Equipment and Reservations
If you are digitizing VHS, DV, miniDV, or HDV tapes, the only resource you need to reserve is 808 Suite A. This computer is connected to an VHS and HDV deck.
Capturing tapes using Blackmagic Media Express
Turn on the DV deck or VHS deck, as well as the preview monitor (the monitor on the far right).
Insert your tape.
Open Blackmagic Media Express on the computer.
Blackmagic Media Express defaults to the "Playback Menu". You will need to switch to the "Log and Capture" menu.
Now you should see a frame of your tape displayed in the program window and the preview monitor.
Be sure to rewind your tape to the beginning, if necessary.
If you would like to change where to send the captured media, Select "Media Express" on the top tool bar and select "Settings". Here you can select where on the computer/connected external hard drive the media is saved. This is also the window to change your capture file format. We recommend you set this to ProRes 422 since the default uncompressed format can result in massive files.
Once you are ready to begin, Select "Capture" on the bottom banner of the Media Express software, then hit play on the DV deck or VHS deck.
Once your tape is finished, select capture again to stop the process.
Now you’re all done capturing in Blackmagic Media Express and you can import this file to your preferred editing software.
Don’t forget to eject your tape and power down the deck before you leave!
Media is not displaying on the preview monitor?
If your media is not displaying on the preview monitor you will need to change the input on the capture and playback device. To do this open "Desktop Video Setup" on the computer. Once the software is open select the button right below "UltraStudio 4k Mini." This will open up the settings for the device
Navigate to the "Video Input" window and select the appropriate input below:
DV Tape - SDI
VHS Tape - Composite
Once the correct input is selected, select "save," and you should now see your media displayed on the preview monitor.
Questions?
Please email david.hadley@emerson.edu