View Full Version : Best Video Switcher/Mixer for S-video ?? Help!!
fede:lang
09-24-2009, 10:29 AM
Hi, I am starting a new company and we will work on TV projects. I was looking into buying a video switcher or mixer (don't really know the difference) in order to switch between 2-4 cameras using S-video cabling.
I saw several options, could you please tell me how good do this work or if you know of other brands/models please let me know.
Sima SFX-10 $488
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/485162-REG/Sima_SFX_10_SFX_10_Video_Mixer.html#reviews
Datavideo SE-500 $950
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/383508-REG/Datavideo_SE_500_NTSC_SE_500_Live_Production_Switc her.html
Or i could go to Ebay and get an old Panasonic or Videonics one
What do you think?
Don't use S-Video, especially if you'll be running the cable past 10'. S-Video can't keep up with long cable runs, and you'll end up with a severely deteriorated signal.
Composite is fine... has been for a long time. I also assume that you don't need HD?
Of the two you linked, the DataVideo is your better bet. But you might also look for a good deal on a used Panasonic WJ-MX50.
And the difference between switchers and mixers... dedicated video switchers usually just have a small string of buttons that do hard switching between sources. Mixers allow for fades, wipes, keying, etc. You want a mixer.
fede:lang
09-24-2009, 11:26 AM
The reason I'll use S-video is because I'll be going by CAT5 cables using an adapter. This way I can go for long distances without loosing quality. Check it out:
http://www.svideo.com/svideobalun2.html
The Panasonic takes S-Video as well.
Mike McNeese
09-25-2009, 05:52 AM
I've got a digital Panny and the DataVideo switcher. The DataVideo is beautifully simple. The Panasonic is more pro. Both of them had the audio crap out on them after a couple years use.
Have you looked at the TriCaster? We've since bought two of those and haven't looked back.
The Sony Anycast is also pretty darn nifty... if budget isn't a huge concern.
Captain Pierce
09-25-2009, 07:06 AM
The WJ-MX50's are nice, but they're getting old enough now that they're starting to have problems. We recently had our newer one take a dive and the repair cost was just not worth it. We replaced it with an Edirol V4, which seems like a nice simple little mixer. Can't remember if it does S-video, though...
leteeci
09-25-2009, 05:07 PM
Edirol V8 all over!!!
It supports s-video, works like a charm..
RandomHero
09-30-2009, 01:44 PM
Second this. It DOES run S-Video, though like C2V said you'll get severe signal loss.
Check it out. (http://www.dvcreators.net/edirol-v-4/)
The WJ-MX50's are nice, but they're getting old enough now that they're starting to have problems. We recently had our newer one take a dive and the repair cost was just not worth it. We replaced it with an Edirol V4, which seems like a nice simple little mixer. Can't remember if it does S-video, though...
I bought a WJ-MX50 in 1994 and still use it periodically in my studio. It has been in an environmentally controlled room (rooms) for 15 years and still functions perfectly with smooth fader controls. Still use it for live switching but seldom.
mainstreetprod
10-07-2009, 08:12 PM
The Videonics MX Pro and subsequent models were pretty good mixers. At one time I rigged a church sanctuary with 5 cameras, all connected with S video cables as long as 75 feet. I bought the best ones available at the time (Elite hypercables) and had no noticeable deterioration in picture quality.
Patrick Murphy
10-16-2009, 09:28 AM
We retired our MX50 after years of hard use. Honestly however I never liked it that much. I always thought it just didn't have the analog bandwidth to really process composite video all that well. I believe there was a totally non-approved update for it years ago, but it voided the warranty.
Currently we're using an Anycast which is just fine, but I'm interested in a backup/second unit.
Has anyone seen/used the Datavideo 500 much? In comparison with other switchers?
Thanks in advance...
DadinWestchester
10-16-2009, 12:31 PM
As someone that designs highend production gear, go with something like the SONY AWSG500E or BRS200 switchers for a small production house. If you ever progress to the MSV line I can help.....
Patrick Murphy
10-18-2009, 08:36 AM
I used a MX50 for several years as a backup to a more expensive synced switcher. It was portable and easy to use, but I never much liked the video (S or composite) output of it all that much. I think it just didn't have enough analog bandwidth to really do a great job. There used to be an outfit that retrofitted the switcher to improve output, but of course it voided the warranty. In any case it's died recently and I'm still looking for a decent replacement. The Datavideo 500 is interesting, and since it is a much newer design, I'm wondering just if anyone out there has looked comparatively or critically at it's composite output.