Edit Suite Design Considerations: Preview Switcher or E-E Preview?

Jay Coley, Doug Tao

There are two commonly used methods of previewing with edit controllers. The first method uses a dedicated preview switcher (usually provided as an option by the edit controller manufacturer) to switch between the record VTR (R-VTR) and the source material (usually the output of the switcher and audio mixer). The second method utilizes the electronics-to-electronics (E-E) switch in the R-VTR. There are advantages and disadvantages to each, as well as pitfalls to be avoided, whichever method is chosen. Many operators and engineers have strong preferences for one preview method over the other, often because of a single characteristic of the one preferred. This article will discuss the primary considerations involved in determining whether to configure a post-production facility with a preview switcher, or to use the E-E switching capability of the recording device(s). This information should assist those who are specifying the equipment configuration in a post-production facility in determining which preview method to choose, regardless of the edit controller used.

Print ISSN
Published
1992-10
Content type
Original Research
DOI
10.5594/J02205