Getting Started: September 2009 Archives

Submitted Questions:

If I want to output live via channel one but still record the broadcast, do I
just hit record to begin the show and it will save a copy? 

Yes, that's exactly how we do it for our shows.  Visual Communicator will be recording the show while simultaneously outputting the live feed. Our school is viewing the live analog feed via closed circuit TVs, and afterwards I will publish the show to WMV format so I can upload it to our free SchoolTube channel for all to view.

Will recording affect my output?  I noticed when I clicked 'rehearse' using "live output to TV", the graphics and transitions seemed seemless, but it was a bit choppy when I hit to 'record' today with live output.

This could be an issue, especially if your PC isn't that fast, or you are storing content on places other than the local hard drive (like flash drives, ext hard drives, network folders, etc).  Things to check--make sure you've updated both the video card and audio card drivers from the manufacturers websites.  Also be sure you have enough RAM, I suggest no less than 2 gig, and ensure your video card is not too old, sometimes a $50 upgraded card will make a world of difference.  VC relies pretty heavily on the horsepower behind your video card (not just the CPU processor) to run smoothly.  Also if you are running 2 or 3 cameras, that can cause slowdowns too on older computers.  Also take note of the presets you can change.  Under the "performance settings" dialog box, you can choose what presets best describe your PC.

I purchased an audio mixer and LED meter (the one listed on your site), but
we noticed today considerable lag between the video and audio (the speaker's
lips moved then audio was delayed).  I have wireless lav mics fed into the
mixer, then into the LED meter before returning back to the camera.  When I
directly connected the mics to the camera, I didn't have as much of a problem. 
How did you manage to connect the mixer and LED meter?

Ahh yes, this can be tricky.  Understand that it is intentional for the delay you are experiencing, as the PC needs 1-2 seconds to process the audio and video coming in.  That's why it appears to be a lag.  So you are correct by connecting the wireless lavs to a mixer, and then feeding the mixer to the cameras mic input jack.  Tell VC to use the camera for all mic audio (Setup Tab--Audio).

Regarding the LED audio meter, you actually want to monitor the OUTPUT from the PC, as opposed to the INPUT side coming into the PC (which sounds like you did that).  This means that the LED meter should be connected in the pathway coming out of your soundcard.  You might consider this technique-- soundcard out to meter, then meter to speakers.  Or buy a Y adaptor so now you can connect the meter and your speakers to the soundcards out jack.  Make ssense?  A bonus here is that you will be monitoring ALL audio coming out (not just mic audio, but music too).

 
Finally, if we opt to record a show then show it over channel one, what's our
best bet?  Is it possible to play back using windows media player out the
S-Video connection or do I need to burn the avi file created to dvd for
playback?  I'm guessing I could just insert the recorded file in the VC3 tray
and play that way as well, but I never tried it.

The last one is the easiest.  You can use VC to "play" the recorded clip.  Either double click it in the bins below and it will play, or you can insert it into a try and let the timeline run as it plays.  My preference is to open a blank show, and make the only tray be the video you wish to playback.  That way, you can always scroll down the timeline and resume playback, or pause it if needed.  Otherwise the other methods you described would work too.  When your goal is to burn to DVD, publish your VC show as an AVI file so your DVD burning software can choose how best to encode it for DVD playback. 

Submitted Question:

I have a budget of $3,000. I looked at your equipment recomendations. What would you say would be the most important for 3,000?  I already have the green screen and software.

That's quite a nice budget to have I must say!  You can do a lot with those funds, especially if you already have the greenscreen and software (and computer too I assume?)

1.  First take a look at the basic Getting Started Package I recommend via Journey Education.  It does have the software, but might be good for you anyways since you might end up needing more than just one license.  This package has the basics for a 1 person studio setup, and if need be you can buy items individually (like an extra mic for 2nd newscaster).  I designed this package as a starting point, but use as a shopping list if you have items already.

2.  Look at a Mic Mixer, since you may be using more than 1 microphone.  I like an external mic mixer because then I have manual control over adjusting each person's audio levels.  See what I mean in episode 4 of Ask Mr Z shows.

3.  Look into wireless lavalier microphones, consider one per newscaster.  We have 3 lavalier sets in our studio, and one wireless handheld mic for other uses too.

4.  You likely will want better lighting, and possibly a larger pro greenscreen, details on both found HERE.

Take a look at those links and let us know your thoughts...pricing changes so use the links as I cannot quote them here (this article stays archived for years!).  You can leave comments below to continue this conversation.  Good luck!