I'm hoping someone can help a newbie with suggestions for connecting multiple cameras for webcasting our hockey games.

We currently have a Canon Vixia running through a Grass Valley digital converter. We have been given 2 Panasonic AG-DVC7 cameras that we plan on using at each end of the rink. All three cameras would be run by VidBlaster switcher software.

Unfortunately, we are on a very tight budget, so buying two firewire extenders is out of the question.

Would running the S-video out into this:

MuxLab Inc MuxLab 500016 S-Video Videoease CAT5 Balun Composite Video Over CAT5 at Markertek.com (http://www.markertek.com/CATV-Headend-Interface/CAT-5-Transmission-Systems/Composite-Video-Over-CAT5/MuxLab-Inc/500016.xhtml?MUX-500016)

and then into a USB video capture device like this:

StarTech SVID2USB2 USB 2.0 Video Capture Cable at TigerDirect.com (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4276658&csid=ITD&recordsPerPage=10&body=REVIEWS#tabs)

do the trick?

I suppose one other option would be to use an analog switcher for the cameras.

Thanks for any advice.

If your software supports multiple video sources, then the best option is to connect each camera with firewire. If distance is a concern (i.e., longer than a firewire cable can run) then the cheapest option will probably by an analog switcher, which will save you from needing 3 A/D boxes. You definitely don't need the video baluns, and I would check the compatibility of that USB video capture device with your software, it may or may not work.

Edwards right check with the software manufacturer and make sure the capture device will work. It's possible that you may not be able to run 2 of those on one machine. It may overtax the USB bus and cause other problems. If it will work you might be better going composite. I'm not sure, but composite may have a longer distance than s-video. Get yourself some good cable with BNC to RCA adapters and try that, or try if you can't make the distance, try positioning the cameras and use the zoom. You can still cover the wide and 2 goals. It won't have that "in your face" feel, but it may work till you can upgrade your equipment. 1 last idea would be to run 2 cameras live and then just record with one on floor to make highlight clips to be posted later. The 2 live cameras could do wide and tight on the goals switching between the goals and then you can get some good in your face highlights on the floor. Make a quick package and post it on the web later. Then maybe you can run that package as a preview before the next game. Remember the audience will watch if you have a good clean production and announcers that can call the game. Good luck.

Thanks for the info guys. David, I like your idea about using two live and one recording camera. Now, if we can just find the people to crew the cameras!

As for the announcer -- that's not a problem. That would be me! ;-)