More about ShotDriver
• ShotDriver AD is a multicast server application. During performance, information about upcoming shots,
the current shot number, and live camera tallys are broadcast over the LAN to client applications.
Shot lists can be created automatically from a live cut, using tally signals sent from the video switcher.
Timecode-logged shot lists can be exported as EDLs (edit decision lists) for use in post production.
Live signals from the switcher are used to automatically advance the shot list, and to send tally data to receivers.
• ShotDriver takes signals from your video switcher.
A basic ShotDriver system consists of a GPI-to-MIDI device which takes tally signals sent from almost any video switcher and converts them to MIDI data. A MIDI interface is required to bring the data into the computer.
ShotDriver can be used without a connection to a video switcher, where the shot list is advanced manually from the keyboard, synchronized as closely as possible with the switcher. ShotDriver AD on its own is also a powerful shot sheet visualizer, timecode logger, and EDL (Edit Decision List) tool. Shot lists can also be printed, with any camera's shots individually highlighted.
The current version is limited to ten camera positions.
Developed for live video production of opera. |
The Koret Media Suite at San Francisco Opera is a state of the art video capture facility, using remotely controlled robotic camera heads. The camera operators sit at stations which combine a robot's controls with standard camera controls. Every production is scripted and highly repeatable, so shot lists are used. It's possible for the shotlist of an opera to include over 1,500 shots. That makes for a big stack of paper, and an additional thing for the camera operators to manage at their station. ShotDriver was developed to address several of the requirements unique to this environment. |
• Technical facts:
-Multicast data is sent across your local area network using a UDP/IP network port. Data is not sent across the internet.
-ShotDriver AD receives MIDI timecode. If MIDI timecode is not present, the time of day is used.
-A free utility exists which converts LTC (a SMPTE timecode audio signal) to MIDI timecode without the need for an external device to do so.
-Authorizing a ShotDriver system involves entry of an authorization code in ShotDriver AD, or ShotDriver Tally Server. Any number of receiver applications can be used simultaneously in your installation. Receiver applications do not require registration or authorization.
The authorization code you are issued when you purchase your license is only valid for one week after the day of purchase. If, for some reason, you are not able to complete the installation in the given period, you will need to obtain a new authorization code. Make your request here.
ShotDriver may be useful in manned-camera situations, when it is not practical to have a computer at each camera. It is possible to use a single computer with multiple video outputs to generate the required camera and list displays, and then to distribute those signals to the required destinations. |