Video Camera Setup

This is one way to setting up a video camera to two computers using a canopus (firewire)and transferring the signal through a video mixer(s). One of the computers is streaming worldwide while the other computer is transferring information from another source or location to the video mixer. Video mixers are helpful in this situation because you can switch and add special effects to the camera footage.

Camera Setup 101

Last class, we discussed about setting up four cameras to the video mixer. With video camera four, we were asked to hook this through a VDA (Video Distribution Amplifier) box then to a switch box according to the inputs and outputs of the wires and continue this setup to the VHS (Video Home System) machine. On the video mixer, there was an input called a preview output which enables you to hook up a preview monitor. The preview monitor allows you to control and view the different activities on each of the cameras. This week’s assignment is to develop a similar camera setup without guidance from the instructor but demonstrate to entire process with a classmate to the class.

Where does this go?

Setting up a microphone to a mixer board looks complicated but really it isn’t that complicated. After having an intense, complex tutorial from Tom, I believe I have obtained enough information to hook up a microphone to the mixer board to whatever speakers in the Studio E classroom.

We started this class by collecting the equipment from the tech closet. We worked with others from the class and explored how to connect and set up the microphones to the mic stands including the wiring without any instruction from the professor. We tried multiple times placing different wires into the back of the mixer and then to the speakers but failed miserably. But luckily the professor decided to help us out by explaining about the parts on the mixer and each of their purposes.

The professor, Tom, discussed whenever starting on the mixer it is advised to make sure that all knobs, buttons, and mutes are adjusted to their minimal setting. He said each column is called a channel that pertains to each microphone. From what I can remember, there were sixteen channels on this mixer. Towards the bottom of the channels there are levers that control the volume of the microphone. To get sound from the microphone we started by adding or adjusting the gain by turning the knob slowly clockwise near the top of the mixer. Next, we hooked the wire to the switchboard that leads to the speakers in the classroom. After, we pressed in the mic button and adjusted the main volume lever to get sound.

There were other ways, mentioned in class, about hooking up more than one microphone and listening to a microphone or input at a time. This feature allows the engineer to listen and adjust the volume of the individual performers. We did discuss about using the ‘control room’ or CR function on the mixer board. This function controls all sound sources in the recording room and the engineer can either listen or not listen to the performers and make any changes if needed.

After hooking up all four microphones, we set up each microphone to an assigned speaker: front, side, back and center speakers. I enjoyed this tutorial from Tom Beyer and I hoped to remember the ‘every’ specific details when setting up anything to a mixer board in the future.

Terminologies

Cords
TRS: tip, ring, sleeve
TS: tip, sleeve

Experience with Cisco

What is Cisco? How does it work? Is it necessary for better communication? These were some of the questions that came to mind when our class was experimenting with this ‘wireless performance’. Specifically, Cisco is similar to Skype with the voice and video streaming that operates through a WLAN delivery, wireless network as mentioned on Cisco’s webpage. This technology works by hooking up the Cisco telephone to a monitor/television screen where signals are transmitted to a box above, near the camera. Answering my other questions about whether it’s easier or recommended for communication. I would say indeed. There should be other options and choices in communication where companies can develop useful and create innovative ideas.

While experimenting Cisco in class, we had a few students stay at the Cyber Café in Steinhardt and the rest of us went over to the Tisch Café nearby (approx. two streets and blocks difference). We discussed about several things: one of the huge issues was latency besides the others being lighting, volume control, and microphone placement. With latency, we discussed how there was some delay with the video imagery to speaking. One example that was used was having the people in the Cyber Café clap while the other people in the Tisch Café reacted with the claps by counting back. Since, I was in the Tisch Café we counted the claps. The people in the Cyber Café said our counting was slightly off when they were clapping. With that observed, we discussed whether we should start counting earlier and/or later even though it would create a distracting or odd experience for us. We didn’t try these ideas but I wonder if we should have. The other issues were volume control and microphone placement. What seemed to be the problem with the microphone placement was that the microphone couldn’t pick up our voices from where we were sitting and that some of us were not speaking loud enough. With lighting, the room needed to be well illuminated. As for pros, the video image was very clear and the colors were evident.

Writing my biography

Lots to write, so little time.
Today, I just finished typing up my biography. I didn't know that I have accomplished so much stuff over a decade. Can't wait to add more to my bio.

A Fresh Start

Today, I just setup my new blog especially for my Collaborative Projects class. I can't wait to explore other different creative and innovative knowledge with my classmates and learn from them as well. I didn't know setting up a camera on a tripod can be so complex but I'm glad to have overcome that obstacle. I felt hooking up the camera through the VCR then to the projector was complicated. I may need extra assistance in that area of wiring things together or else, Disaster. =D