Video Assist computers FAQ - Wolf Seeberg Video

commercials. Good software for IBM can be used to control up to 16 of them. No
editing. 400 in use worldwide. Sometimes used as a reliable short term storage
medium and when time permits folks download selects to computer based
software for long term storage and editing etc. Some people never back up on
tape most careful ones do though, does have occasional hick ups. Sometimes it
takes a while to start up, can’t hit buttons too fast. Easy fast playback, easy jump
back to start frames of previous takes. Cost 2007 about $ 3500.00
Raptor X
http://raptorddr.com/rx.html
New in 2006 records DV format – very large amount of internal storage – more
than 1 terabite [DV files take 1 G for 5 minutes of material]. Many can be linked
for sync playback. Not all features work as of summer 2007. Slowmo is
acceptable (even if slow to get into), Reverse is acceptable but degraded, to
switch from playback to live is said to take 3 seconds at $ 5000 a second on big
features that is unacceptable some say (needs an outboard switch?). Needs only
keyboard, monitor, no internal editing capabilities. DV files can be transported via
USB or Lan network to FCP or Premiere based other computers. etc.
Made in North Hollywood USA with excellent support using only their own
technology and software. Built in TBC by summer 2007 still getting better. works
well with UHF Tx, it will not crash. Used by 50 ? operators in fall 2007. Check at
purchase time if the little inconveniences have been dealt with. Slower to
respond than Paptor 50, takes 2 sec to start playing back…makes amped up
directors crazy. Cost $ 7000.00 approx with internal TBC.
Jeb writes: I'm using three Raptor X's on the new Hanna Montana movie and I can edit with ease using
Final Cut Studio on a MacPro. I am able to work on an edit at the same time that I am simultaneously doing
the Video Assist duties. I use After Effects, Shake and Nuke for compositing. Avid Media Composer is not
a good solution for editing because the captured files must first be converted to Avid's proprietary video
format before editing, very time consuming. FCP accesses the Raptor files over a GigaBit ethernet router.
No need to move the files unless one wishes to do further editing/compositing away from the video cart.
Placing an edited sequence back on the Raptor after exporting the sequence as a QT - AVI file. Generally
the system is fantastic. Very reliable, scalable ( I believe up to 16 cameras), great company support and
easy to use. My only gripe is that we are all still waiting for the promised DVD backup feature to be
completed! Hope this helps! Jeb Johenning
2008: “The Raptor XLite is in an enclosure that is 2RU (3.5") tall and about 8
inches deep. This DDR will record about 20 hours of video (as DV ?) instead of
150 like its big brother Raptor X. It is meant for commercials/VFX/second units
who need immediate and simple file sharing between units or ingest to FCP for
on-set editing/comps. The production models will also have record audio level
setting and headphone monitoring for a more complete run and gun unit. We are
going to offer an IDX or Anton Bauer battery plate on the top cover as an option
along with a removable LCD monitor bracket so guys can create a "clamshell" if
they need to. Steve Irving”.
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