Posted by Spex on 12/22/58 12:00

Larry wrote:
> Hi!
>
> I will need to buy a video i/o interface for my Mac (Mac Pro dual
> xeon / 8GB Ram / Tiger / FinalCut Pro - latest version). I have tons
> of live music footage (we usually shoot gigs from local bands playing
> in our small independent venue) and I want to archive past
> performences.
> Footage format: analog betacam, digital betacam, now dvc-pro hd. We
> have no problem with the dvc-pro as we use a firestone hd, but I need
> to transfer all the betamax footage.
>
> Betacam VCR is a Sony DVW-M2000.
>
> So far my preference goes to the Aja IO HD, and the MOTU V3HD. All
> seem to have a pretty complete connection that allows to plug all our
> stuff -- VCR video/audio, screens, smpte synch...no HDMI input on the
> V3HD but we wouldn't use that feature.
>
> Guess the thing that will make a difference is the compression codec.
> IO HD's Apple ProRes 422 vs compressed DVC Pro HD. My preference goes
> to the V3HD for that reason as it might get easier to edit native DVC
> Pro HD footage from our Panasonic cam with footage coming from the
> betacam tapes.
>
> However, I would like to know your opinion and advices.
> Thanks
> Larry

ProRes is the least compressed of the codecs as I'm sure you are aware.
It is 10 bit and full raster. All of this over the top for what you
require today. But what about tomorow? The AJA IO HD will give you
much greater scope to expand in the future IMO. DVCProHD is on its last
legs because it does not support full raster in either 1080 or 720 modes
and it is only 8 bit which is limiting. How limiting only you can judge
on your current need and possible future needs.

Have you thought about the AJA Kona 3? Not only can you capture
uncompressed or ProRes it'll also has DVCProHD hardware acceleration.

Hope some of that helps

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