Capturing 2 Video Streams

[WeZ]

Hello Forum.

I Hope someone will be able to enlighten me on this topic.

I need to be able to simultaneously, encode 2 video streams to be compiled into one AVI.

E.G. If you can imagine a footballer about to take a peanulty kick. your screen is split into 2 sections. the left screen is the view from behind the goalmouth facing the ball and the right screen is the view behind the ball facing the goalmouth.

Audio is not needed for my inteded usage.

Please can someone help me with recomended video cards and / or more importantly, what software will handle this.

Thank-You for your time.

Regards,
Wesley.

[bugster]

You need to capture the two video streams seperatley then edit them into the format you want using a decent video editor like Premiere

[WeZ]

Could this all be done on the same machine?

Will Premiere be able to give me the "Split Screen" option?

Thanks...

[HAGGARD]

Wez,

Yes it can!!! My own wedding was taped with 2 videocameras... Just captured both videos into my computer and then edited it with premiere... Gives very impressive results.... Shots like front/side or even split screens!!! Editing 2 videos is a hell of a job btw... especially to get them in sync...
Just take the 2 (or even more) videos and put them each on another videotrack, then use motion menu to shrink first video 50% and place it on the left part of the screen... Then use motion menu for second video to shrink video 50% and place it on the right side of the screen... Then use transparancy menu for the second video to make both videos visible at the same time... thats it!!

'HAG

[WeZ]

Hi Hag,

Thanks for your reply!! That sounds great.

I have a last question about the Hardware: do you know if i will be able to capture both streams on the same box (if i put 2 video capture cards in) or do i need two boxes?

[Richard_G]

I have a last question about the Hardware: do you know if i will be able to capture both streams on the same box (if i put 2 video capture cards in) or do i need two boxes?

One box, one capture card. Capture the first video stream, then capture the second, then use Premier to join them together.

[WeZ]

Hi Richard,

As stated in my opening post, i cannot do that because the 2 streams i need to encode are in realtime, not recordings.

Thanks,
WeZ...

[DVO]

I'm just curious why you need to do it in realtime? Why not take one at a time?

[HAGGARD]

Wez,

Maybe 2 VCR's will do the trick?!? Or 2 PC's with capturecard?!?
Maybe you should explain why it must be in realtime... For heavensake, what are you trying to capture?!?! I'm getting curious now!!!

'HAG

[WeZ]

OK, for curiosity's sake

Picture a golfer that comes in to hit a couple balls in the driving range.
I need to have 2 WebCams Aimed at the station where the Golfer stands.

One camera from the Side of the golfer, and one camera facing the golfer. This will give me 2 differerent angles of his swing.

I Need to record his 20 or 30 balls he drives down the range into the beforementioned split-screen VCD and burnt to VCD within an accaptable waiting period.

This, the golfer can take home and analyze his swing, identify his faults and improve his swing.

=====
Got It ?
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Now, i thought about using 2 VCR's, but, lets say a session takes 30minutes. I Would then need to dump each to AVI once he's done (2 x 30min) and still burn to VCD (10min) will result in a 70Minute waiting period for his CD which (unless we offer some really *SpEcIaL EnTeRtAiNmEnT* :P ) he will rather leave it and go home.

Even if i used 2 machines to dump each avi, that still makes the wait 40 minutes.



So far, is my best solution using 2 PC's with one CapCard in each?

Does anyone know of Capture Software that can at least record both streams into seperate files simultaneously?

[DVO]

Maybe you should look into some TV-equippment. I'm sure there are things like that in use in TV-studios. Probebly expensive...

Here's just an idea... If you have two cameras taping and feed it to a TV that can watch two channels at the same time (don't know if it's possible with two A/V connections from cameras) and record that on VHS and the golfer gets it when he is done.

[WeZ]

Hi DVO,

Thanks. i will look into that option, but here in South Africa CDR's are alot cheaper than VHS tapes and more compact...

BUT, If i can get the TV to display both Streams, then i can use the Output of the TV into one Stream straight to VCD (no need for Premiere)

Our Country is a little behind you guys but i guess for this option of yours to work i have to find a TV that can display 2 inputs...

[HAGGARD]

Hmmm,

But encoding just one videostream of 30 minutes to VCD also take some 40 minutes... So what's the difference?!?!
Or are you planning to use hardware based mpeg encoders?

'HAG

haha, maybe you could use some mirrors to point both directions to one camera, hoping that the golfer doesn't 'bash' one of the mirrors!!! LOL

[bugster]

Using Webcams (USB), if you can display the two images side by side on your PC, the use something like Camtasia Screen cap software to capture it. You will probably need a fairly decent PC to encode to mpeg in realtime on top of that, or you can capture to uncompressed avi and encode after if you need to.

[WeZ]

But encoding just one videostream of 30 minutes to VCD also take some 40 minutes... So what's the difference?!?!

No, if i encode it as the guy's busy, when he finishes i will have the AVI i need to dump to disk (10 mins)...

i've tested this with my DVR & My winfast TV 2000 XP DVC Card. I walked around the room while plugged into my pc and it was dumping it to disk realtime...

[WeZ]

haha, maybe you could use some mirrors to point both directions to one camera, hoping that the golfer doesn't 'bash' one of the mirrors!!! LOL

HAGGARD YOU KING!

You may have been joking but Surely if i place the mirror behind protected Glass/Seethru Perspex, with one Camera which shows the Golfer on the left of the screen and the mirror on the right will reflect his image "Emulating" another stream.

This is why i love Forums & Getting other people's oppinion!

I Was so stuck on doing it Digitally, i didn't even try keep it simple. Lateral Thinking i guess!?!

[HAGGARD]

Haha!!!

I REALLY WAS JUST KIDDIN'!!!!!!!
But hey, if it works... IT WORKS!!!

'HAG