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• Editing controllers

• JLCooper Electronics
• About easy and quick editing
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• Panasonic edit controllers
• Sony linear edit controllers
• Trinity system
• Videomedia
• Videonics CommandPost
• Edit controllers and VTRs with built-in controllers

625 Content: 2002 : #1

Videomedia
Michael Tovkalo

Non-linear complexes are now very popular. Of course, from the point of view of cost/quality non-linear stations are more advantageous: it is possible to renew software and modernize the computer, upgrading its facilities.

But do non-linear edit stations always have profit? Of course, they do not. For now, the most popular method of video information collection and storing is taping. It is undoubted, that operations with tapes remain efficient

Usage of linear edit stations is technologically justified in news production (in TV companies that do not use complex network decisions), and edit of feature films with great volume of source data. Edit controller's being easy-to-use and practically feasible defines its operating efficiency and affects the result, i.e. ready video material.

OZ-PCE system

OZ-PCE (Production Control Environment) system of Videomedia company manufacture may be referred to such controllers. This is a system of hardware and software means, designed for building professional controllers, used for controlling different video and audio equipment in TV edit areas. The system bases on V-LAN (Universal Control Network) industry standard allowing combining up to 31 devices of various types. These devices may be controlled with the usage of both serial (RS-232/RS-422) and parallel protocol. OZ-PCE operating environment is close to user interface, provided by traditional linear edit controllers. Operating display shows edit list as row-set (event-set) and also status of VTRs, their time codes, method of video and audio mixers' operating, programmed effects and other information. Each row may contain Russian or English comment. Controlling of edit equipment is performed with the help of a keyboard and a mouth, or with the help of a special keypad with jog/shuttle wheel and a full set of function keys:

PROI model, containing jog/shuttle wheel, main edit keys with one GPI port;
full-function PROII model, allowing operating without keypad;
ROIII model, containing additional jog/shuttle wheel.

EDL of OZ-PCE system

OZ-PCE software has friendly ergonomic interface. Edit decision list occupies main part of the display. Each event displays in- and out-points for "master" and "slaves" (whose number is chosen separately), duration of the current join and the whole program (assemble, insert), active tracks, transition type (Cut, Dissolve, Wipe, Memory, Key, etc), and also, if necessary, additional information about programmed layers (in case you use mixer's preset), source placed in the key signal channel, name of graphic file, name, number, and code of GPI-trigger start-up with binding both to "master" and any "slave". Information about current join and status (code) of VTRs is located in the bottom of the display. Nevertheless, this panel contains everything necessary: tapes' time codes and names, event duration, active tracks (video and 4 audio), data about source's speed (when using dynamic auto tracking), name of graphic file placed into buffer, and also data about pre-read mode usage.

VTRs control panel is located in the lower right corner. It contains all traditional keys, and also the line symbolizing shuttle function.

Several panels designed for controlling current join are placed in the right part of the display. These are panels of transition type and programming GPI-trigger and sources in layers. Type transition panel allows selecting join modes: cut, dissolve, wipe, memory, effect, and also set their parameters (such as duration, bounds, direction). The panel adapts itself to a concrete hardware. The controller uses information written in the effect file for automatic programming of layers and loading necessary data (graphic template, etc).

Panel of programming sources in layers allows forming the join with the selected source on video mixer. This mode is applied when using complex effects when several source VTRs, graphic buffers, etc. are enabled. Also, when using this panel and programming key channel, it is possible to lay credits or constant logo onto picture, which fastens operating process and allows avoiding unnecessary rerecording.

Panel of programming GPI-triggers allows activating different devices during event. It is possible, for instance, to start the prepared credits' creeping line or freeze picture at concrete position. Several triggers inside one edit event may be programmed. And what is more, each trigger may be used multiply. Time code of "master" or any "slave" may be the actuation code of each trigger.

Consoles and modules for OZ-PCE

Automatic functions of operating with edit decision list are to be mentioned. First, this is a traditional Auto Edit mode, performing automatic edit of program using existing EDL. Besides, there is a mode of automatic grouping of several events with operating of one group for one transition. It allows, for instance, programming consecution with repeated split by video and audio, and many other.

As it has already been stated, the program supports all Windows software, i.e. it is an object-oriented environment, which increases its operating facility. For example, for repeating any event, it is only necessary to point to it with mouth and select "record" command. It is possible to open several EDLs and drag the rows from one list to another. The program supports mechanism of transferring marks and whole events through clipboard, and also functions of searching the row by any feature, (e.g. time code or comment). It is possible to wind back the "master" for the required scene and request the program to find the row/rows relating to corresponding time code value. With respect to source it is possible to learn how many times the current code has been enabled in edit and find corresponding rows.

These capabilities were realized thanks to computer control of the system.

I.S.P.A. - Engineering Company.

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