HDMI out to codec of choice

[Keith Curreri]

Hello everyone, this is my first post and I would like to thank everyone for the insight and knowledge these discussions have given me, thank you, all of you.


I bought a used HV20, and I am stunned by the quality of the camera, but not it's codec. The HDMI port gives this camera so much potential. I would like to configure a workflow, but there are so many options out there, I was wondering what peoples experiences were with hardware, codecs, and workflows?

Thanks,
Keith

[Harm Millaard]

HDMI is for VIDEO transfer, not for capturing/ingest. You need a DATA transfer for that, meaning fire wire. Forget about HDMI for editing purposes.

[Mark Keck]

Originally Posted by Harm Millaard

HDMI is for VIDEO transfer, not for capturing/ingest.

In the grand scheme of things this is true; after all HDMI was developed as a delivery transport interface not a data interface. However, there are scenarios that work better for HDMI capture... like "live" capture; in other words not recording to tape but going directly into your computer. From the HV20 what you gain is full 1920x1080 at 4:2:2 directly from the sensor vs. 1440x1080 at 4:2:0 from the tape. What you lose is the meta data (time code, etc). There are entire threads on that "unnamed other forum" completely dedicated to folks doing just this.

For me, I use an HV20 with HDMI out and Intensity card for stop motion capture (one frame at a time) for which there is no firewire solution, at least not for the HV20.

Mark

[Keith Curreri]

Mark,

That is exactly what I am interested in doing. "Live Capture". I want
the 1920x1080 4:2:2, because I'm interested in doing some pretty heavy
post work. I figured I would post in this general forum to gauge a
broader range of experiences with "Live Capture" solutions, whether
they be be with a consumer cam like the hv20 or a more professional
camera.

I'd like to know what people are capturing with, and to what – PC,
laptop, macpro, macbookpro etc...and to what codec?

I'm doing as much research as I can on this but there is nothing like
having spoken with someone who has done it.

-Keith

[Peter Moretti]

Keith,

I haven't done this but I have looked into it. From what I understand, you need a Black Magic Intensity card. These are only PC based and only fit in a PCI-Express slot. That means no laptop unless you get a PCI-Express converter for the laptop. These are very expensive, need their own power source (I believe), and are only made by one company.

FWIU, the image captured from out of the HDMI port is significantly better than what you'd get off HDV tape. As for codecs, I've read that Cineform's Neo HD is excellent. I also believe that the Intensity card itself comes with some codecs that are pretty good.

HTH.

[Mark Keck]

Keith,

Peter is correct, A laptop is out unless you absolutely need it then expect to pay for the privilege.

I guess the info I left out is that I'm working in FCP on a MacPro. I capture using 8 bit uncompressed as that's currently my only option. If I was doing anything other than stop motion I'd use ProRes... FCP handles it very well and I can't really tell a difference compared to uncompressed. It's suppose to be very good for post with minimal generational loss.

Mark

[Dave Perry]

Peter, I take it you mean "personal computer" when you say PC as the Blackmagic Intensity card is for Mac and windows operating systems.

Originally Posted by Peter Moretti

Keith,

These are only PC based and only fit in a PCI-Express slot.

HTH.

[Peter Moretti]

Originally Posted by Dave Perry

Peter, I take it you mean "personal computer" when you say PC as the Blackmagic Intensity card is for Mac and windows operating systems.

Dave, thanks for giving me the benefit of the doubt, but I did actually mean [Windows] PC. Very sorry for giving incorrect info., and THANKS for correcting it. ;)

[Keith Curreri]

Hey Everyone,

Sorry I haven't responded in so long, I've been swamped with
schoolwork here at RIT.

I've been hooking the HV20 up directly to a 52" Vizio – and WOW! What
a difference. The colors are "richer" and the picture seems cleaner.

I still haven't decided on a capture device. I do, though, have a
better idea of what I want in a capture device;

-Versatility
-Portability
-Affordability

...so a Magma Express solution or MX02?

I would also like to have freedom of movement (shoulder-mount). I
figure a longer HDMI cord would work but that would increase the
pressure on the connection and the HDMI disconnects enough as it is.

Does anyone know of a locking HDMI cable, or should I consider duct tape?

Thanks!

[Mark Keck]

Keith,

I remember a while back a group discussing attempting to do what you're trying. You might try searching for it. Not sure where it was... might have even been on another forum.

Good luck,

Mark

[Mark Keck]

Keith, try this...

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/hdv2-cano...d-capture.html

Mark

[Jacques Mersereau]

I have used the HV30's HDMI out to a Blackmagic Intensity card with Apple Mac Pro tower and FINAL CUT to capture. With a empty 500 gig FW800 drive you can do PRO RES 4:2:2 HQ. You canNOT do uncompressed. Well, you can, but you only get lots of dropped frames.

We used it for greenscreen and the students love the results.

HTH,

Jacques