At Red Arrow we have two Nitris DX machines that are dedicated to capturing footage and onlining shows. Ever so often something will come up and we will need the use of a third machine for capturing. It doesn’t happen so frequently that buying another Nitris is worth the cost, however. So, when Avid announced support in Media Composer 5.5 for the IO Express by AJA, we decided to give it a whirl.

The installation and setup of the device was no big deal, but we had issues when trying capture from it. We had major video tearing and loss of signal, so much so that the Media Composer software could not capture anything.

This error message was displayed (click to enlarge):

Our configuration was this: SDI out of deck into the IO Express, IO Express SDI out back to deck, and the component out of the AJA device going to an external monitor. Pretty simple, right?

So, what the heck could the problem be? Here is a clue: when we would disconnect either the SDI input or output from the deck, the problem cleared up. It was only there when the deck was both accepting signal from the IO Express and sending signal to it.

I spent a couple of hours on the phone with Avid who then conferenced in someone from AJA. They were pretty bamboozled, too. After all, this was only Day 4 of MC 5.5’s release. The Avid support guy said I was his first call about the IO Express configuration. (It’s equal parts fun and stressful to be early adopters!)

Finally, the guy from AJA realized the answer to the problem. The issue was not in the hardware or software configuration. The issue was in the IO Express communicating with our deck, a Sony HDCAM HDW-1800. This deck has two options in how it handles servo/av reference. It can be set on automatic or manually set to “external.” Left on auto, this deck gets along perfectly well with a Nitris. However, when connected to the IO Express, the deck needs a little more explicit directions. Switching this deck setting to “external” has solved this issue.

Thanks to the tech support folks at Avid and AJA, our IO Express is up and running with Media Composer 5.5. It won’t get the level of workout that our Nitris systems get, but it’s nice to know it is there and ready when the need arises.

AJA, Avid, IO Express Hide

I bought my first HDTV just about 3 years ago. I was a little late to the game considering I work in TV and I enjoy all sorts of new technology. But I was waiting until I felt there were enough HD channels on cable that it would really be worth the purchase. I didn’t want to spend over two grand on a TV and then end up watching mostly SD TV on it.

(more…)

Flexview, HD, Network, Pillarbox, SD, video Hide

So here we are, just a few days from moving offices. Later this week we’ll be tasked with one of the most tedious, time consuming and important jobs we’ve ever tackled; breaking down, moving and hooking up four entire edit suites in less than 24 hours.  Luckily, in previous employment, I’ve completed moves like this twice before, so I feel like we are going to handle this well, due mostly in part to the following tips:

(more…)

Cables, Edit Suites, Labels, post-production, Red Arrow, Tutorial Hide

A few days ago on our Facebook page (if you’re not a fan, go there now and “like” us: facebook.com/RedArrowIndustries), we promised a bit more info on our new space based on some seemingly random numbers.  The numbers were 9724, 1101, 2131-40 and 2131-50.  Well the time has come to reveal what is behind those numbers.  The first you can see in the picture below.

(more…)

Edit Suites, Office, Red Arrow Hide

The construction work on the new office continues to zoom along.  We’ve gotten official word that we’ll be able to move into our new space on June 1st, so it looks like Memorial Day weekend will be a busy one for us.  Breaking down Avids, moving furniture, rebuilding Avids…I think we’ll be glad to have the extra day in the weekend.

(more…)

Avid, Edit Suites, post-production, Red Arrow Hide

Here are a few more pictures from the new office construction.  The stairs are now fully constructed.  Cabinets have been removed from the lobby area in preparation for the hardwood floor that should be laid down this week.

(more…)

Edit Suites, Office, post-production, Red Arrow Hide

Last month was Red Arrow’s anniversary. Three years ago, Ryan and I decided to leave the freelance world and join forces to create a company so we could better serve our growing client lists.  We planned to combine our independently owned equipment, hire additional editors, and of course, move our editing systems out of our basements and into an office space.

(more…)

Avid, Edit Suites, Office, Red Arrow Hide

Okay, so my title may be a touch melodramatic.  My other blog entries have been how-tos, but this post is a call for opinions.  It is based on a conversation that Ryan and I had with a colleague.

(more…)

Avid, editing, post-production, workflow Hide

In my last post, I talked a bit about organizing and managing media.  For this post, I thought I would continue in that vein and talk about drive letter assignments.

(more…)

Avid, AvidFX, Boris, Boris Red, images, Pan and Scan, post-production Hide

I’ve been thinking lately about organization.  Maybe that’s because spring is (mercifully) coming soon, and I’m due for a good, old-fashioned spring-cleaning.  Or maybe it’s because I’m terribly disorganized.  Either way, I thought I would talk a bit about how the Avid organizes media and how this can be used to the editors’ advantage.

(more…)

Avid, editing, organization Hide