Set up on the dvx100A

[Bob Hayes]

On the VX100A where should the set-up (black Level) be set for broadcast on US television? The VX100A offers two choices 0 and 7.5. On my PD150 I run the set up at 7.5. That?s where black levels would be for a beta cam. I was told the 0 set up is for Japanese TV. When I shoot HD I set the black levels at 0. Where should the VX100a be set?

 

Bob

[Stas Tagios]

The way I understand it, 7.5 setup is strictly an analog issue for U.S. NTSC signals, and is intended only to boost the IRE on analog outputs of pro cameras and decks when feeding an NTSC monitor.

 

On professsional cameras, setting the setup to 7.5 affects only the video signal being output through the camera's monitor jack, unlike on the DVX and PD-150, where it actually boosts the signal going to tape, and thus alters your black level.

 

Of course, if you actually want to raise the black level on your tape, then you can use the add setup function, or adjust the camera's master pedestal level (or both).

 

Have a look at these excellent sites, which cover this issue in more detail and more lucidly than I have:

 

http://www.adamwilt.com/DV-FAQ-tech.html#Setup

 

http://www.dvxuser.com/MP/MP.htm

 

http://www.24p.com/dvx.htm

 

http://www.theasc.com/magazine/product.htm (scroll down to the section discussing 7.5. setup and master pedestal)