Importing Material into DV7-PR PR-80 via CD
This is a very popular question, especially for Churches. There most common misconception is that it is done with software. Though software is an important factor in doing this, it is not how it is done. Lyrics are layered on top of video by a process called "Keying". This "keying" is accomplished via a video mixer / switcher. Keying, in simple terms, is the combining of two images based upon color or brightness. There are two types of keying; a "Chroma Key" or a "Luma Key". A Chroma Key is the removal of a color to be replaced or reveal what is "behind" it. This is how the weatherman appears to stand in front of a map or a visual graphic. He is actually standing in front of a purely green wall and through the switcher, the green (and only green) is "keyed" out to be replaced by or reveal the map or graphic. A Luma Key is similar to a Chroma Key except instead of replacing being based on color, it is based on brightness. Many prefer using this type of keying for lyrics. White text on a black background gives you the most contrast for a Luma key. However, some have used a Chroma key for lyrics in order to gain a better shadow on the text.
Most video switchers have a Luma Key feature while some have a Luma and a Chroma key. Before you can do this with a switcher, you will need to change your lyrics to where they have white text on a black background (for Luma Key) or a green background (for Chroma Key). The way to accomplish this on a switcher is to select the input that you want to be "behind" the lyrics. Now on the other bus, select the lyrics. Differing from switcher to switcher, there will be a button on the bus that the lyrics are selected on, that will say luma or chroma key, or some say "superimpose". Select that button and move the T-bar / fader toward the lyrics bus. Once you have done this, there will be a way to select the intensity in which the keying is done. This is usually a knob but also may be found as a menu option. Because keying is the combining of two images, both buses will be used on your switcher thus disabling the ability to fade images underneath the lyrics. However, fading images behind lyrics is possible with "downstream key". See "What is a Downstream Key?"
A "downstream key" or "DSK" is the ability to key independently or downstream from the switching buses, thus allowing the ability to mix and fade signals behind keyed lyrics or graphics. This feature is only found on higher end video switchers. However, there is a more economical way to accomplish this. This can be "faked" by using two simple inexpensive video switchers. First, you will set up your main switcher with all the inputs that you want to fade underneath the lyrics, then with the other (downstream) switcher make one input the output of the main switcher and another input the lyrics. Then on the downstream switcher, key the lyrics over the main switcher as instructed in the "How do I put lyrics on top of video?" section.
There is not a software (yet) that will act as a lyric generator and a downstream key. Though there is software for computers that will internally key lyrics over video. This software will playback and loop moving backgrounds while keying the lyrics on top of them. This solution is great when only moving backgrounds and lyrics are desired. If also a live feed or any other signal other moving backgrounds is desired then this solution would not be beneficial to you.
There are many companies out there that are providing moving backgrounds. Here is a list of companies that we at BigStuf Productions can provide for you. Click on a name to take you to our store and preview some clips.
12 Inch Design
a Luna Blue
Artbeats
Digital Juice
Highway Video
ReelHouse
Figuring out the throw distance for projectors is an equation. In this equation you will need two numbers. First, you will need the width of the screen or surface that you wish to fill. Second, you will need to know the the lens ratio of the lens on the projector. This can be found in the owners manual of the projector. It may be called T/W ratio or lens ratio. It will look something like; 1:87-2:2. Now take the the lower ratio and multiply it by the width of the screen. This will result in the shortest distance the projector can be to the screen and still fill the entire surface. Also, if your not quite the math wiz try this link.
Creating a multi screen set-up can be accomplished in various ways. First to be explained, is the most economical solution of a three screen set-up with an image stretched across all the screens. Three projectors and three screen of the same size are needed. Also needed is a computer with a program like ProVideoPlayer playing HD clips and a device call a TripleHead2go. Take the output from the computer, and go into the TripleHead2go. The TripleHead2go will split the VGA signal in to three parts. Take the outputs from the TripleHead2go and plug them into the the appropriate projectors.
Also each screen can have its own computer or "media server". Because of its features, this solution is specific to a program called ProVideoPlayer. Trough a feature call "grid mapping" each of the computers will play a dedicated portion of a video clip that will be sent to the projector. When all put together, the images create an entire image displayed across multiple screens.
The previous solutions currently do not have "edge blending capabilities". Edge blending is when multiple projectors can project onto a single surface and evenly overlap each other thus creating a smooth custom sized image. Some high end projectors have this feature built into them. This also can be accomplished by using presentation systems like the Folsom Encore or the Vista Spider.
This tends to be a highly debated and opinionated topic. Type of cabling equates to quality of video signal. The most commonly used analog cabling is; composite, S-video, component, and VGA. The main difference between this cabling is how it separates the video signal.
A composite video signal consists of three parts represented by Y,U, and V. Y represents the brightness or luminance of the picture and includes synchronizing pulses. U and V between them carry the color information. U and V are combined to create what is called Chrominance. So U and V are combined with Y, the Luminance carrier, to provide the complete video picture. A composite signal carries the YUV signal through one cable.
S-video, or Y/C, differs from composite being that it carries the Chrominance and Luminance information through two different signal lines.
Component, in simple, splits the color information into three parts, red, green, and blue. Component carries its signal through three signal lines.
VGA is a type of cabling that is commonly used for computer monitors. A RGBHV signal is sent using this type cable. This signal spits the analog video information into 5 separate parts, R, G, B, H, and V. It consists of red, green, blue, horizontal sync and vertical sync information.
When selecting cable for a video system the best thing to consider is what type of signal is the majority of the equipment. If it is standard definition cameras, a DVD player, and a VCR then composite will work just fine. S-video cabling, though slightly better than composite, tends to be finicky and troublesome at times. So usually in commercial applications composite is chosen over S-video. Ultimately, the only time you would want to consider using a higher than composite cable is when computers are put into the mix and you need the high resolution image from the computer.
Now that you may know how to better use video equipment, check out the Productions (make productions a hyperlink to the store) store for equipment that we can help provide for your production needs.