Expert: Jim Colman - 8/24/2005

Question
What exactly is genlock?

Could you recomend a cheap camera with genlock?

If I bought a camera with DV output and then I bought a DV capable video switcher (like: http://www.expandore.com/product/Post_Production/MX4.htm) , would there be a second of black inbetween the swithches on the output?

Thanks

Answer
Ben,
Genlock refers to the abiltity of cameras and switchers to sync to a common black burst signal.  Without this, there would be a "glich" in the video whenever the director switched to a camera without genlock.

I cannot recommend any cheap cameras.  I don't know for sure, but I don't think that DV requires genlock to operate between the camera and a switcher.  Check with the manufacture to be sure.

Jim Colman