Testing the 4D Waters

Testing the 4D Waters

As a 3D professional, I was very excited to see Universal's Shrek 4-D. It was the first major 3D presentation I saw projected digitally. I was so pleased to see that the rock-steady images were perfectly aligned — the color, resolution, and animation beautiful. Suddenly a blast of water squirted me, unfortunately leaving big three-dimensional droplets on the lenses of my 3D glasses! Luckily I had a tissue, which I needed several times.

After spending considerable dollars to make a state-of-the-art 3D presentation, someone thought it would be a good idea to spray everyone's glasses. Argh!
Ron Labbe
Studio 3D
Maynard, Mass.

Easy sound-synching tips

I recently read Tom Patrick McAuliffe's Video Systems review of the Marantz CDR300 recorder (January) and it was a blessing for me. You see, I am launching a creative services studio from my home built around an Apple G5, Final Cut Pro 4, DVD Studio Pro 2, Discreet Combustion 3, and using the new Panasonic AG-DVX100A for 24p video production.

I was contemplating what to do when it comes to recording audio in the field. Then I read a reader feedback comment in Video Systems that lead to Tom Patrick's review. For my budget, the CDR300 is likely the solution to my startup needs. I just wanted to drop a note of thanks for the excellent review of this product.

One question in closing. In the article, Tom Patrick mentioned the need for a “clapper” or “timecode” reference. Can you elaborate a bit on how you would approach that using the CDR300 and bringing the audio into an NLE like Final Cut? And how best could I marry the audio with the Panasonic AG-DVX100A?
Keith Hill
Principle/creative director
Lighted Path DVD:
The Digital Studio
Dallas, Texas

Tom Patrick McAuliffe responds:
With the Marantz CDR300 you can not only capture audio for video in the field, but maybe even branch out and also offer audio recording services.

As for synching up the audio and video, you need to provide a visual and audio cue to match each up. A clapper or some other noticeable event helps you to do this. As the clapper (which is really just two pieces of wood hitting each other or any visual/audio cue like a hand clap) hits visually, you can match it up with the audio wavelength spike in the soundtrack of the software timeline. Just make sure you have 3 to 5 seconds of silence on either side of the cue.

You can also do this with a “window dub” showing the SMPTE timecode numbers and using FCP's jog shuttle keys to go frame by frame. Move the audio on the timeline until it matches up perfectly with the visual cue.

With that said, the Panasonic AG-DVX100A has better than average sound capture qualities. Matched with a good quality off-camera mic, you may be able to almost achieve the sound quality of the CDR300 CD recorder.

Setting up video for worship

I'm in the process of setting up a video system at Salem First Baptist Church of Salem, Ore. I have been doing video for four or five years now on my own, and our church's music director has asked me to research video systems and find out what equipment we need and the cost.

Since I've never done this before, I really don't know where to start. Do you know of a good step-by-step approach to doing this?
Robert Ford

Tom Patrick responds:
More and more churches today are using video and A/V technology. Check out an article I wrote, “Video for Worship,” in the April 2002 Video Systems. This article can also be found on the Video Systems website at
http://videosystems.com/ar/video_video_worship/index.htm.

Any of the A/V specialists at the churches mentioned in the article would be happy to advise you, I'm sure. Another good source of information is
www.videoinworship.com.

I'd recommend starting with a good, fast Mac computer that has FireWire built in and comes with the editing application iMovie. Also, buy a good DV-format camcorder. Visit local dealers, check out eBay and other online outlets, and check out Web discussion groups. But most of all, start small and pick something that's within your budget but that you can grow with.