I have a buddy who is trying to monitor FCP on a regular SD TV. His laptop doesn't have any additional monitor outs, but has USB. He seems convinced that USB/RCA cables exists that can DISPLAY a preview on an RCA screen. I know USB.rca capture devices exist, but do playback devices?


Matt

I don't think that can be done, but you could use firewire (for standard definition video). Here's one solution, there are also others: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/462758-REG/ADS_Technologies_API_558_EFS_Pyro_A_V_Link_Bidirectional.html

the solution above can be achieved with any standard DV camcorder that has analog inputs-outputs.
Many DV editing software can recognize the camcorder as an external firewire monitor then the AV-out of the camcorder connected to a tv and there you are.
This is a NO-COST solution.

You can't monitor video through firewire, can you?

What you need is a DVI to VGA adapter, and then a VGA to RCA cable.
Sounds funny. :-) But if you can find a DVI to RCA adapter, go for it.

Let me know what you think.

Joseph

You can't monitor video through firewire, can you?

Of course you can. Using one of the small devices such as the Canopus ADVC-110 or similar.

Or, as Vasilis stated, use your mini-dv camera which can pass the firewire signal coming in to the analog outputs. Most mini dv cameras can do this but it sometimes has to be enabled in a camera menu.

-gb-

I use the Canopus ADVC-110 and a cheap tv as one of my monitors. Firewire to ADVC-110, RCA out to a VCR/DVD, and Coax to the TV. In this case I'm trying to see what my image will look like on the lowest quality set around - to make sure that it is still "good enough." And that the audio coming out of the single mono speaker is still understandable.

FWIW...

You can't monitor video through firewire, can you?

What you need is a DVI to VGA adapter, and then a VGA to RCA cable.
Sounds funny. :-) But if you can find a DVI to RCA adapter, go for it.

Let me know what you think.

Joseph

VGA to RCA adapter is called a scan converter. a good one will set you back considerably.

i would go with the DV out option too. or a new mac

If you can find a USB solution, the problem would be getting FCP to recognize it. FW is what I'm using through an older DV camcorder's A/V outputs to a VCR, then to a TV...this also allows me to pull in VHS sources if necessary. (pre macrovision VCR to avoid the stupid brightness pulsing that happens even on my own video tapes that I have made with my own material...stupid DRM tech ;) )