using a notebook as a field monitor at DVinfo.net

Michael Richard · February 5th, 2004, 07:37 AM

I can patch thru firewire to my notebook using it as a field monitor, viewing what the camera sees thru the capture window.

Is there any software that will do this other than editing software?

Mike Gunter · February 5th, 2004, 09:14 AM

Hi,

While possible, it is hardly worth the effort. The computer's monitor uses a different color space than NTSC or PAL monitors.

I have used a laptop and external drives to capture to hard drive while taping. That has proved worthwhile a few times.

Boyd Ostroff · February 5th, 2004, 09:50 AM

Mike, your point about colorspace is well taken, but "hardly worth the effort" is a little harsh in my opinion. Aside from color issues a monitor can be very useful for focus and underscan judgements, and a laptop is a convenient portable solution.

I don't use one regularly, but on occasion have found it very helpful in a situation where it would not have been practical to lug a monitor. I have no experience with PC's, but on the Mac BTV Pro does a very nice job for this and will also capture video over firewire.

Mike Gunter · February 5th, 2004, 10:00 AM

Hi,

*Harsh*? Wasn't intended.

It seems to be easier to look at the viewfinder for framing and accounting for overscan.

Focusing by laptop isn't something I've thought of at all - and in my case - I can't imagine it being an advantage.

Again, everyone's milage may vary.

Rob Lohman · February 5th, 2004, 12:32 PM

I've used my laptop on a number of takes on my Lady X shoot
as well. Worked perfectly. I'd rather see the actual overscan
then "account" for it. Also focus was indeed easier to see on my
high resolution TFT screen and on some major scenes I let my
laptop record at the same time as my XL1S so I could instantly
see the recording back.

February 5th, 2004, 07:37 AM	#1
Michael Richard Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Midcoast, Maine Posts: 89	using a notebook as a field monitor I can patch thru firewire to my notebook using it as a field monitor, viewing what the camera sees thru the capture window. Is there any software that will do this other than editing software?

February 5th, 2004, 09:14 AM	#2
Mike Gunter Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Kalispell, Montana Posts: 164	Hi, While possible, it is hardly worth the effort. The computer's monitor uses a different color space than NTSC or PAL monitors. I have used a laptop and external drives to capture to hard drive while taping. That has proved worthwhile a few times. __________________ Mike Gunter VideoTidbits.com

February 5th, 2004, 10:00 AM	#4
Mike Gunter Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Kalispell, Montana Posts: 164	Hi, Harsh? Wasn't intended. It seems to be easier to look at the viewfinder for framing and accounting for overscan. Focusing by laptop isn't something I've thought of at all - and in my case - I can't imagine it being an advantage. Again, everyone's milage may vary. __________________ Mike Gunter VideoTidbits.com

February 5th, 2004, 12:32 PM	#5
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	I've used my laptop on a number of takes on my Lady X shoot as well. Worked perfectly. I'd rather see the actual overscan then "account" for it. Also focus was indeed easier to see on my high resolution TFT screen and on some major scenes I let my laptop record at the same time as my XL1S so I could instantly see the recording back. __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

February 5th, 2004, 09:50 AM	#3
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,802	Mike, your point about colorspace is well taken, but "hardly worth the effort" is a little harsh in my opinion. Aside from color issues a monitor can be very useful for focus and underscan judgements, and a laptop is a convenient portable solution. I don't use one regularly, but on occasion have found it very helpful in a situation where it would not have been practical to lug a monitor. I have no experience with PC's, but on the Mac BTV Pro does a very nice job for this and will also capture video over firewire.