DIY video switcher? Using existing PC? at DVinfo.net

Ted Bragg · November 11th, 2008, 12:47 PM

Our ancient Videonics switchers is about to give up the ghost. Is there a way to make a switcher using tv tuner boards and a Vista machine?

The only thing I've been able to turn up is the Matrox and Tricaster editing systems, but that's way out of my ballpark...

I was hoping to cobble together something with -- I dunno... TV Wonder cards and switching / Video DJ software?

I've seen VidBlaster, but we're stuck with analog sources -- and USB is way too jerky.

Giroud Francois · November 11th, 2008, 03:35 PM

Edirol is making same kind of product

Ted Bragg · November 13th, 2008, 02:29 PM

Ok, so maybe I should be saying "Video MIXER", rather than 'switcher'...

Again, can this be done with a PC and composite/s-video capture boards? The PC doesn't have to record all three streams, just show a preview onscreen and record whichever stream is selected.

Jeff Zimmerman · March 23rd, 2009, 11:18 PM

Currently I'm using VidBlaster in Trail mode. Hasn't been to jerky and my 3 video inputs come through just fine. Just need to get some graphics prepared and I'll be ready to hit the pavement.

Setup:
MacBook - Running Win XP via Bootcamp
Belkin USB 2.0 Hub
3x Roxio USB Analog converters
Shure 32a Field Mixer
DVCam Deck for Line record
2x HMC-150 handhelds
1x A1U wide shot
1x Comprehensive VGA Converter to S-Video
3x Sennheiser Announcer Headsets

Only problem is 320x240 video output until the latest version of Studio is released.

November 11th, 2008, 12:47 PM	#1
Ted Bragg Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 105	DIY video switcher? Using existing PC? Our ancient Videonics switchers is about to give up the ghost. Is there a way to make a switcher using tv tuner boards and a Vista machine? The only thing I've been able to turn up is the Matrox and Tricaster editing systems, but that's way out of my ballpark... I was hoping to cobble together something with -- I dunno... TV Wonder cards and switching / Video DJ software? I've seen VidBlaster, but we're stuck with analog sources -- and USB is way too jerky.

March 23rd, 2009, 11:18 PM	#4
Jeff Zimmerman Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Brighton, Colorado Posts: 386	Currently I'm using VidBlaster in Trail mode. Hasn't been to jerky and my 3 video inputs come through just fine. Just need to get some graphics prepared and I'll be ready to hit the pavement. Setup: MacBook - Running Win XP via Bootcamp Belkin USB 2.0 Hub 3x Roxio USB Analog converters Shure 32a Field Mixer DVCam Deck for Line record 2x HMC-150 handhelds 1x A1U wide shot 1x Comprehensive VGA Converter to S-Video 3x Sennheiser Announcer Headsets Only problem is 320x240 video output until the latest version of Studio is released. __________________ Jeff Zimmerman • Love what I do • Colorado + North America www.m3films.com

November 11th, 2008, 03:35 PM	#2
Giroud Francois Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: switzerland Posts: 2,133	Edirol is making same kind of product

November 13th, 2008, 02:29 PM	#3
Ted Bragg Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 105	Ok, so maybe I should be saying "Video MIXER", rather than 'switcher'... Again, can this be done with a PC and composite/s-video capture boards? The PC doesn't have to record all three streams, just show a preview onscreen and record whichever stream is selected.