From: yamanaka@cv.sony.co.jp (Brian YAMANAKA .901946)
Newsgroups: comp.multimedia
Subject: Re: Computer controlled VCRs
Date: 19 Nov 92 01:35:04 GMT
Distribution: comp.multimedia
Organization: Consumer Video Group, SONY, Video TEC , Tokyo , JAPAN.

In article <1992Nov18.002305.9971@research.nj.nec.com> zilla@ccrl.nj.nec.com (John Lewis) writes:

>Sony makes two HI-8 vtrs intended for computer-controlled 
>multimedia applications.
>
>The cheaper model is the CVD-1000- about $2000?, connects directly to
>the mac serial port, and has frame-accurate search; 
>this is Sony's answer to the discontinued PC-VCR.
>I imagine it has Xobject control; there is also software from 
>HSC (213) 392 6015.

The Vdeck (CVD-1000) supports any computer with an RS-232c compatible serial
interface as well as the Mac.  It uses the VISCA protocol so upto 6
additional VISCA products (eg. more Vdecks, Vboxs, or EVO-9650
w/EVBK-66).  Xobj's are availble from Abbate Video (sorry don't have
their number).

>The other model is the EVO-9650 ($6000) has frame-accurate recording
>and is suitable for animation.  Supposedly Quicktime will sometime support
>the VISCA control protocol for this deck.

EVO-9650 requires the EVBK-66 interface board to make it VISCA
capable.  Without the board, it can still interface to a computer with
an RS-232 port.  The EVO-9650 is an industrial grade model and thus
the protocol it uses is of Sony's higher end - namely a variation of
CRV protocols.

Both decks support time-code as specified for the 8mm format.  In this
case the timecode is written in a special area of the helical scan and
can thus be striped onto existing tapes without using an audio channel
or disturbing the existing video.

The two decks are meant for two very different markets.  The CVD-1000
is meant for low cost desktop video and multi-media.  It can search
down to a frame much more quickly than a PC-VCR and is dead accurate
(+/- 0 frames).  However, it cannot edit with frame accuracy.
Properly written software can get very close (+/- ~4).

EVO-9650 is specifically made for the CG animation market, but can
also be used in editing applications.  It is capable of single frame
recording and can edit down to a single frame.  Thus the higher price
tag.  It also has a built in digitial frame buffer that can be
configured as either a TBC for the input video during recording, or an
output TBC and video processor.

>To my knowledge, these decks and the NEC PC-VCR are the only VCRs
>that are directly computer controllable.  In general, consumer
>VCRs are usually not computer controllable.  In the past, industrial

Well consumer VCR's can be computer controllable.  Take for example
machines using Sony's LANC protocol as well as Panasonic machines with
Control-M.  It's just that most of these machines are not terribly
accurate when searching since they are dependent on the consumer grade
mechanism.

If you don't need frame accurate searches then this solution might be
okay for you.  You can often do very simple cuts editing with such a
set up.  The Sony Vbox (CI-1000) interfaces you to the Control-L
products using VISCA (for daisy chaining).  For Panasonic there is the
Selectra Vu-port.  I think ARTI also has an interface that can handle
both protocols.

I recommend that you try to find a video store that is knowledgeable
and has experience with each product. Some Sony computer dealers will
soon be (if not already) authorized as multi-media dealers and can
demonstrate to you the Sony products.  Most of these will probably
have other setups as well.

I hope I have been able to clear up some questions that have been
asked here.  As always anything I have said is my opiniion and does
not reflect the views of my employer.

--
_______________________________________________________________________________
 Brian Yamanaka (aka The VISCA dude)     / 
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