Graphics Deli-Video The

Video Production

Jim Kocher,Video Director
The Robotics Institute, 200 Smith Hall
412/268-3807

    Principle investigators in the School of Computer Science may request video production work to be done through this facility. Faculty outside of The Robotics Institute are billed at approx. $50/hour for all production related work, plus videotape stock expenses.

All requested production work requires an account number and PI signature.
Electronic mail from a PI is accepted as a signature.

CONTENT: The Video Production Process

Scripting

    It is generally require that a script be written before videotaping takes place in the lab or in the field. A script consists of what will be seen as well as any necessary voiceover. I can assist in the scripting process, but cannot write about every research project in the School of Computer Science from scratch.

    I like to have at least one pass at editing the script before taping begins. This helps to insure that all necessary components are captured on tape that need to be featured. The length of any required shot may vary depending on how much text is devoted to it, and so a script helps me to know before shooting what will be needed in the finished edited tape.

  • Unnarrated Videotapes
      It is still important to provide at least an outline of features that are desired in the finished edited tape, even though no narration will be used. Although I have been documenting research here for over 13 years, I still cannot anticipate all requirements/features are in desired in any given research project. Sadly, my ability to read minds varies greatly.

    Recording

      BetaCam-SP The Graphics Deli has a camera (3ccd, SONY DXC-537) that can sync up with the scanning rates of most workstations that operate at 60 Hz or higher. This eliminates the flicker which is common when taping an image off the front of most monitors. This camera is outfitted to record in BetaCam-SP format, but can also be setup to record onto S-VHS and regular VHS. This camera does not leave the Graphics Deli without me.

      S-VHS Recording can be made directly onto S-VHS tape provided there is an S-VHS or composite video output jack from the workstation. This recorder may be borrowed to record segments in a lab when it is available.

    Editing

      Source material from BetaCam-SP, S-VHS, VHS or 3/4" U-Matic can be handled by the editor in the Graphics Deli. Edited programs are mastered onto BetaCam-SP and duplicated into desired viewing formats such as VHS.

      We do not support Hi-8 or 8mm videotape at this time, however these formats can be transferred onto BetaCam-SP for editing. Special arrangements must me made to utilize these formats.

    Duplication

    All duplication requires an account number and PI signature.
    Electronic mail from a PI is accepted as a signature.
    Duplication is done in real time.

    Duplication of videotapes from BetaCam-SP, S-VHS, VHS and 3/4" U-Matic formats can be done in the Graphics Deli. Hi-8mm and 8mm tapes can be duplicated, however special arrangements must me made to utilize these formats.

    Large Quantity Duplication is done off campus by:

    They accept CMU purchase orders and will do a job with only a Mini-PO number in hand!
    Quotes are given for duplication jobs based on the number of copies needed, the tape length and what type of case and labels are desired. I usually order 1/3 sleeve plastic cases with case and tape spine label only.

    Recording off the air /Home duplication

      Always record in SP mode, the fastest mode, to achieve the highest quality when recording off the air or copying a tape for use in future edited programs. You should not use LP or ELP modes when recording, unless you are taping PBS¹ The Civil War or daily episodes of The Young & The Restless, so take a moment to change the recording setting now!

  • TUTORIAL: How To Record Quality Video On Your Own

    Jim Kocher, The Robotics Institute, Carnegie Mellon University kocher@cmu.edu