MSP and DV Playback

[Peter B]

I note Media Studio now has the ability to capture “seamless” DV and works very well, I was quite impressed.

Is there a way to go the other way with type 1 DV files?

Can you create 2/4GB files from the timeline that are “seamlessly” created? and/or
Can you playback rendered video from the timeline to a DV camera? and/or
If you manually create sequential files can you "seamlessly" record these to a DV camera?

I have tried file/create/multiple files but it seems to want to batch run MSP projects, print to tape appears to be destined for videotape output and export to MS device only allows selection of one file.

I have not been able to successfully install w2k on my marvel system so I am using win98SE, therefore NTFS is not an option (although I do have a copy of Win NT 4, not installed, which seems to have Marvel drivers, but I think it does not support ieee1394 or Directx 8). My version of AVI_IO and Virtual Dub do not support DV (though I sure I read somewhere AVI_IO was in beta testing for DV, is it available yet?). OCHI TI, Marvel G200, 512mb RAM, Athlon 1Ghz, Asus A7V-E, 17Gb & 2x40GB HDD, SB Live Value.

[Dr Mordrid]

Yes, you can print the timeline (whole or part) to a DV cam directly. Use the DV SmartPlay feature. Here's some directions on how to set it up;

http://www.ulead.com/tech/msp_ftp.htm

Look for the heading "Using DV SmartPlay". It works the same for 6.0 and 6.5. Use the MS Device Control for best results, not the TI device control.

DirectX 8.0a + the Video Capture Update OR DirectX8.1 is also highly recommended (Dx 8.1 includes the VCU).

Dr. Mordrid

[Peter B]

Thanks for the lead, I thought it should be possible.

The first attmept looked decidely jerky and I removed the tick from the "quickplay" and it looked a lot better.

Still I am convinced there is some frames skipped druing playback?
any suggestions? The same issue seems to occur during MJPeg playback, is there something I am missing in the project settings maybe?

What are the optimal settings for playback?

[Dr Mordrid]

There's a load of things that can bring on dropped frames during playback. As such there are several optimizations that should be made to systems that will be used for video editing.

Many of will apply to Win9x or ME only, but most can be used with NT/2K/XP as well.

1. use a separate video drive with 2x the speed necessary for the format you're using. It's best if this is on a totally separate controller and not the mainboards built-in one so as to minimize conflicts with other storage devices.

The current batch of IDE drives are plenty fast for all but using uncompressed video. The Promise UltraATA PCI card is a good secondary IDE interface.

If you plan on using uncompressed video for special effects or animations then use a RAID adapter instead. This merges multiple drives into one very fast and large virtual drive. Promise and 3Ware make good ones. Avoid HighPoint's like the plague.

2. turn off auto-insert notification on all CD drives (no more auto run, but that's the price you pay).

3. set up a fixed size swapfile of about 2x your installed memory

4. in Win9x/ME install and use Cacheman to control the VCACHE.

5. avoid the SBLive and the AudioPCI or Maestro-1 or 2 based PCI audio cards. They are major bus hogs.

If you can use either a plain-Jane ISA Soundblaster AWE64, Yamaha chipped PCI or a Turtle Beach Santa Cruz PCI (VideoLogic Sonic Fury in Europe) as they will minimize bus hogging.

6. Avoid RealTek chipped network adapters as they are also have resource issues. If you already have a problem network card than consider replacing it or using a custom user profile with it disabled in the device manager.

The Linksys LNE100TX full duplex is no problem and all I'll use.

7. disable any unused devices in your BIOS (com1, com2, lpt etc.). It frees IRQ's and system resources used for those ports. This is mainly useful for those of us who use USB mice, keyboards etc.

8. If you're using DV I'd STRONGLY advise to use Win2K. It's been the most consistant for me in terms of stability and, with SP2 and Dx8.0a and the Video Capture Update, very DV friendly.

DirectX8.1 supposedly has the update built in, but I haven't had a chance to try it yet. I therefore won't recommend 8.1 at this time.

I'm sure there are other optimizations I have forgotten, but others can fill those in.

I still feel XP is betaware and do NOT recommend it until we've seen 1 or 2 service packs.

Yes, I have used XP both for personal projects and in betatesting. Those uses just reinforced my previous opinion.

Dr. Mordrid

[Peter B]

Thanks for the detailed replay.

My driver are fast enough (19mb/s + Matrox Benchmarks)
I have also implemented all the "optimisations" for Win98 recommended in the FAQ section such as fixed swap file etc and all the adjustment to the ulead.ini files etc. They are using the Mobo's connections though. I am considering adding a raid and have noted your other posts about separate cards, but it comes down to finances, I no doubt will one day when possible - I am adding things all the time

I haven’t tried disabling any other devices and I have looked but can't find any Turtle beach/Video Logic cards in this country. Yamaha cards are available, I gave my last one away when I "upgraded" to SBLive! I will try those, as I am not using a printer, serial or other peripherals.

I haven’t ever used cacheman so will look it up.

I have removed my network card as I have removable HDD so can transfer large files much faster than any network.

I have installed directx 8.1 based on some of your previous advice and would dearly love to use w2k for DV (and MJPeg) but have not been able to even install power desk in w2k before the display becomes completely garbage before trying VT!

So I will try disabling the non used resources and I think I may have forgotten auto insert notification too come to think of it. It is usually automatically disabled by most CD writing software and I forgot my CD writer is not installed on this machine.

Have you seen your grandson “in the flesh” yet or do they live in another city?

[Peter B]

My local supplier has the following sound cards

Aztech PCI 368-DSP Sound Card

Aztech PCI 288-Q3D Sound Card

from Aztech http://www.aztech.com/support/soundcard.htm

Any comments on these cards Doc?