AV8RPro+ Digitizing Screen
AV8RPro++ Advanced Flyer Timeline System
VCR-Control, Tape Logging, and Batch Digitizing Features

Works great for auto-digitizing from VX1000, DSR30, and MANY more Control-L and RS422 decks!
See updated VCR deck support list below.

Here's how AV8RPro++'s tape control system for logging and batch digitizing works. See AV8RPro++ Tape Editing for more information on the additional controls for editing and playing projects to tape.

Tape control is programmed into AV8RPro++ itself, so you don't need any additional costly equipment. The programming implements many of the industry-standard tape-control protocol commands directly. You only need a deck hookup adapter:

1. MegageM's basic model RS422 adapter to connect pro (RS422) VCR decks to the Amiga (RS232) serial port is now FREE with purchase of the AV8RPro++ software.

or

2. MegageM's LANC (Control-L) adapter to connect LANC VCRs to the Amiga serial port (less than $150).

or

3. MegageM RS232 adapters for use with certain Sony UVW decks (less than $150).

The tape control system is integrated into AV8RPro++ in a nearly transparent way. The key was to come up with a way to let you work in the existing AV8RPro++ 'Flyer Project' environment in the usual way, but have all your actions apply to a tape instead of an ordinary Flyer project. MegageM came up with an inspired solution that makes it work for you - easily! And this method keeps the learning curve to a minimum as well.

AV8RPro++ lets you create a special kind of Flyer Project that becomes your tape log. When you want to map out a tape (log the tape's segments you wish to digitize), you'll do it in the paradigm (or mental model) of a Flyer Project. But this special Flyer Project is not intended to ever be played on your Flyer - it is a 'tape' project.

The tape-project consists of a group of identical Flyer stills, each locked to program time. When you are in deck control mode, AV8RPro++ treats that tape-project as a timeline/EDL map of your video tape. The whole idea is elegant and very transparent - you can use AV8RPro++ functions almost the same way you would do on ANY Flyer project, but your actions will automatically be controlling a tape instead. Since the tape-project has all the usual characteristics of a Flyer project, AV8RPro++ can manipulate all the in- and outpoints, show its EDL, display its timeline, and so on. After you log the tape in AV8RPro++, you just save that Flyer Project in the ordinary way and you've got a permanent, easily re-loadable log file you can use any time to digitize that tape. You don't have to digitize when you do the logging, you can do it later if you wish, and you can go back to that Tape Log 'Flyer' Project (just load that 'Project' into your Flyer and fire up AV8RPro++) to 're-digitize' at any time.

In other words, AV8RPro++ has one unified user-interface but can change from being a Flyer editing program to a tape-logging/digitizing program. Another side-benefit of this elegant solution is that the AV8RPro++ tape-project can be saved in your Flyer like any other project and serves as a permanent record of your tape-logging information. You can re-load it at some later time and have AV8RPro++ use it to re-digitize the same tape segments logged in the first tape-logging AV8RPro++ session!

When you want to work with a tape, you simply tell AV8RPro++ to change over to Deck Control Mode and most of its user-interface buttons change over their functions accordingly. For example, when you enter Deck Control Mode, the AV8RPro++ PlayEd button will play a segment of the tape! The AV8RPro++ PlayAll button plays the tape on your VCR, the Stop button stops the tape, the Pause button pauses tape playback, FF/REW act as either true Fast Forward/ Rewind or Fast Shuttle functions for the tape instead of Flyer clips.

Now you ask,

->How do I tell AV8RPro++ WHERE the segments ARE on my tape that I want to manipulate and later digitize?

Very straightforward.
You use AV8RPro++ usual interface buttons (which are already a set of VCR-like buttons) to play the tape and set the inpoints and outpoints of each of the project entries. AV8RPro++ lets you choose which Toaster input you wish to use to view the tape as it is playing (Input 1 or Input 2). Click on the PlayAll button and it plays the tape! While it is playing, click on one of the project elements in the timeline or EDL display. Then click on the SetIn or SetOut buttons and AV8RPro++ instantly reads the tape timecodes and sets those moments to your project elements, creating a list of tape segment times in the EDL display. When you've finished setting in- and outpoints for each project element, you have accomplished the tape logging function! Then tell the Flyer to save that project and you have a permanent record of your tape log.

When you want to digitize the tape into the Flyer, AV8RPro++ lets you select the Flyer drive, the compression mode, time padding (0, 1, 3, or 5 seconds) and so on. You can even do a dry-run test of the whole digitizing session to check it completely! If you want to have individual settings on each tape clip, AV8RPro++ will let you digitize a single tape clip (the one you have already highlighted/selected in AV8RPro++ EDL or timeline). Tell AV8RPro++ to go digitize you're 'mapped' tape and YOU can go have some coffee or answer your fan mail. AV8RPro++ records the clips, makes Flyer 'crouton' images for them, and you can go do something more productive than open the Flyer's Record Panel a couple of dozen times. And you get a permanent tape log in the form of an ordinary-looking Flyer project, to boot.

That's the basic idea. Here's an elegant solution which integrates tape handling/logging/digitizing into a single convenient system you can use for all the other great reasons you like AV8RPro already. AV8RPro++ now applies its integrated EDL/timeline/edit-control GUI directly to the tape handling features Flyer owners want the most.

What I can't stress enough is how easy this is. If you already use AV8RPro, basic deck control for batch digitizing and tape logging will be a 5 minute learning curve! It just fits right in like you'd expect it to. AV8RPro was already set up to handle it all along. You'll love it!

AV8RPro Deck Handling - Q and A

->Which decks will it work with?
This system is now complete, fully functioning, and shipping! It is tested (by MegageM, users, and beta testers) working with these decks:

and more to come.

* These are two older style consumer camcorders that are basically identical and we've verified that LANC control works with AV8RPro++, but the time-code accuracy and completeness of the command set may be more limited. ** Just added to list because adapters are now available - not yet field-tested.

-> What about other decks?
Many other decks are compatible but just haven't been positively verified with AV8RPro++. Fortunately most professional decks have RS422/9-pin systems that are compatible with the same protocol used in AV8RPro++. Some, however, are not. Check with your deck's maker for the most accurate information on controlling it. Work continues to add more decks. The JVC DV and Digital-S units were recently added thanks to generous loan of that equipment by JVC.

Other manufacturers are welcome to contact MegageM to arrange testing of deck control compatibility with AV8RPro++. MegageM is especially interested to prove out AV8RPro++ for the newer DV equipment becoming increasingly popular with Flyer system users. Panasonic AJD230 is not listed at this time.(*) MegageM is actively researching solutions for additional popular decks like Panasonic AG1950/60/70, and more. We want to expand the AV8RPro++ world of deck compatibility so check the list on this web page from time to time for updates.

(*)SUPPORTED DECKS UPDATE: 10/6/98 MegageM has available now a device to permit deck control for Panasonic AJD230 and would like to hear from an AV8RPro++ user who'd like to test it. Likewise, adapters are now available also for Sony UVW1400 and Sony UVW1200.

-> Is it frame accurate?
That will vary from deck to deck, but to handle the widest variety of decks, it is deliberately designed to round off to the nearest 1 second when digitizing. That means if you have a tape segment starting at 00:02:03:11, AV8RPro++ will start digitizing it from 00:02:03:00. At the endpoint, it rounds 'up' to the next higher second. If you think about it, it doesn't matter how this is done as long as it is done the same way each time the tape is digitized. It is NOT guaranteed to be frame-accurate for perfect redigitization of taped content, either. It MAY be frame-accurate in many cases, but MegageM doesn't promise it. The Flyer may not be able to be frame-accurate. Testers have reported that repeatedly digitizing the same logged tape segments results in identically recorded Flyer clips with +/- 1 frame.

-> Does the tape time code get put into the Flyer clip that's digitized?
I think you'll like this answer - YES! AV8RPro++, of course, knows the tape time code, and AV8RPro++ has the 'smarts' to stuff that SMPTE number directly into the Flyer clip.

-> You mean I don't need one of those expensive hardware time code units hooked up to my Flyer?
Yes, precisely. You can save the (roughly) $300-400 you'd have had to spend on a time code hardware unit hooked to the Flyer serial port. AV8RPro++ puts the tape time code into the clip the same way the Flyer would were you using a commercial hardware time code generator unit. You'll see the tape time code come into play the same as you would the 'old' way (hardware SMPTE generator) - when you open the clip's Control Panel in the Flyer, the leftmost 'time' indicator will show the tape's time code instead of 00:00:00:00. It's automatic with AV8RPro++ and a big $$$ savings, too. Accuracy of the clip's time-code match to the tape may vary slightly because of deck variations.

-> What about backing up my whole Flyer projects which have clips from lots of tapes?
The key to the elegance of AV8RPro++ tape-handling solution is that each AV8RPro++ tape-project refers to a single tape. If you make a Flyer project with clips from SEVERAL video tapes, you'll have to log/digitize each tape separately and track them your own way. AV8RPro++ will let you save LOTS of time on the logging/digitizing of tapes. It is NOT designed to automatically track whole Flyer projects (which clip came from which video tape, etc.).

-> My deck isn't listed above. Can I try it out?
MegageM DOES NOT GUARANTEE this will work with any particular deck model. Failure of the deck control to work on any particular system, up to any particular set of criteria, will NOT be grounds for return or refund of any kind. The deck control features of AV8RPro++ are a low-cost BONUS. MegageM does NOT want anyone to feel 'ripped off', but cannot offer a 'freebie' program, either. It's a delicate balance. MegageM prefers to opt for clarity over promises. Obviously it is to MegageM's advantage to make this as good and thoroughly inclusive as possible. 'Nuf said. The list above will be expanded as AV8RPro++ users report more decks that work properly.

-> What is the Control-L adapter?
Both the RS232(Amiga)/RS422(Deck) adapter and the RS232(Amiga)/Control-L(Deck) adapter are being custom-manufactured for MegageM by a existing manufacturer known for quality. They are fairly small items which simply plug into the serial port of the Amiga and connect to the decks via cables.

-> What if I have an AV8RPro FlyerWire edit controller? Won't that occupy the Amiga RS232 port?
The AV8RPro edit controller and the deck-adapters will need to share the Amiga's lonely single RS232 port by using a switchbox, if you want 'em both hooked up 'at once'. But you may wish to simply remove one and use the other because it will be pretty unlikely that you'll need the AV8RPro edit controller's capabilities when you're doing tape logging/digitizing. Think about it... it may be just simpler to skip the switchbox and just use whichever one you need at the time you need it. Tape sessions don't need the AV8RPro edit controller, and Flyer sessions don't need the deck adapters, so you can either swap or use a RS232 switchbox.

-> What about compatibility with NewTek's new Flyer Version 4.2?
Glad you asked!
AV8RPro++ has ALREADY been updated for Flyer 4.2. NewTek has added the capability for ChromaFX in Flyer Projects and AV8RPro++ has been modified to handle them properly. You can even apply the cool AV8RPro++ event/event synchronization tools to ChromaFX to align them with Flyer Project event times.

"I LOVE a cool hack!" - Daniel Wolf, AV8RPro++ Developer, owner of MegageM Digital Media

SPECIFICATIONS, PERFORMANCE, AND PRICING SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

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