TV & Video Frequently Asked Questions

Video Camera - XL-1
Linear Suites

When do I need to "black" a tape?

You need to "black" a tape whenever you are going to edit onto it.

How do I "black" a tape?

1. Begin with a brand new tape or one that has been completely degaussed (erased) using the degaussing unit found in the ER. Insert it into the record/destination deck making sure it is completely rewound before you begin. The record/destination deck is always the deck on the right side of the edit suite as you face the set up.
2. Select "composite" for the video input making sure that the word "composite is illuminated and not flashing. This tells you that the deck can see the "black" signal being sent to it by the black burst generator.
3. Pressing the "TC Preset" button on the deck's flip out menu. This will bring up the number on the video monitor that the deck will start recording with. Using the right and left arrows on the arrow pad, toggle over to each digit on the screen. The digit is selected when it is flashing. Using the up and down arrows, select the number for each position. When you're done, push the "set" button.
4. Make sure the deck is in REC RUN mode to insure that the action of recording black to your tape and the action of timecode being generated by the deck is in sync. On the flip-out menu select the "menu" button. Use the arrow pad to toggle over to to TIMECODE, then to MODE, then to, REC RUN. Press the "set" button.

The test that you have successfully set the Timecode preset and have placed the deck in RUN REC mode is to press only the record button on the deck. If the number that you had set your timecode to start at is displayed on the deck and is stationary, then you have done it right. While holding the already highlited record button, press the play button simoltaniously. Your timecode should start rolling ahead and your tape should beging recording. Once you've laid a sufficient amount of timecode then stop the deck.

The edit controller won't take my edit?

• Make sure you have enough pre-roll when marking your IN points, at least 10 sec, on both the source and record deck.
• Make sure you are in QSDI mode.
• Make sure you did not break timecode.

I can't control the deck from the edit controller

Make sure the deck(s) are in remote mode.

There are no VU levels on the record deck.

• Make sure you have audio on your source deck.
• Make sure the input mode is in analog on the record deck.
• Check the audio input levels.

How do I make a dub (copy) of a DV tape?

You can make a copy of DV tape that you have edited or one that you have shot footage on in any of the linear edit suites.

1. Putting both record and source decks in "local" mode by flicking the switch on each deck, place the tape that is to be the source in your souce deck and the tape that you wish to record to in the record deck. Don't forget to make sure your timecode preset is set where you want it and that you are in Record Run mode.
2. Make sure that you have selected QSDI as the video input source on your record deck and that it is solid (not flashing), seeing the signal from the source deck.
3. Make sure your audio channels are up and where you want them on your record deck if your dubing the audio from the tape as well. You should be seeing VU levels on the record deck.
4. Press play and record on your record deck and play on your source deck to begin the dub.

How do I "pick up" or continue timecode on a tape that I have already partially laid timecode to?

Say you have a tape that you have layed five minutes of "black" to. You have edited a story on to that first five minutes of "black" but now you want to put on a second story that will go beyond your first five minutes. How do you continue that timecode sequence without erasing the tape and starting over?

1. First find the point in the timecode that you've already layed where you would like to begin recording again and laying more "black".
2. Taking note of the timecode number that is displayed at that point, go to your timecode preset button on your decks flip-out menu and bring up the timecode preset screen. Using your arrow buttons, toggle over through the digits putting in the number that the deck had displayed as the point you will start recording. Press the "set" button.
3. Just like you did when you first "blacked" your tape, make sure you are in REC RUN mode. Again, the test that you have done it right is to push the record button only. If the timecode displayed doesn't change when you do so, you know that the timecode will start with that number.
4. Holding down the already illuminated record button, press the play button as well and your timecode and tape should start recording starting with the number you designated.

Avid Suites
Documentary Lab Whisper Room (Voice Over)

I can't hear anything through my headphones.

Check headphone levels on the DV deck.

My voice sounds far away.

• Make sure you are speaking into the front side of the microphone.
• Check all levels: trim, gain and master pots on the Mackie and input level on the DV deck.

What is the difference between trim and gain?

Trim is the gate that controls the amount of signal into the mixer, while gain is an amplification of the signal.

How do I record my narration in the Whisper room?

1. First thing you should do when recording narration is make sure that all knobs on channel one of the Mackie mixing board and the Sony DSR20 DV deck are at a twelve o' clock position. This will insure a good starting point to adjust your levels from.
2. Adjust the microphone in front of you so that it's at a comfortable height and that the "live" side of the microphone is facing you. This can be determined by the round emblem on the microphone facing you.
3. While speaking into the microphone look set the VU meters on the Mackie so that the majority of the signal resides between 0 and +7. To adjust signal level, adjust the trim and gain knobs for channel one and then finally use main mix knob to achieve your signal level.
4. After levels have been set on the Mackie, look to the DV deck and adjust the in coming VU levels using the knobs for channel one and channel two.
5. Input select should be set to video and Fs48k. Counter select should be set to TC (time code). Audio monitor should be on channel 1&2. Timer should be off.
6. Once you've got your levels where you want them, make sure you have a tape in the deck and press play/record

Transfer Tower

Can we transfer to other formats, ie PAL?

All decks playback and record NTSC (USA standards). VHS is the only multi-format deck with playback and record features.

Can we make multiple copies?

No. Only one copy can be made at a time.

Why am I getting feedback?

Make sure to "clear" the input settings.