada there is a trade group called SOCAN which collects fees for musicians etc. Part of the performance fees at a theatre are collected by them based on several criteria. In the case of classics, such as Nutcracker, there is no charge. Modern stuff yes. They even tried to charge my dentist for having a radio to sooth his patients. Told them to take a hike and turned off the radio. Now to add injury he breaks into song. More anesthetic please.

I am seriously, as a one man band, so to speak, thinking of offering a purchase of a dvd (usually $20 and adding a download for an additional $5. Not high finance but might increase the dvd sales and add a few bucks. Have to check out storage sizes and download speeds. Will it work for people with a 4k tv? Is it worth shooting in 4k?

Looks like more questions ... answers?

Cheers
Martin

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Any suggestions as to where to store files for download? What about videos an hour long shot in 4K? File format to use?

Help....
Martin

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

I can't answer your question, and perhaps you might not want to, either. Are you selling to the average consumer? I produce and sell many DVDs with occasional Blu-rays. Zero is the number of consumers in my sphere who would (1) know what 4k is, (2) be patient to await download of gargantuan hour-long 4k files, and (3) be savvy enough to bounce them to a 4k display.

I shoot in 4k and downrez to 1080p, FYI.

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

thanks Steve
Yes you are quite right about how many people would connect all the dots with 4K. I have enough problem myself...

How much difference do you find by shooting in 4K and downing to 1080? Is it worth the time/cost of camera? I expect it is a judgement call.
Reason I ask is that I am seriously thinking of upgrading from a Sony PD 150 with 4x3 screen to a ax100. Yes, I know that would be going from a "Pro" camera to a "consumer" one but quite the difference. How many years? I would need to get a XLR box for board connection.
Thanks for your comments.

Martin

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

I'm with Steve on the storage for download, non of my clients are interested in 4K delivery and most people I know still often have problems streaming full HD programmes.

I shoot in 4K and not only does dropping it down to 1080 look better, the ability to crop, zoom into frames and pan from the 4K makes it incredibly fllexible for editing different shots from one clip. I am currently working on a school production that I shot in 4K, and from one general full stage clip I am cutting to close ups, medium shots and across stage pans.

Roger

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Yep. Totally agree with Roger, concerning shooting in 4k and downrezzing to 1080. I grade 4k source material on a 4k timeline (in Resolve), downrez to 1080 on final export, and add a touch of sharpening on compression for Blu-ray (because I shoot with camera sharpening off). It looks fantastic. FYI, I shoot on a Sony FS700 in 4k DCI; it isn't the most comfortable camera handheld, but on a tripod I have it completely rigged in a cage and with an Atomos Shogun external recorder.

I think you'll notice a substantial increase in image quality from the AX100. What you'll miss, I believe, are the ergonomics and controls of a proper video camera. Depending on how serious you are about audio, you might invest in a separate audio recorder to accompany the AX100, and then sync in post.

Keeping somewhat on topic for this thread, I've begun to lament general disinterest in DVD (and Blu-ray) purchases of various productions. For school clients, patrons don't seem interested in pro-level production or else are content with their deplorable video (and especially audio!) on hand-held devices. I shoot archival copies of some productions for flat fees, and I'm trying hard to achieve the same with typical concert shoots.

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Wow. What a read.
Ive been to the Wedding and Event forum before a few times but never realised there were so many of you doing what I mainly do, being the Dance Concert and DVD distribution.

Ive only been doing this a short time, prob 5 or 6 years, and gone from a hobbyist to now doing months on end of live capture and distribution. Mainly from Nov to Jan, being Dance concert season, but also runs during the year of Eisteddfods.

So take any thoughts I have with a grain of salt as Im a bit of a newb compared to a lot of you.

I deliver everything on DVD. The last 2 years we have used structural copy protection on all discs. It has increased sales.
Yes, I know you can crack it, I can crack it, but the average mum or dad couldn’t be bothered, and Ive even been told by some of the parents that they like it so when another parent asks to get a copy, they shut them down and say “No, its copy protected”.
Who wants to lend out what they have paid for……?
Ive recently been in contact with Vinpower digital and my rep says they are finalising USB copy protected USB drives. No doubt they are not uncrackable. But even if its like the DVD protection, it will be enough. Then we can go 1080p. Woo Hoo!

Which leads into my next observation.
I am passionate about this.
I don’t think we can sell the cheapest product, made by the cheapest camera, and hope everyone will be happy with it.
What we can give them on that DVD is precious.
Its a point in time that they and there kids will never be at again. Some of you are right, its not worth $50 or $60…. its worth 10 times that.
I would pay $1000+ to have my 25yo sons drum solo that he did when he was 10 on DVD, 1500 people giving him a standing ovation. I watched from the back of the hall, tears ran down my cheeks I was so proud. It lives in my memory only….
Not long after that I bought my first handycam.

I try to give the schools a better quality than they have had before. Then educate the Principals that this is what you can have, so get your parents to support it.
They do.
The parents themselves are so happy to have quality footage of their kids, they don’t need a lot of encouragement to spend the money. Not a concert goes by that Im not told how much they appreciate that I am there doing the capture. Thats a feelgood experience.
These people arn’t struggling to part with their money, they want to.

All of our repeat business Dance schools have increasing numbers of sales every year.
And we pick up an average of 5 new schools every year.
It has to top out eventually, you can only be in so many places at one time. This year thanks to the help of some talent off this very forum, we did three concerts in three venues in one day.

I guess to sum up, I don’t think the DVD market is shrinking. Not from my experience anyway.
It would be great to do a deal with the schools where every parent pays a fee that entitles them to a download. I thought this would be great.
But in talking to a fair few parents, they still want that DVD.
They want menus, credits, jackets. They want the look on their kids face when they unwrap it Christmas morning (Yes a lot of them do this).

cheers guys

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hey Gerald

My mate used to work for a guy over East who did concerts and the like and they used to shoot the event and mix and record to a HDD. When the mum's and dad's came out they could buy an instant USB drive of the entire concert so they was no editing (I'm assuming they simply switched cameras live as the mixer we use for live broadcast also is able to record to an MP4 file) and no delivery hassles ...they simply copied the footage for each parent onto a USB and took their money! I know a USB drive costs more than a blank DVD but you do save on printing, making and printing sleeves and buying cases and I currently buy 8GB USB's for $2.50 each so I'm sure if you bought them in bulk they would be even cheaper, and of course they are getting an HD copy as opposed to a SD one.

It seemed quite an efficient way to distribute the event ?

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hi Steve,

I've definitely seen a drop off on DVD sales over the last 12 months from the same schools that have had consistent numbers in the past. As we regularly have schools contacting us to say how delighted parents have been with the recordings, it can't be down to our work so I can only assume less people have players.

I don't agree that parents are content with poor quality video and audio because of the feed back we have always received. We always get good audio quality and with usually four cameras for different angles and closeups, the production values are pretty high for a school show.

Prices are difficult to increase, as parents love the videos, but probably don't appreciate the real value until years later, just as Gerald would love to see his son's drum solo. We tend to keep prices around the school photo level which seems to be about what parents expect. Having said that, a number of photographers are telling me that they are selling less ans less school photos as parents take their own pics on phones.

Roger

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hi Roger

You also have to remember that as videographers, we strive for the best quality we can..it's just our nature! However apart from wobbly or out of focus footage I doubt whether many parents actually "pixel peep" .. I remember a wedding client watching a demo beach wedding on DVD that was shot with my 4:3 cameras (Panasonic MD10000's) with tiny 1/6" CCD sensors and he remarked how clear the picture was on his 55" TV!! I was petrified when he watched the modest 720x576 video on this giant screen (5 years ago 55" was a giant screen as most clients had normal CRT TV's) ... I very much doubt whether mum's and dad's would be that concerned about resolution when their darling in on the screen!!

It's 2017 and brides STILL seem to want DVD's ...now and again a "tech savvy" groom might ask about FULL HD or even 4K but I'm pretty sure most parents don't give a hoot about tech specs as long as it's watchable. More than likely they have dropped the DVD player because some slick salesman at the TV store has convinced them to upgrade. Then again over here Video Stores have all but disappeared from our shopping centres but you can still get DVD movies from vending machines now. However with the introduction of cheap online content (Stan over here is a mere $10 a month!) I guess family DVD players will become less and less so we have to think forward and be prepared when the time comes.

I guess it will soon be time to find some sort of sleeve insert that fits into all your spare DVD cases that has a cutout for a USB. At least that way you can still give schools a physical product for their money?

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hi Chris,

Funny you should say that, I've been looking for precisely that sort of thing, trouble is anything I find seems to be priced in pounds rather than pence!

Roger

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Roger, in reading your comment I realized that I dashed off a remark likely without enough clarification. I judged interest in DVDs (and Blu-rays) by the crude metric of sales. I've worked with schools to heavily promote my videos, some samples of which are on YT (see my site) so parents can actually see exemplars of what they'd be purchasing. Hence, I don't think poor marketing is the culprit. Anecdotal feedback on quality is superb, so I don't think patrons fail to part with a couple of bucks for want of realization that they would receive professional quality. And optical disc players are as ubiquitous as toasters.

Then...what? [cynicism] I suspect that an objective viewer would appreciate a slick DVD of their kids, think "that's very nice but I'm not buying it," and then drop $4 for that latte at Starbucks on the way home. Link to streaming video pushed to a mobile device, free, and viewable right now whilst driving and enjoying that latte? You bet! [/cynicism]

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hi Chris,
That would be the dream, no work in post at all.
Logically I can't see it though. Even if what you laid down as a live cut track was the finished file, say a 720p MP4, with no menu, CC, audio corrections etc, how would you duplicate it enough times to have it available in the 3-5 min between curtain drop and the punters leaving the theatre?

I did see this done once successfully. Different situation though.
When our daughter graduated university there was a team there to capture the whole graduation, single cam, sdi out to a capture PC in the foyer. While everyone was milling around outside they had the DVDs ready to go.
The lines were big, I was in one lol. $30 a DVD and they must have sold a few hundred at least.
That is a very nice days work.
The difference is they had that extra time to run them off.
Prerequisites though, you have a professional mpg2 capable capture card and I think there were multiple towers of burners. Small investment though if you have the gig forever.

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hi Gerald

Sadly I wasn't part of it so I'm not sure of how the operation worked ..maybe he had an operator who was just putting single performances of each dance number on USB's as they finished while the next performance was running so he had a stock of USB's ready for sale? I'll have to ask my mate how he did it.

Yeah, I love the idea of doing a live edit so there is no post work but you need to really be on the ball I guess? We are concentrating a lot on live broadcasting events so the post work is eliminated. The big studios have been doing it for years of course and nowdays people expect things to be available instantly. We are already doing weddings this way rather than brides waiting weeks, even months, before they get their video. It's a great feeling after a shoot to know that when you pack your gear into the car you are actually finished and can move to the next job straight away!!

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Wow that is a good price on your USB drives Chris.
Just checked my emails and the last quote I got was $8.23 per 8gb thumb drive. This was printed with my branding on it. That was for 100.
The salesman did assure me if I bought 10,000 they would come down under $5 O_O

Can I get a link to your supplier?

When I do eisteddfods during the year Im still working on the instant delivery method.
Im close now, HDMI out of camera to Game Capture HD which is USB2 to Macbook, which writes those 720p files to an external HDD.
Its great if its not too busy, but when youre filming non stop its prob a two man operation to keep up.

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hi Gerald

I bought them form Office Works - Toshiba 8GB white but no branding.

Tell me how you are using the GameCapture box?? If you camera is say 10 metres from the computer you have already exceeded recommended cable length specs surely?? How do you use it if you want your cam and computer a decent distance apart??

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Thanks Chris,
Going to Office Works this morning for other things so will hit them up about it while im there.

I have a 10m HDMI cable that I use, never had an issue with the signal etc.
If you wanted a long run, I had a setup at my old house when our boys were on TV a lot to record all their stuff.
My office was about 35m away from our Foxtel box, so I found a solution from Jaycar electronics where you split the HDMI to the TV, go into a HDMI to CAT6 powered converter, run CAT6 (up to 100m from memory) to my office, into other converter, then HDMI into Blackmagic Intensity card.
Presto- 1080i Prores 422 from TV.
It would be even less trouble without the Foxtels HDCP to worry about.
This looks different to my one, updated maybe-
https://www.jaycar.com.au/hdmi-over-...ender/p/AC1732

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Thanks Gerald

Jaycar also have a neat 5.8GB transmitter/receiver unit but I think you need the transmitter to be powered which makes it a pain for a standalone remote camera! If one needs to run power to the camera/tripod one might as well run a HDMI cable instead. For a theatre style recording running camera cables shouldn't be any issue at all as they won't be moved and if you place cameras intelligently a 10 m run should be plenty.

I still think doing a live edit, even if you supply yje USB/DVD media later is a good way to go if you can handle it on your own.

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hi Chris,

For me the jury is still out on live mixing and editing. I did it live to computer and tape for many years and became pretty good at it with up to 4 cameras. The trouble is it is so easy to miss something that happens quickly, and when it's gone it''s gone for good. Things like choirs and music shows where the action is slow paced worked really well with the use of different camera angles to make it all more interesting. I found that with theatre or school productions and weddings, that we were missing a lot of shots and ending up making the shots much wider and less varied to avoid missing bits. I completely agree about just packing up and going home afterwards, but as regards setting up, that is a much more lengthy process.

I can set up 3 or 4 cameras, tripods and a couple of audio recorders in a church in a few minutes, but setting up for a live stream, with cables, switcher, conversion boxes and wireless and wifi, I would consider a pain in the butt compared with the way we work at the moment. For weddings, I think it would mean selling a totally different style of recording compared with our current offerings with a much more limited coverage but with LIVE being the whole point, rather than a general record of their day.

Roger

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Hi Roger

Just to set the record straight all the ceremony videos we do are "computerless" The camera has a Broadcaster on it fed with HDMI from the camera plus records to the card (the FZ2500) does that ..the Broadcaster streams out to the service direct with just a wifi hotspot usually in my top pocket or on a stand in the area ... So it's really a 1 camera shoot ..very basic and very simple I pick up the bride arriving using the cam handheld and then it goes onto a tripod on a dolly for the ceremony until the end and I can move it to change angle and view as I wish. There is no switcher and no second cam ...But it seems to work pretty much OK

I would only use the switcher and multiple cams at a fixed venue like receptions, seminars or even funerals.

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Just wondering Chris,
I chased up those USB drives at Office Works, Toshiba 8gb for $2.50 each, filled up a trolley with all they had and was going to order more, got to check out, and told I could only buy 5 :(((( lol.
Rang the business hotline they gave me in store and they wont budge on the 5 limit.
Did you have this problem getting yours?
So frustrating, wanted to buy 1000 and never have to look for them again.

Re: Selling Video Downloads
 

Weird

I bought 10 and they never said a word to me nor was there any notice on the bin restricting the quantity.

Hmmm maybe you need to go store to store and buy 10 at a time ..how many did you have in the trolley? You could always buy 5 , then send the wife and friends in all buying 5 at a time ??? 10 friends and 5 stores would net you 250 drives!!!

Just saw the website and they have added the limit of 5 now..bugger!! They do have the smaller 8GB Toshibas for $3.79 which is quite darn good (but $2.50 is better!!)