[done] support HDV cameras

[agilpwc]

All my cameras are HDV, but to use Vidblaster I am forced to switch them to DV when capturing over firewire. It would be great if one could use vidblaster with HDV cameras in HDV mode. I still plan on streaming at 640x360 or 512x288, but would like to record to tape in high definition for other uses after the event is over.

[Mike]

What if you select VB to HD?

[agilpwc]

I tried in studio, put VB in 1280x720 mode and got black screen, info said video was something weird like 320x288 or something.

HDV cameras all record in 1440x1080 mpeg 2. Probably something to do with that.

[eagle]

Vidblaster doesn't recognize my Canon HV30 in any HD mode of the camera either, but the only program that does recognize it is VLC Player so I wasn't expecting it to. However, Vidblaster supporting HD camera's would be a huge and almost unique added feature. (Wish I had a Core i7 now though ;D)

[Mike]

What's the cheapest HDV camera that has a firewire connection? I only need it for testing..

[agilpwc]

get a used Canon HV20 or HV30

[agilpwc]

http://estore.usa.canon.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10051&storeId=10051&productId=209855&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=17252&top_category=12077

only ships to US thought I think

[Mike]

Thanks Eric. Do you know if the HV20 stream live video over firewire too, or only from tape?

[agilpwc]

As far as I know all HDV cameras have a firewire port and stream video live over it. Just like Mini DV cameras all do.
But yes I have a HV20 and it does.

[eagle]

People on marktplaats dont properly tag their advertisements but I found this JVC one (http://www.marktplaats.nl/index.php?url=http%3A//audio-tv-foto.marktplaats.nl/videocamera-s-digitaal/248276684-mooie-jvc-video-camera-met-firewire-kabel.html) for you that works with tapes and has a firewire out.

[Mike]

Thanks, but that's not an HDV camera.

[Mike]

I have an idea what the problem is and have ordered an HV30 to run tests.

[ubercool]

Awesome! I look forward to your tests. ;D

[Tony]

I have an idea what the problem is and have ordered an HV30 to run tests.

it also has an out HDMI port too.

[agilpwc]

what is status of HDV support? any progress? or is it on the backburner?

[Mike]

No, top on the list. But it involves other features as well so can only be released when all the other stuff is ready too. Trust me, if it says open I am working on it.

[agilpwc]

Could I make a suggestion on how to handle the HDV video?

The ideal way I would like it processed is since HDV is typically 1080i interlaced. Is to separate the 30 frames into 60 fields, then drop every other field. This leaves you with 30 fields/frames of 1440x540 which would in effect give you a progressive video that could then be resized to either 1280x720 or smaller like 864x480.

This would have the advantage of making it easier on the CPU to process since you drop every other field and give progressive video which would look good for web video or any other use.

[Mike]

But you'd loose vertical resolution! I prefer to offer the full 1080 lines, and if you want one frame simply enable the deinterlacer.

I have HDV working now but seeing a one second delay in video. Lacking other HDV cameras with firewire, can anyone confirm this is not "normal" for the HV30. Don't want to be chasing a bug that's not there.. I have seen delays in firewire outputs, but a full second is absurd.

[agilpwc]

a half second is normal in my experience. Here is a link to someone else saying they had a whole second delay.
http://forums.creativecow.net/thread/212/467

[cmgstudio]

Your correct... I have a canon Xha1 and I use CS3 & CS4 and both have a 1 second delay capturing in HD. So it seems that you are good with your 1080 code fixes... how soon will you post the new updates so we can test before we buy. Im looking forward to getting Vidblaster... I have been following your progress for a year now.

Doc


But you'd loose vertical resolution! I prefer to offer the full 1080 lines, and if you want one frame simply enable the deinterlacer.

I have HDV working now but seeing a one second delay in video. Lacking other HDV cameras with firewire, can anyone confirm this is not "normal" for the HV30. Don't want to be chasing a bug that's not there.. I have seen delays in firewire outputs, but a full second is absurd.

[Mike]

Hi Doc,

Nice to see you on the forum and thanks for confirming that. I have been reading more or less the same on various other forums so this is indeed a limitation we have to live with if you want to use HDV and not analog or HDMI.

I am not planning to release this any time soon as without audio delay supporting HDV is useless. You either need to have a hardware audio delayer, or wait for the audio delay feature in VidBlaster which I've been working on for some time (and will take some more time).

Mike

[cmgstudio]

Thanks Mike,
... is it that 1280 works with no problem but 1440 video and audio are out of sink?
Are there any items like blackmagic cards that I can use to switch videos coming in 1440?

Thanks Still Love vidblaster

Doc

[Mike]

You can take any video you like, just not HDV (over firewire). If you have any off-topic questions, feel free to post them in the appropriate forums.

[agilpwc]

the other solution would be to allow the option to use the audio that is coming over the firewire with the video as an audio source. That would be my preferred solution.

[Mike]

I plan to release v1.06 shortly, with HDV support. Looking forward to your feedback.

[h2ofun]

Just tried it with my Sony HDV camera, seems to work fine

Dave

[Mike]

Thanks Dave.

In v1.07 I also fixed the aspect ratio problem, so this topic is done :P