Dual XLH1 and SDI capture advice needed at DVinfo.net

Todd Chapman · June 7th, 2008, 06:22 PM

Hello.

I am setting up two XLH1's and two Macpro's using Decklink Extreme HD cards to capture simultaneous footage. Once shot, the keeper stuff is transfered to the main editing computer.

There seems to be no way to retain any time code using the HD extreme card as it doesn't have TC in. I am looking for any advice from some experienced guys on a method to keep everything synced. The only obvious solution I see is to name each capture identically on each computer except add A or B to the name to designate the source cam, then manually line the stuff back up. Would using a clacker at the top of each shot help this process? There is going to be months of sporadic footage, the simplest easiest cheapest method of resync is the goal.

Some observations after first day of tests:

10bit422 will barely playback, and barely captures on a 3.2 gig 2 processor 8 core.

8bit will hardly capture or playback

DVCPro HD records and plays nicely, OK image.

ProRes422 HQ records with no capture stalls and plays back great image. The ProRes looks noticeably better than DVCpro HD.

10bit 422 is best overall image, but not doable on this system as is.

HDV capture from tape is noticeably worse than either Prores or 10bit422.

We are shooting for TV and want the best quality possible so will stick with ProRes422. After seeing Prores422HQ and direct capture, you don't want to use tape again if you can avoid it.

June 7th, 2008, 06:22 PM	#1
Todd Chapman Tourist Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1	Dual XLH1 and SDI capture advice needed Hello. I am setting up two XLH1's and two Macpro's using Decklink Extreme HD cards to capture simultaneous footage. Once shot, the keeper stuff is transfered to the main editing computer. There seems to be no way to retain any time code using the HD extreme card as it doesn't have TC in. I am looking for any advice from some experienced guys on a method to keep everything synced. The only obvious solution I see is to name each capture identically on each computer except add A or B to the name to designate the source cam, then manually line the stuff back up. Would using a clacker at the top of each shot help this process? There is going to be months of sporadic footage, the simplest easiest cheapest method of resync is the goal. Some observations after first day of tests: 10bit422 will barely playback, and barely captures on a 3.2 gig 2 processor 8 core. 8bit will hardly capture or playback DVCPro HD records and plays nicely, OK image. ProRes422 HQ records with no capture stalls and plays back great image. The ProRes looks noticeably better than DVCpro HD. 10bit 422 is best overall image, but not doable on this system as is. HDV capture from tape is noticeably worse than either Prores or 10bit422. We are shooting for TV and want the best quality possible so will stick with ProRes422. After seeing Prores422HQ and direct capture, you don't want to use tape again if you can avoid it.