Help on live mixing equipment

[dodgerz]

Hi there, just looking for some info and help regarding some video mixing Im trying to sort out, mainly for sports events.

 

Basically, Im looking for a solution that will allow me to take multiple inputs from various sources, mix them live, and then save the generated content for distribution later. Ideally Id like to be able to broadcast the final mixed feed as well, but that is for the future, but the solution should be able to cope with it down the line.

 

The sources that data would be coming from:

2-5 Cameras (mix HD/SD)

1-3 computer generated graphics (HDMI)

 

The issues Ive got are two fold. Firstly I dont know too much about live mixing. I have a background in post production (via Premiere / AE / FCP etc), but live mixing is fairly new to me.

Secondly because of this knowledge, I know nothing about putting graphics / computer generated images / computer video over the top of a live feed.

 

Ive been looking at the Edirol V-8 mixer (here), would this be completely suitable for all my needs? What about the on screen graphics? Im looking at videoing sports events, so an inline graphic of the time would also be needed (so mixing a live video feed, and 2 graphic channels (score/time) - if not more).

 

Finally, Id love to be able to do instant replays on the live feed - is this another kettle of fish?

 

Thanks a lot in advance, and sorry for the fairly vague understanding im starting out with here :D

 

Nick

[the kid]

From the media tech next to me in college.

 

 

We run an Edirol V8 in our college for students to produce a selection of “Live” shows.

 

 

It is an excellent mixer but is mostly designed for VJ’ing and even includes a BPM auto take for syncing cuts with music.

 

 

To make our setup work We feed our cameras into the mixer, run a graphics machine through a standalone PC where we output a signal from Adobe Premiere. Providing a “keyable” background (blue or green) to the graphics allows you to Key on the mixer itself – this does work very effectively!

 

 

For recording we run the mixer straight into a second PC which is loaded with Adobe On Location. I won’t go into detail about what this package does completely, please Google it, but it basically takes your feed and records directly to disk whilst providing some monitoring and correction tools.

 

 

I am not a blue room member and have been passed this message from a current member who has requested my advice. I have the manual for the setup of our gallery and am happy to send this to you as it provides a greater insight into how everything is hooked up and connected to the mixer, in order to get it to do the jobs you need. With the Edirol it is all possible, however a little creativity and “bodging” may be required!

[paulears]

If you have maybe 8 sources, then you've grown out of the V8 style product into the pro kit area - and price wise, an 8 input switcher maybe best hired - especially if you need one with SD-SDI and HD-SDI inputs. It's going to be expensive - Panasonic, For-A and others are readily available - but the Panasonic HS400 might be good if you can find one to hire - 4 ins standard plus an extra 4 on cards. This kind of thing is entry level to the next step up from the usual 4 input kit.

[dodgerz]

Thanks guys for the responses, I know Adobe OnLocation and Premiere really well, so that could definitely be an option.

 

In terms of instant slow mo replays, do I need a certain bit of kit of this, or is it software based along the line, and just another input into the mixer?

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Nick

[abrinks]

Depending on budget, the NewTek tricasters are good for this sort of thing. For upto 6 inputs the Tricaster studio would be the one you would want. http://www.newtek.com/tricaster/tricaster_studio.php

 

They have a program called iVGA which you download to your laptops/PCs, connect them and the tricaster to the network and it can 'see' the screens of the laptops and you can the route them out to the live display.

 

As for slow motion replays, they have an accessorie called TimeWarp http://www.newtek.com/tricaster/timewarp.php which can be used to mark and select clips and play them back in slow motion.