Applications And Setups - Videonics MX-1 Instruction Manual

VIDEONICS DIGITAL VIDEO MIXER
Picture-in-Picture (PIP). Two pictures can share the screen in various
configurations, including picture-in-picture, in which one source occupies a
small area and the other takes the rest of the screen. Example: The inset can
show the scoreboard while the rest of the picture shows the playing field.
Effects Generator. Effects can be used to enhance a source or to transition
between two sources.
TBC (Time Base Corrector). The time base of the MX-1's output is always
automatically corrected. This makes the picture stable even when the inputs
are not.
Chroma Key and Luminance Key. "Keying" replaces parts of one picture
with another, based on their lightness (luminance key) or color (chroma key).
For example, you might shoot a picture of a football player in front of a solid
color screen and later show the shot with a shot of the football stadium keyed
into the solid color area behind.
Compose. The MX-1 includes a video painting system which can combine
video stills, color shapes, and moving video on one screen. You could create a
screen that contains a video still of the coach with a red border, combined
with a moving video of the players in action and stripes in the team colors.
Audio Mixer. Basic audio control is provided, with the ability to have the
sound change along with the video, or to have a constant sound source while
the picture changes. Audio can come from a video source or from external
audio devices.

Applications and Setups

The most common uses of the MX-1 are for video production and live
settings. Chapter 19, "Editing and Other Applications," describes these func-
tions in more detail and explains how they are accomplished with the MX-1.
Multiple-Source Video Production. In a video production setup, one or
more VCRs, camcorders, video disc players, cameras, title generators, com-
puter graphics systems, or other video sources are connected to the MX-1's
four inputs. The output is connected to a VCR which records the result.
The MX-1 determines what will be sent to the recording VCR. While the
original tapes play, the operator can switch between any of the inputs; use
dissolves or other transitions to go from one video to another; add special
effects to any source; and use advanced features such as compose and chroma
key to jazz up the production.
Single-Source Use. The MX-1 is useful even when there is only one video
tape playing. It supports A/A roll, a method for creating interesting transi-
tions with a single source, and its digital effects, such as picture freeze,
posterization, and zooms, can liven up any production. It can be used with a
titler to mix and superimpose titles. The TBC improves the picture, especially
when making multiple-generation copies, by removing the jitter that is
common to most VCRs. And the Compose feature can be used to create
additional images that can enhance the production.
Live Video. In a live production setup, an event is recorded as it occurs.
The Mixer allows the use of multiple cameras. While a single camera is
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