
VidBlasterUS FAQ
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Q - Can I use Firewire or USB with VidBlaster? A - You can, but your quality will not be that good. You are also limited on how many cameras you can use. You cannot use a hub for either Firewire or USB, so you limited to 1 perhaps 2 busses with your computer system. You can use Firewire or USB cards but you will still face the port limitation issue. That stated, to get the best results we highly recommend you use a dedicated video capture card such as the Osprey 460e or DecLink Intensity Pro. For this reason we do not recommend laptop computers for any professional video production. A - The VPS (Video Producer Series) is a powerful video production and editing computer, featuring VidBlaster Studio, Adobe Premiere Elements and Adobe Photoshop Elements. VPS supports up to four (4) NTSC component video camera inputs plus numerous Camera, Player, Overlay and Effects modules. You can easily broadcast to NTSC or PAL, stream to the Internet and record your production - all at the same time. The Switcher gives you studio-like control over every aspect of your production. Even better, VPS is very easy to use thanks to the powerful VidBlaster Studio software. Adobe Premiere & Photoshop Elements are also included as part of the suite to graphic production and video editing. Simply the fastest and, easiest to use webcast & broadcast system. If you need to edit, produce, webcast or broadcast video, the VPS can do it. (back to top)
A - VPS comes standard with VidBlaster Studio, the leading video switching, webcast and broadcast software. VidBlaster Studio works much like an actual TV studio. See below for more information. In addition, VPS comes with Adobe Premiere & Photoshop Elements, click here for more information. (back to top)
A - VIDBlaster is the state-of-the-art video production software that can create simple home videos to a live television broadcast and webcasting. Imagine having a software TV production switcher at your fingertips. Cut or dissolve cleanly between multiple cameras while being able to incorporate pre-recorded video and graphics. Enhance your video production be including overlays and multiple video effects. Simply hit the Upload button and your production can be streamed to a wide variety of streaming servers. Powerful features include a highly advanced multi-threaded architecture that takes advantage of today's multi-core processors. VidBlaster Studio has been engineered be customizable. You can add and remove modules as need to create the ideal production layout. Even better, the layouts can be saved for easy retrieval based on your production needs. All modules provide visual feedback, from the Camera modules, Player Modules (which play all media types include video and audio), Effects module and the Overlay module. The Streamer module connects to your streaming server and the Recorder allows you to save your production directly to your hard drive. Q - How many video cameras can I use with the VPS? A - VPS comes with four (4) composite (RCA) inputs that works with any video camera that supports component video including HD. Using external USB capture devices you can also capture video through a USB 2.0 port. VPS has been extensively tested using all inputs and multiple modules, including streaming, broadcasting and recording to the hard drive, to ensure that even the most complex productions will run flawlessly. (back to top)
A - Absolutely. There is nothing else you need to purchase or install. (back to top) Q - Can I stream my show on the Internet and broadcast to my cable company at the same time? A - Yes, VPS can stream your productions to the Internet as well as send a NTSC 640x480, 30fps signal to an external source. In addition you can also record to the hard drive. Of course you can broadcast using PAL resolutions as well. (back to top)
A - VPS comes with a 3-year limited hardware warrantee. However, VidBlasterUS offers several support packages that is unmatched in the industry. For a small monthly fee, we can monitor your system for potential hardware problems, manage all OS updates automatically, scan and remove all virus and spyware and much more. Simply put, we can ensure your system will be running at maximum months or years after your purchase ensuring a 100% reliable professional production system. Click here for more information. (back to top) A - Yes. Every aspect of the computer was planned to the smallest detail in advance, including the case. The computer can be rack mounted in a studio environment and quickly removed for use in the field. (back to top) A - Yes. VPS has been engineered to be a sturdy and robust system for use in live events such as sports, breaking news, special events and more. (back to top)
A - Even though VPS comes with 4 video camera inputs, you can also use the USB 2.0 ports with a compatible video camera. (back to top)
Q - What is the quality of the webcast stream? A - Quality in all aspects of the hardware and software is our primary goal. VidBlaster Studio takes advantage of Flash Media Live Encoder to ensure the highest quality stream to your web server. All VPS systems come with Windows Media Encoder and Flash Media Live Encoder installed. (back to top)
A - The Streamer module offers "one touch" streaming to a variety of streaming servers however it is very easy to use the Streamer with any service. Using the Virtual Server Setting you can connect to your server of choice. Please consult your streaming service provider for more information. (back to top) Q - Can I edit my own videos for use in my production? A - Pre-production is one of the most important steps in creating a smooth, professional production. Adobe Premiere Elements is one of the best non-linear editors available and the software, along with Photoshop Elements, comes pre-installed and ready to use on the VPS system. (back to top)
A - The Switcher is a virtual 2-bus switcher that allows to easily preview a video signal from any of the modules on the layout. You can transition or cut to the Program like you would in any profession TV production studio. The Auto Switcher allows you to automatically switch from one module to another sequentially. You can also set the time duration and the type of transition. The Auto Switcher is ideal for productions where the operator may be away from the computer for a period of time yet the production continues to automatically switch between cameras, players or effects. The Switcher also provides color bars and black. Q - What are layouts? / Can I create and save my own custom layouts? A - Layouts is the current number of modules and their position in VidBlaster. You can add or remove modules as needed. As a convince, layouts can be named and saved for later retrieval. This is ideal for using VPS in diverse production environments and minimizes setup time. (back to top) Q - How many modules can I use in my production? A - VidBlaster Studio supports up to 100 modules however in reality you will use far, far less. VPS has been designed to meet or exceed production expectations. (back to top)
A - VPS supports a wide variety of file formats such as WMV, AVI, MP3, MPG and MOV. VPS comes pre-installed with a wide variety of code cs to handle most any video format. PNG is supported in the Overlay module to provide an alpha channel to allow for opacity. Please refer to the System Specifications for more information. (back to top)
A - Yes. Using dual monitors is a great way of streamlining your production allowing for VidBlaster Studio to reside on one monitor, while the other monitor is used for other production tasks. (back to top)
A - All Camera modules have a drop-down that offers a screen capture utility. You can capture the entire screen or a user-defined window to be used as part of your production. This feature is ideal for training or conducting video interviews with the guest hundreds or thousands of miles away. A - Yes. Additional accessories include a carry bag for the computer and a hard case for better protection. VPS offers an external SATA port to attach a wide variety of disk arrays for almost any production length. (back to top)
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