DVrack/Direct to Disk-- Help?

K

Kholi

Section Moderator
Not so new to the forums, been searching and trolling for a while, but I did just sign up.

I actually thought about recording straight to Disk through Firewire, and started searching about it. Ran across DVrack. What I want to know is:

Is there an alternative to DvRack?

What are the real benefitis of straight to disk? (Both obvious and not so obvious)

As far as DVrack-- Are the onscreen tools very distinct? Or can they be done without say when capturing with Adobe Premiere or any other capture software?

I'm sure I have more, but these are what came to mind first.

Thanks in advance.
 
Hi Kholi,
I recommend you check out the Serious Magic website:

http://www.seriousmagic.com/dvrack.cfm

You can also get a trial version to check it out before you buy.

The obvious advantage to recording to disk is that once you're done shooting, you can immediately start editing without having to capture from tape. When I' doing event videography, I can't predict that I'll have a convenient break to load the next tape. With DVrack, I can just keep recording. I usually also run tape as a security blanket but by recording to disk, I can change tapes while still recording to disk. I also usually have a digital recorder running continuously off the sound board and it's easier to match up the audio recording to a continuous video recording.

I also use the other tools provided with DVrack; particulary the reference and waveform monitors. Using these tools, I record better video that requires less post work.

For interview work, DVrack helps me match up my framing between takes and allows me to immediately playback my results.

I find it nearly indispensible and am anxiously waiting for Serious Magic to announce support for the HVX200.

-Dan
 
Thanks for the reply.

I'm still re-reading (third time) the website to know exactly what I'm dealing with. I plan on recording direct-to-disk when I shoot my first short, I just think it'll be alot more beneficial. Whether or not I'm going to use DVrack is the question.

Is there another alternative to DVrack?
 
Some NLEs will do the video capture. I think I've read that Vegas and/or FCP can do that but I don't use either program to say for sure. Someone else will have to confirm/deny.

I use a $40 shareware program called scenalyzer ( www.scenalyzer.com ) to capture video from tape to disk. I've also used it to capture live video to disk via firewire for some quick stuff but I don't know what kind of limitations you might run into using it this way. You can download a demo version and try it yourself.

I would recommend that you try a demo of DVrack. If you're planning a short, I think you will find it a really valuable tool. Unless you're planning on using a real reference monitor, etc, I think you'll find it will help you shoot better video. Other software methods are a compromise, imho.

-Dan
 
Great info. Thanks, TeleDan.

I could probably get a copy of it I'm sure, just didn't know if I should invest in such a thing.

What about space issues? How many gigs of real estate do you have to work with yourself?
 
Disk space requirements are identical to capture from tape; so around 13 gigs per hour of footage. I have a separate 35 gig disk partition that I use. There is no requirement or performance advantage to using a separate partition. I just like to manage it that way. I can reformat the partition and be ready to go. You can record to the primary partition on your laptop but it's probably a good idea to keep it defragged. Maybe even better, you could record to a separate external harddisk and simply connect the drive to your editing system when you're done shooting.
-Dan
 
I have access to a terrabyte, but it sounds like that'd be totally useless if it's only 13 gigs per hour of footage.

On the DVrack site it says 180mb per minute.. is this inaccurate? Or are you saving in a certain format?
 
Here are a couple of other options for you to look at:

http://www.focusinfo.com/solutions/catalog.asp?id=3
http://www.nnovia.com/

The first one is the Firestore and the second one is the Quickcapture. I have the QC and have used it for a few months. I had a problem with it shortly after I first got it but they nNovia fixed it and it has been okay since. Other users have complained of problems with it so I guess the review are mixed. I don't know much about the Firestore so I'll not got into it. I'm sure there are others on this site that are using it.

Whatever way you go, going tapeless is definitely convenient. It's great to have your footage on location so you can verify your shot if you have to. I just use the tape as a backup, or when I'm shooting with the Glidecam since the firewire cable throws the Glidecam balance off.
 
THanks Blaine.

I know what the firestore is as well as the Quickcapture, but I really want to go with the laptop/mini-PC solution. Only because this also provides a FIELD MONITOR of sorts.

A + for DVrack-- It calibrates your PC monitor/laptop screen to produce the image that you'd be getting/ recording.

I definitely want to go tapeless, though. Can't wait.
 
Most NLE's, Premiere pro for sure, will allow direct capture. I use DV rack and Premiere pro on a laptop for direct to disc capture with excellent results.
 
DVrack has so many features, I've noticed. Premiere Pro, at least on my PC, lags when I try to capture.

With the DVrack demo, it's quick and direct.
 
As much as I hate to it looks as if I'm going to pick up a pc laptop and get this program it looks great. So sad that they don't have support for OS X, oh well.


I have to say though going tapeless gets me tingly inside.
 
Same thing here. Whichever way, I'm going back-up tape/Direct-to-disk method.

I have a laptop and a mini-pc shell waiting to be used, along with two lacie external 500gigs for storage use... can't wait can't wait.

I'm beginning to think that DVrack is going to be it for me.
 
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