Wiring the Studio

The diagram in figure 19.9 shows how Fabrikam’s Producer mini-studio is wired.

Figure 19.9: Equipment configuration and wiring of the Producer mini-studio.

The camcorder composite video output is connected to the small video monitor; S-video output is connected to the video card breakout box, if available; and the IEEE 1394 signal is connected to the capture card. The lavalier microphone is connected through the audio processor to the breakout box. If multiple microphones or sources are available, the microphones and sources would go through a mixer first. Typically, the user will record a presentation using the Capture Wizard in Producer. In that case, the S-video and video card analog audio inputs are used. The user can play back a presentation in Producer, view video on the flat-panel monitor, and hear audio through the computer speakers.

One output of the display card is connected to the desktop monitor, the other to the teleprompter monitor. Mouse and keyboard are connected using extension cables, and the corporate network is connected to the NIC.

The wiring can be varied for different situations. For example, it might make more sense to record to videotape, and then capture only the selected take to the computer. In that case, audio from the processor can be split or connected directly to the camcorder line inputs. Then the selected take can be transferred to the computer digitally through the IEEE 1394 cable.

The Fabrikam mini-studio is designed for users who have little experience running video equipment, so rewiring the studio is not promoted by the Media department. If a new configuration is requested by a customer, an engineer from the department will make the actual changes.