Techniques

Techniques

Professor monkey has gotten tangled up quite a few times. Often it's the little things that can get you off course. Whether trying to set up and connect equipment, charging batteries, knowing what videotape format to use, or simply understanding those numbers that keep turning while you record, this section will help steer you back on course.

Video production requires the use of many different types of equipment. All this equipment must somehow connect together. The following list should help you better understand some of the connectors your likely to encounter, and how to use them.

PICTURE	TYPE	USE
	XLR	Audio: 3 pin connector, generally used to connect microphones carrying a balanced audio signal.
	Phone 1/4"	Audio: 2 conductor mono (as shown) for mic inputs on some cameras, or the 3 conductor stereo version used for headphones generally.
	Mini Phone 1/8"	Audio: Same as 1/4" only smaller, mostly used in connecting mics to a camera or for smaller walkman style headphones.
	Phono RCA	Audio/Video: Most commonly used as dub cables (A/V in/out) for consumer cameras and VCRs. Carries baseband signals.
	BNC	Video: Most commonly used on professional video equipment to carry baseband video. It provides a solid twist and lock styled connection.

Tape practices

Video tape contains millions of tiny magnetic particles. Recording on a video tape causes these particles to move into a position. Upon playback these particles are read back by the VCR producing the video signal you see. The key here, is that these particles are magnetic. If they are placed on or near a magnet, those tiny particles are likely to be rearranged, thereby destroying the previously recorded material.

The video tape itself is somewhat sensitive and over time, the binding materials that hold those magnetic particles will begin to decay. Every time you play the tape, a certain amount of friction (from the video heads, rollers, audio heads, etc.) will cause the binding materials and magnetic particles to rub off. Excessive moisture should also be avoided, as it can cause residue, or, in extreme cases, mold to form on the tape.

All video tape is not created equal. Always purchase the highest quality tape possible (usually the most expensive). This is money well spent, as the higher quality tape provides more of those tiny magnetic particles and better binding materials. The increased number of magnetic particles provides more picture information resulting in better resolution. The superior binding materials help retain the magnetic particles resulting in a longer more stable tape life.

Many camcorders provide several choices for recording and playback speeds. VHS camcorders will often provide choices such as SP (Standard Play) LP (Long Play) and EP (Extended Play). The main difference between these modes, is the rate or speed at which the tape passes over the video heads. SP records the fastest while EP records the slowest. The rule to remember is: increased tape speed causes the video heads to read more magnetic particles, resulting in more picture information and better video. Slow tape speed will not produce the same high level of quality but will provide more recording time. This means that a 120 minute tape is capable of recording 8 hours of video when set for EP speed. The EP video quality will be lower than that of a 120 minute video set for SP speed.

Monkey Tip: Avoid placing video tape on TV monitors, speakers, near magnets, in humid or extremely cold or warm areas - avoid pausing for long periods of time, always buy the best tape, and record at the highest speed possible.

Recording Practices

Start recording and wait several seconds before starting the scene. Many camcorder take a few seconds before they begin recording smoothly. It takes a certain amount of time for the tape to start and the record heads to engage. Beginning a scene before your camera is properly recording has its obvious problems. Even if your camcorder has flying erase heads and can begin recording quickly (often from pause) waiting can be beneficial. For example, VTRs will require several seconds to synch up before they can take and edit (usually a minimum of 5 seconds). So, be sure to record at least 5 seconds before you start your scene.

Record multiple takes. Even if you think it was a perfect take you can benefit from doing a few more. Often what first appears to be a perfect take will upon review show some kind of flaw. So, give yourself some more options in the editing room by shooting several takes of each scene - it will pay off during post production.

Keep track of what you've shot and what you need to shoot. It can get confusing, especially if you are shooting several scenes. Keeping notes during production can also pay off during post-production.

Batteries

Exercise your Batteries. Most consumer and pro gear use rechargeable NiCad batteries. These NiCad batteries are susceptible to what is called memory condition. If you partially drain (use 70% of the battery) and then partially charge your batteries, the battery will in effect forget what its full charged capability is. The result is that a battery that used to last an hour, might only provide power for half that time. Running your batteries until they are dead and charging them fully will mitigate these memory problems. However, over charging can be just as detrimental, and in extreme cases can cause the battery to leak or even explode. So consult your manuals and stay within the recommended charging time.

Cold can negatively affect the performance of your batteries. Recording in the cold will put an extra strain on your batteries, causing them to drain faster. If you plan to record in the cold, bring extra batteries. You can increase the amount of time your batteries will perform by deselecting auto-features. Features such as auto-zoom, auto-iris, and auto-focus, require power to operate. Performing these functions manually will decrease the drain on you battery increasing its' time of operation.

Monkey Tip: To increase your batteries' life, fully charge and drain your batteries.

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Audio Post-Production

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Audio		Post-Production