Need a portable switcher/monitor... at DVinfo.net

Ted Bragg · February 3rd, 2008, 03:58 PM

I have four cameras and switch live between them. I have a setup already but need to go portable. What is out these days that won't break the bank and won't break in the field?

Right now, I'm using XL1's (s-video) an ancient Videonics MX-100, plus two TV monitors. Any all-in-one units?

Hart Boyd · February 4th, 2008, 11:24 AM

I don't know what "break the bank" means to your but two solutions come to mind:

Sony Anycast Station (SD or HD versions)

HD: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...tion_Live.html

SD: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...tion_Live.html

or

NewTek TriCast (3 different versions)

http://www.newtek.com/tricaster/

Jack Smith · February 6th, 2008, 12:02 AM

Also,
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...L_4_Input.html
and
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...put_Audio.html

Joe Voorhees · February 18th, 2008, 12:02 AM

If you are looking for inexpensive and simple I recommend this switcher from DataVideo:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Switcher.html

Its a great 4 input switcher that creates its own sync and allows you do do a series of wipes and dissolves nothing too fancy but it will get the job done.

If you have some more money or want to get more complex try and see if you can find an old Panasonic MX50. Those things are rock solid will sync anything and can do just about anything.

Good Luck
-Joe

Dale Backus · February 18th, 2008, 02:13 AM

I have a good amount of experience with the Tricaster of 2 years ago. It was a pretty good machine for what it was. No HD of course, but did a good job at switching with a good selection of transitions.

It's a portable computer you can take anywhere, and as long as you have one VGA monitor, that's good enough to monitor up to 3 feeds. You may want to look at their more recent offerings - i'm talking 1st gen here.

Good luck.

February 3rd, 2008, 03:58 PM	#1
Ted Bragg Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 105	Need a portable switcher/monitor... I have four cameras and switch live between them. I have a setup already but need to go portable. What is out these days that won't break the bank and won't break in the field? Right now, I'm using XL1's (s-video) an ancient Videonics MX-100, plus two TV monitors. Any all-in-one units?

February 4th, 2008, 11:24 AM	#2
Hart Boyd Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 148	I don't know what "break the bank" means to your but two solutions come to mind: Sony Anycast Station (SD or HD versions) HD: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...tion_Live.html SD: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...tion_Live.html or NewTek TriCast (3 different versions) http://www.newtek.com/tricaster/

February 6th, 2008, 12:02 AM	#3
Jack Smith Major Player Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: ontario Posts: 445	Also, http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...L_4_Input.html and http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...put_Audio.html

February 18th, 2008, 12:02 AM	#4
Joe Voorhees New Boot Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Springfield, NJ Posts: 24	If you are looking for inexpensive and simple I recommend this switcher from DataVideo: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Switcher.html Its a great 4 input switcher that creates its own sync and allows you do do a series of wipes and dissolves nothing too fancy but it will get the job done. If you have some more money or want to get more complex try and see if you can find an old Panasonic MX50. Those things are rock solid will sync anything and can do just about anything. Good Luck -Joe

February 18th, 2008, 02:13 AM	#5
Dale Backus Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 132	I have a good amount of experience with the Tricaster of 2 years ago. It was a pretty good machine for what it was. No HD of course, but did a good job at switching with a good selection of transitions. It's a portable computer you can take anywhere, and as long as you have one VGA monitor, that's good enough to monitor up to 3 feeds. You may want to look at their more recent offerings - i'm talking 1st gen here. Good luck.