Computer Hardware: September 2009 Archives

Submitted Question:

I would like to do a live newscast and broadcast to each classroom using Visual Communicator. I am connecting my desktop computer to a video converter which then outputs video and sound to all TV's in my school via the media delivery system. However, I do not have enough inputs to use my camera for the live broadcast. What additional equipment will I need to be able to do this?

Sounds like you already have a media delivery system that has jacks for video and audio...this is good!  You will use your computer as the "creator and deliverer" of the entire show, and out of the computer comes the video and audio for your show...

Think of it this way--camera feeds into computer (input), and processed signal comes out of computer (ouput).  This is a new workflow for most folks that are not used to a software-based solution, in other words the computer is in control of ALL, not a person on a switcher with hardware-based setups.  This is still a relatively new concept in TV production, even though VC has been around since 2001.

I developed my training DVD volume 1 to cover the essentials of setting up a studio, and review all the options you may have (cheap webcam verses decent firewire camera for example).  Start there if you are unsure what to buy.

Also look at the basics included in the Getting Started Package I recommend via JourneyEd.  Just add your own camera and computer and the rest is covered in the package.

Regarding inputs for camera(s) keep in mind that VC can handle up to 3 cameras, but each camera needs it's own firewire card installed in the PC.  You CANNOT get away with one firewire card that has multiple ports on it.  More is explained in training DVD vol. 1.

Hope that helps get you started on your way, post additional questions or comments below.

Submitted Question:

Your video talks about S video hook up, however our computers here at the school
do not have S video output. But we are using a TV gold adaptor system which has
a S video hook up....is there a way to hook up the computer to broadcast through
this system?  We are still not able to broadcast the live feed through our closed
circuit system.  What we see on the TV, is Visual Communicator screen with all the teleprompt and effects, etc... We feel like there is just one step we're missing, to make the whole thing work together, but we don't know what it is! Is it the S video thing? 

It sounds like your computer does not have an appropriate video card.  You need a "dual head" video card that has a TV-out jack, see my recommendations HERE for a card that will work.  You likely can buy one for under $100, and if you need composite (also known as RCA or the yellow jack) you can buy an adaptor that will convert the s-video output to composite output, adaptor is less than $10 at Radio Shack (we use one!).

Hope that helps, let us all know below by leaving comments or additional questions.

Submitted Question:

I've finally convinced our school to move from an Mac based tv show to using Visual Communicator. Now all eyes are on me to make it work!!  We want to continue to use 2 cameras and output via the school's closed circuit (analog output). So far, I've not worked out if this is possible?

Yes it's possible, VC is made to do either live TV (analog) output OR live web streaming (digital).  It's perfect since you can choose whatever output you need in your situation.  Right now, we are doing the live analog output method at my school.  To accomplish this, I had installed a dual head video card that has a TV-out jack (s-video in my case).  You just need to tell Windows to run in "extended desktop mode" and VC will know to use the 2nd output (TV) for your fullscreen live analog output.  I cover this in "Presenting Live Shows" chapter 8 of my training DVD volume 1.

Also, while our new laptop has a firewire socket and Nvidia Geforce 9600 video card, I'm really confused about how to input 2 cameras into the laptop and how to get the output out! Will I need some external dual head gadget or am I just losing the plot?!! I really hope this makes sense and you can help!

In your case, sounds like your laptop has a built in firewire port for camera 1.  Now if you want to add a second camera, you need to buy a firewire laptop card.  Keep in mind that laptops are usually good for 1-2 camera setups, but I prefer a desktop PC for using up to 3 cameras.  Each camera needs it's own firewire card though, so don't be confused when you see multiple ports on a firewire card--only use ONE at a time to avoid bandwidth issues (stuttering video).  Make sense?

Good luck and let us all know here how things go by leaving comments or questions below.