Computer Hardware: April 2009 Archives

Submitted Question:

My computer won't recognize both cameras (I have them
connected with firewire).  What do I need to do to get VC to recognize
both cameras?  We want to start using VC for our daily news
broadcasts instead of Windows Media Encoder.

First question--do you have each camera connected to it's own separate firewire card?   This is a common issue that some don't know is a requirement.  Explanation--your PC needs to see each camera separately, thus each camera needs to be plugged into separate firewire cards.  On a desktop PC, these are known as PCI firewire cards and are under $20 each.  Add additional cards when adding cameras.  On latops, the firewire card fits into a slot on the laptop, but be aware that there are two types of slots (older PCMCIA and newer Expresscard slots).  See my firewire card recommendations here.

In summary, just because you might see multiple ports on a firewire card does NOT mean it's ok to connect multiple cameras to it.  Each firewire card represents a "firewire channel" to your computer.  To avoid stuttering video, avoid plugging in multiple cams into one firewire card.

Hope that helps!  Learn more about this in chapter 4 cameras of my Training DVD Volume 1.  Let us know below by leaving comments...

As of April 2009, I'd recommend the best camera (and most affordable) for Adobe Visual Communicator as the Canon ZR960 firewire MiniDV camcorder.  See more camera details and advice on my website HERE.

This camera has the required specs for Visual Communicator users, such as firewire output, mic input, and ability to set manual controls like white balance, exposure, and focus.  These are important things to control manually if you want to get the best possible key when using the green screen feature of Visual Communicator.  More details regarding camera settings are covered in chapter 4 of my Training DVD Volume 1.

Questions or comments please submit below, thanks!

The past two weeks I've updated the entire Equipment Recommendations section of SchoolTVmadeEasy.com to reflect the commonly used equipment and hardware for anyone that uses Adobe Visual Communicator like we do.

Most notably is the addition of the long awaited School TV Getting Started Package that contains all the basics to begin producing newscasts, class projects, website videos, etc using Adobe Visual Communicator among other included Adobe software.  This entire package is under $800 and includes 3 software titles, training DVDs, firewire camcorder, microphone, greenscreen, tripod, cables and more.  My goal was to have it ALL included for a successful jumpstart to beginning any classroom or school TV studio.  I will be developing future Ask Mr Z episodes around this getting started package concept as well.

Take a look at the new Equipment Recommendations section and let me know what you think below! 

I'm pleased to announce my "Rob's Recommended" School TV Made Easy Getting Started Package for Adobe Visual Communicator users is ready for purchase!  I've partnered with Journey Education, a leading educational retailer to put together all the basic items necessary to begin using Visual Communicator for student newscasts and classroom video projects--all for under $800!  Now it's even simpler to use any classroom as a professional TV studio.

Everything you need is included--VC3 software, Adobe Premiere Elements and PhotoShop Elements software bundle, Rob's VC3 training DVDs, camera, lavalier microphone, green screen, cables, and tripod.  These are the items we use and love for all our school TV production needs.

Use this link for more information:

School TV Made Easy Getting Started Package

As always, I'd love to hear your comments on this, as many have asked over the years for a one-stop solution to buying all the basic gear needed to get started.  More optional gear like softbox lighting and wireless mics can be found at my Equipment Recommendations section on SchoolTVmadeEasy.com