Tutorial & Walkthrough for the Video Switcher in a Sony DFS-500

The Sony DFS-500 is a video switcher with built-in special effects that is ideal for live broadcasting or analog editing functions. It features four video inputs and each input has three different input options. The video switcher is compatible with Sony camcorders, live video cameras and any other cameras with S-Video, composite or component inputs.

Difficulty:Moderately Easy1

Insert the appropriate cable into each input on the back of the main video processing device. The Sony DFS-500 has two components, the video input device and the video switcher with special-effect controls. A main plug runs from the video input device to the switcher controls. On the back of the input device are four labeled sections for video input. Go in order of inputs so it will be easier to keep track of them later. If you run S-Video cable into the device, you must use the XLR input to get audio, too.

2

Run your viewing monitor cable from the monitor to the "PGM Out" section of the video switcher. Run the cord from your preview monitor to the "Key Out" section of the video switcher. Set up the monitors so that the "Key Out" monitor is on the left and the "PGM Out" is on the right.

3

Use the serial cord to connect the video switcher to the control panel. Connect it into the "Control Panel" input on the lower right of the device.

4

Power on the control panel of the video switcher. Set yourself center of the video switcher so you have access to all the controls.

5

Select the "Video Input" that you want for the main broadcast. This is the "Foreground" section. Pull down on the fader lever to keep it on this. Select the "Background" video input. This is the video that the production will fade in to if you pull the fade lever.

6

Set the "Internal Video" for the switcher. This is pre-rendered video that you can use instead of live video. Press the "Select" button to highlight the colored background, color bars or a grid screen. Activate this video on the "Background" or "Foreground" with the "INT. Video" button.

7

Set the fade pattern using the icon keypads on the right side of the screen. The icon shows the type of fade. When you select it, slowly move the fader up and down to see how the fade looks when transitioning.

8

Select the "PIP" option to use the picture-in-picture function. On the top of the control panel, select the shape you want to use the picture-in-picture for. Move the location joystick to set the position on the screen. Click on the "Edge" icon to apply an edge to the picture-in-picture videos.

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