Post Prod studio setup

[SoundWeavers]

hi Post Prod folks,

have a question about the setup of a audio/video post production studio. I want to add ADR, foley and sound to picture to my services. You know, from simple field recording synced to video - to hopefully - dialog recording to film/tv where voice talents need to see what to sync to.

thus, for ADR and foley sessions, what would be the equipment setup to display the video in the recording room?

My audio setup is
- PowerMac G5 2Ghz 4GRAM
- ProTools HD Accel 2
- Lynx Aurora 16 w/ HD card
- Rosetta800 w X-HD card

What equipment is needed and best setup that will enable smooth audio to video sessions.

Thanks a lot in advance.

[hociman]

A Canopus (QuickTime video only) is cheap, and has a few issues. A Mojo is not as cheap, plays more than just QuickTime, and doesn't have the issues a Canopus has. A SYNC I/O (I hear reports of SYNC|HD shipping) if you are going to use Mojo. A video distribution amplifier (DA) to display the picture on more than one screen, regardless of playback hardware choice.

This is a glossy generalization that should get you started.

[SoundWeavers]

Thanks hociman,

Correct, from what I've seen Qiucktime format is used for scoring sound to picture.

I forgot to mention I have Avid XpressPro and that I'm waiting for delivery of MOJO SDI.

Will check out the SYNC IO.

As for video distribution amp? What make model would you recommend for a 3 room studio (Control Room, Live Room, Iso Room)?

[hociman]

Originally Posted by SoundWeavers

As for video distribution amp? What make model would you recommend for a 3 room studio (Control Room, Live Room, Iso Room)?

We use the Extron MDA 3V.

[SoundWeavers]

hociman,

I hope you will continue to indulge.

Is there video playback latency with Plasma/LCD monitors? Is it best to get a CRT monitor? What do you recommend?

For connecting the video signal from Control Room to Recording Room - is it ok to put a BNC connection on the wall panel (since we don't need the video all the time).

thanks again.

[hociman]

Originally Posted by SoundWeavers

Is there video playback latency with Plasma/LCD monitors?

With plasmas, yes there is, and you must do something about it. With LCDs, it is negligible. Before someone starts reading this and says "Blasphemy!", let me qualify my statements. The plasmas I have measured with a Syncheck (best $200 a post studio will spend) are made by NEC, Panasonic, and Pioneer. At best, the latency was 1.5 frames. The LCD I measured is made by Panasonic. It's latency is 1/4 frame. I say it is negligible because unless you have a baseline (zero-latency CRT) to compare the LCD to, you are only going to be able to measure the latency, not detect it. Anyone that can visually detect a quarter frame of delay does not need to buy a Syncheck.

Is it best to get a CRT monitor?

If you don't want to worry about delay, this may very well be true. We had a CRT from Sony that actually had a 1 frame delay. This may be because it was HD ready (1080i), but even that 1 frame delay for an HD CRT was better than any plasma I've measured.

For connecting the video signal from Control Room to Recording Room - is it ok to put a BNC connection on the wall panel (since we don't need the video all the time).

I'm not sure I follow the question. If you intend on connecting one of the DA outputs to a wall plate with a BNC connector, and then connecting the display to said BNC connector when necessary, that's fine, provided a DA is used. If you are using a "T" connector, which is entirely passive, that won't be a good idea, as the potential for improper termination could have a negative effect on the picture quality.

[SoundWeavers]

Originally Posted by hociman

The LCD I measured is made by Panasonic. It's latency is 1/4 frame. I say it is negligible because unless you have a baseline (zero-latency CRT) to compare the LCD to, you are only going to be able to measure the latency, not detect it. Anyone that can visually detect a quarter frame of delay does not need to buy a Syncheck.

LCD it is then, 1/4 frame is fine for my purposes which is getting my hands dirty with ADR & foley work.

Originally Posted by hociman

I'm not sure I follow the question. If you intend on connecting one of the DA outputs to a wall plate with a BNC connector, and then connecting the display to said BNC connector when necessary, that's fine, provided a DA is used. If you are using a "T" connector, which is entirely passive, that won't be a good idea, as the potential for improper termination could have a negative effect on the picture quality.

sorry... You got the question right, anyway. one of DA outputs connected to a BNC connector on the wallplate so I can connect an video monitor (LCDTV) when needed during ADR & foley sessions.

Appreciate you sharing your time and knowledge. Thanks a TON hociman!

[hociman]

Originally Posted by SoundWeavers

LCD it is then, 1/4 frame is fine for my purposes which is getting my hands dirty with ADR & foley work.

*Disclaimer: I've only measured one LCD for its delay. If the LCD you purchase has more than a 1/4 frame of latency, I'm not responsible. Buy a syncheck to ensure that the delay is indeed a 1/4 frame (or less).

[SoundWeavers]

Originally Posted by hociman

*Disclaimer: I've only measured one LCD for its delay. If the LCD you purchase has more than a 1/4 frame of latency, I'm not responsible. Buy a syncheck to ensure that the delay is indeed a 1/4 frame (or less).

Don't worry about it man. LCD TVs are el cheapo anyway, and if they have more than 1/4 frame latency then I'll donate it to my mom. :D

[seanmccoy]

Originally Posted by hociman

The plasmas I have measured with a Syncheck (best $200 a post studio will spend) are made by NEC, Panasonic, and Pioneer. At best, the latency was 1.5 frames. The LCD I measured is made by Panasonic. It's latency is 1/4 frame.

Two questions:

Where can you get a Syncheck for $200? It's $325 everywhere I've found it.

And will a Syncheck be able to tell me exactly how much latency sending my video out via FireWire might be adding?

[braddymac]

Originally Posted by hociman

*Disclaimer: I've only measured one LCD for its delay. If the LCD you purchase has more than a 1/4 frame of latency, I'm not responsible. Buy a syncheck to ensure that the delay is indeed a 1/4 frame (or less).

Indeed... I have seen wide variances in LCD's, and also variances between the component and composite inputs of a single display.Cheers!Brad Mc.