How can I save video onto pc through a video mixer

[wan2no]

I would like to know how to get this done. I have 2 cameras hooked up to a tv and selectively choosing which camera i want. While I am doing this, I am recording.

When I am switching cameras can i save it onto the computer as one stream that is combined with the video streams I choose during shooting?

I am trying to find ways on cutting back on production time

[edDV]

If you are talking about simulating a live broadcast, this would normally be done with a "production switcher" (USA speak) or a "vision mixer" (UK speak). Analog video is at its worse case trying to mix or key live. Everything must be carefully timed to the nanosecond or you get H jumps or color shifts..

If this is an informal webcast, then you have Vara Webcast.
http://www.varasoftware.com/store/?store_type=edu&currency=USD&

If you don't care about switching problems pull the plug for cam 1 and then plug in cam 2.

Explain better what you wan to do. Easiest is to record both cams and edit in post. Live feeds to air or tape are difficult.

[Video Head]

I would like to know how to get this done. I have 2 cameras hooked up to a tv and selectively choosing which camera i want. While I am doing this, I am recording.

When I am switching cameras can i save it onto the computer as one stream that is combined with the video streams I choose during shooting?

I am trying to find ways on cutting back on production time

The cameras are hooked up to a TV? Are you just selecting inputs to the TV to chose which camera you want? What are you recording to? How do these cameras and TV interface with the computer?

You probably need a production switcher capable of switching on the vertical interval. You will probably also require a TBC. A genlock could also be a possibility, depending upon what gear you have...consumer, prosumer, pro?

[edDV]

Minimalist production switcher (S-Video in/out with transition capability) ~$1k.
http://www.datavideo.us/products/se_500_main_page.htm
http://www.usedvideogear.com/catalog/datavideo-se500-ntsc-4-input-analog-video-audio-s...er-p-2363.html


Broadcast quality small Grass Indigo Switcher ~$15K
http://www.thomsongrassvalley.com/products/switchers/indigo/
http://svconline.com/enewsletters/infocomm_grassvalley_indigo_05312006/

[wan2no]

Ok, so it is difficult and pricey and easier to do editing in post.

That is quite sad but i guess i will live with that alternative

[edDV]

Ok, so it is difficult and pricey and easier to do editing in post.

That is quite sad but i guess i will live with that alternative

For two unsync'd camcorders outputting composite or S-Video, a hard switch into an A/D capture device will cause a few frames of disturbance but that too can be edited out.

[olyteddy]

Not necessarily that expensive. Check EBay or CraigsList for 'Panasonic Video Switcher'. They made a series of them (the MX series) that didn't require synched sources and sold for $1000 to $2500 (new) but typically sell used for a couple hundred dollars.