Gear

Joe McCleskey
March 1997

Digital Processing Systems has released their first Direct DV editing system, the DPS Spark. Using Adaptec's IEEE-1394 Firewire interface, the DPS Spark provides a direct link between Firewire-equipped DV camcorders and PCI-bus computers. Unlike most digital video capture systems, the Spark is not a digitizer; it simply provides a way to move existing digital video and audio in real time from a DV camcorder to a suitable hard disk (SCSI-2, 3.5MB/sec sustained transfer rate). DPS Spark comes bundled with Adobe Premiere 4.2 and a Firewire cable for easy setup. (606) 371-3729.

Suggested retail price: $995

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Also throwing its hat into the DV-capture ring is Fast Electronics, whose DV Master capture card aims to provide an easy way to transfer analog or digital audio and video from a camcorder directly to a hard drive. With Sony's hardware-based "DV Gear" codec chips, the DV master will provide real-time conversion between analog audio/video and DV audio/video (up to six times faster than some software-based DV codecs). Edit machine control can also be transmitted via the Firewire interface for a true hybrid editing solution on a single cable. (415) 295-3500.

Suggested retail price: Under $5000

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Not content to be left in the dust, miro Computer Products Inc. is offering its own DV capture solution, the miroVIDEO DV 100. Both Windows95 and MacOS compatible, the DV 100 is a PCI plug-and-play card that will install into either a Macintosh or PC-based system. Bundled with the DV 100 is an elegant new storyboard-based capture and editing utility, intended to provide an easy way to get video editing beginners into the world of nonlinear editing. (800) 474-6476.

Suggested retail price: $999

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Hitachi has delivered on its promise to provide a hard-disk- based, MPEG-1, multimedia-quality digital video camera for Web, CD-ROM, home and office applications. Using the world's first single-chip codec, a tiny PCMCIA type III hard disk and a 1.8-inch LCD screen, the Hitachi MPEG camera provides about 20 minutes of full-motion, 1/4-screen digital video and audio, 3000 still JPEG images or 1000 10- second still images with audio. Other features include 3x optical zoom (6x digital), remote control operation and an easy-interface kit for transferring data to your PC. (800) HITACHI.

Suggested retail price: Around $2500

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