VS4 Encoder

First off, how do you define "valid" video? There is at least one DVD recorder that will stop and start recording if it sees sync on the input. I'm not certian if the Optibase card will stop on loss of sync or not. It wouldn't surprise me either way. There are a number of relatively inexpensive "sync" detectors available that will output a GPI on loss of video. In theory, you could marry a GPI signal to an "encoder stop" command. It would likely require a little code to accomplish.

That said, unless you shut everything down, end-of-show yeilds black, bars or blue-screen. That is still "valid" video to a sync detector. To see that, you need something way more expensive like a Spyglass that detects "frozen" video. Same comment about code above applies.

Quick and dirty: record with a DVD recorder that cuts off on loss of video. Then rip it with the DVD Import software. Otherwise, pay closer attention when the meeting ends ;)

Of course, none of my long-winded response actually answers your question: "Will the encoder detect loss of signal?" I'll leave that to someone who is actually familiar with the API functions.

FWIW, I prefer Video ReDo to MPEG2Cut. It lets you cut to the frame. Worth $50 bucks. Although the frame copy process can be lengthy on a 2hr show.

Jonathan Einarsen
Contract Video Specialists, Inc
(A Tightrope Dealer)
www.contractvideo.com