Using VCR2VCR

Before you use VCR2VCR you *must* have your VCRs turned on and the settings in VCR2VCR_Settings.txt file set properly for VCR type and COM ports.  Do not proceed until you have everything hooked up and proper settings for your configuration of PC COM ports and VCRs.


VCR2VCR attempts to largely emulate a Sony RM450 edit controller.  If you are familiar with the Sony RM450, you should find VCR2VCR pretty easy to understand and operate.


VCR2VCR has three panels in the main display:

LEFT - Play VCR operations and status
MIDDLE - Edit and Control Operations and status
RIGHT - Record VCR operations and status


VCR Controls/Status/Time-Code - Left and Right Panels (Light Blue)

The left and right panels look somewhat alike and they are designed to view time code, set in/out points for edits, and operate the Play and Record VCRs.  Most of the controls are obvious (Play, Pause, etc.).  You may watch time code in the top area (red numerical display) as the VCR plays.  There are two additional time code slots for inpoint and outpoint where you can manually type in time code numbers for edit-inpoint and edit-outpoint values.  You can also use the SetIn and SetOut buttons to 'grab' timecode from the top display as the VCR is playing and insert the current time code value into the inpoint or outpoint timecode slot.  The jog buttons let you jog forward or reverse by 1 frame.  The slider below the jog buttons controls variable speed play for VCRs that support that feature.


Editing and Control - Center Panel (Dark Blue)

The center panel (darker blue) provides IN and OUT buttons for each VCR to 'cue' to either the edit-inpoint or the edit-outpoint of either VCR.

The center panel also has edit-mode choices at the top (Assemble, Insert, Insert Audio 1, Insert Audio 2).  Prior to performing your first edit operation you MUST choose an edit mode by clicking one of these buttons.


To perform an edit:

1. Be sure a valid time code inpoint and outpoint are set for *both* VCRs in the VCR panel edit-point time code slots.  You may enter the times manually or by using the SetIn and SetOut buttons.
2. Using the center panel, select 'Assemble' or 'Insert' by clicking on one of the Edit Mode buttons.
3. now click on 'Do Edit' in the center panel.


Changing Settings:

Because you may wish to vary preroll and edit-adjust timing without stopping and re-starting the program, you can use the Settings button in the center panel to open a small window that lets you change the settings for VCR preroll and edit-adjust timing.


