Understanding Multicam System

[sonyboy]

Hi Guys ,

I would appreciate some help here on multicam system. It's my first time doing an event with multiple cameras.
However i am not gonna screw up a production by having a Video Mixer and mix/edit on the spot. In case , things goes wrong.

But however , i also enquire some rental guys and i found that to have a monitor JUST to observe what the cameras are shooting , it cost up to almost XXX.
So to save this cost , i was wondering if the current setup mock diagram works.

Seperation between switcher and camera can be up to 50m. and i intend to transfer the wire overhead / ceiling of the event area.. It's an indoor one anyway.

I know that those renting out monitor is a different sort of monitor where they can see 3 angle in one whole screen at the same time..but all i need really to see and keep switching.. that's my disadvantage..also the long wiring cable..



OH , and also please advise if i connect the HDMI cable to a SEMI PRO CAMCORDER , will the operator lose sight of his small on camera screen just like the DSLR?


Advance thanks!

 

[sonyboy]

Also , is there a preferred brand of HDMI switcher to recommend me?

Afraid that those shipped from china will fail me on the day.

 

[DXNMedia]

If it can be done simpler and cheaper, many would have done it already and a multi-camera event coverage wouldn't have costed XXXX.

Firstly, there's no way you can switch seamlessly with a HDMI switcher.
If you can accept getting your images cut or change shot with a flicker of black and image comes on after 2 secs, then you can use these HDMI switchers.

Secondly, I doubt you can run HDMI lines for 50m without signal degradation, so if you want to try your way, do factor in some HDMI repeater systems.
Even if it's gonna work, your 50m cable run for HDMI is probably gonna cost you quite a fair bit too.
There are reasons why many multi camera solution providers don't use HDMI for their setup.

Keep us updated on your setup and let us know the results.
Always good to explore new solutions.

 

[sonyboy]

If it can be done simpler and cheaper, many would have done it already and a multi-camera event coverage wouldn't have costed XXXX.

Firstly, there's no way you can switch seamlessly with a HDMI switcher.
If you can accept getting your images cut or change shot with a flicker of black and image comes on after 2 secs, then you can use these HDMI switchers.

Secondly, I doubt you can run HDMI lines for 50m without signal degradation, so if you want to try your way, do factor in some HDMI repeater systems.
Even if it's gonna work, your 50m cable run for HDMI is probably gonna cost you quite a fair bit too.
There are reasons why many multi camera solution providers don't use HDMI for their setup.

Keep us updated on your setup and let us know the results.
Always good to explore new solutions.

Hi Dixon ,

I am the one who contacted you via sms that day. I think it's pretty obvious.

You see , i am doing a event coverage at my church. While they pay for the rental , i don't take any of my service charge
since it's my first time. Of course , i use my money to pay my guys.

Now i was thinking that it could be within 10-20 metres only & wireless HDMI seems possible & wire free..


Anyway , thanks for your tips.

 

[DXNMedia]

if you're going wireless HDMI with those short range systems meant for homes, then you'll need to find out how many units can you use simultaneously in a single venue.
Most consumer grade HDMI systems are single channel systems, and you can only run 1 pair of transmitter & receiver at one time.
Even the most basic wireless HDMI systems are going for about S$300-$400 per set.

Don't think too high tech if you're on a budget....if it's just monitoring that you need for directing your cam operators, just go with basic composite video signals.
RCA cables are cheap enough. Buy a under $100 quad split unit from security cam dealers, and get a cheap LCD tv monitor.

If it's live switching that you need, then you need this that I'm clearing:
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/buy-...thers-dxnmedia-multicam-switcher-package.html

 

[iunspoken]

Hi sonyboy,

I'm an active member and director for my own church's TV Ministry.

I'm not sure what is the budget that your church and yourself is working with, but in this case, I would be more concerned with stability instead of cost.
You can't run away from running long lines, they're still more reliable than even professional wireless transmitters like CamWave.
HDMI is a consumer interface, and I won't recommend using it. Everything from the port, to cables, to maintenance is going to be costly. Running HD-SDI or SD-SDI is a cheaper, and more stable way of doing it.
If the church has their own projection screen, you'll DEFINITELY need a video mixer, it helps with putting up slides like sermon points as well. Unless they don't have a projector screen, and this video-ing is for recording purpose only, in which case, you won't even need a switcher/mixer/viewer.

In summary, this are the basic things you need to take note for multicam-setups.

1) No. of/type of camcorders
2) Video Mixer
3) Conversion equipments
4) Recording equipments
5) Content management (for the recordings. Your church would want to have a system to archive all their activities in the years to come)
6) PPT/Keynote slides, lyrics, announcement slides, video playback etc.

Your concern for "things going wrong" because of live-cutting on the spot is valid. But with the proper planning of services and briefing of camera crews, you'll be confident of a good production. Church services don't usually deviate too far week to week. For example at my church, there's praise/worship, then welcoming of new members, then video announcements, then the sermon, offering and altar call. Even in the most complex and largest of concerts, there's always a planned scheduled, planned shot lists etc etc. Each cameraman knows exactly what they're supposed to capture.

In any case, why not drop me a PM so we can discuss this further. I would like to help a fellow bro-in-Christ with your project, or potentially help start your own TV Ministry in your church as well.

God Bless
Regards
Roger Ng

 

[DXNMedia]

You can't run away from running long lines, they're still more reliable than even professional wireless transmitters like CamWave.

Bro, IDX Camwave isn't qualified to be considered 'professional wireless transmitter' for live applications
They're designed as a wireless video monitoring system.
Range is just too short for a proper wireless setup, and the lack of antenna options makes it even more limited in their capabilities.

The real pro ones are from Gigawave, and you can buy like 10 sets of IDX Camwave with that.
Of course, you'd still need proper license to run those microwave transmitter units.

 

[iunspoken]

Bro, IDX Camwave isn't qualified to be considered 'professional wireless transmitter' for live applications
They're designed as a wireless video monitoring system.
Range is just too short for a proper wireless setup, and the lack of antenna options makes it even more limited in their capabilities.

The real pro ones are from Gigawave, and you can buy like 10 sets of IDX Camwave with that.
Of course, you'd still need proper license to run those microwave transmitter units.

lol true that. It's probably just a cheaper way of running things if on a budget though. Or could go BoxxTV. Gigawave of course trumps given it runs on microwave.

Ever thought of trying to zhng my current CamWave's antennas.. Lets see how it goes. lol.

 

[DXNMedia]

Going a bit off topic here...

I'm using Boxx myself, and Gigawave is definitely out of question in terms of $$$.
At one point, i was seriously trying to see if I can mod the Camwave's antenna systems. Until I heard the Camwave2, but after the release of specs last broadcast asia, I was totally disappointed.

No improvement in range, and no antenna options.

Keep me updated with your experiment on the antenna.... Anton Bauer also came out with a wireless system, but I think it's just as expensive as the Gigawave options.

 

[Faiz]

Theres a new player in the market.... COBHAM... But a few processor is needed as its h.264 compression but signal is damn solid.... Rooftop of ritz to floating platform is all good...

 

[DXNMedia]

Yeah Faiz, I spoke to the Cobham sales director at broadcast asia before....price is as expensive as gigawave unfortunately.... given the technology, quality & reliability involved, I guess it's hard to bring down on the prices... you pay for what you get.

I think the Anton Bauer unit is actually either OEMed by Cobham or IMT.... some of the manufacturers are from the same Vitec group.