Shot Logger is a wireless system for logging film and video footage on a Personal Digital Assistant. Designed to work with Apple Computer's award winning Newton® technology, Shot Logger transmits timecodes from a beeper-size 916.5 MHz transmitter attached to the timecode source- such as a video camera- directly to Production Magic's PC Card receiver housed in the Apple MessagePad®. In addition to accurately logging timecode "in" and "out" points for each take, Shot Logger allows users to rate each take, enter detailed scene descriptions, numbers and notes, and export a list of preferred shots for instant digitizing to nonlinear editing systems. Using Production Magic's LoggerLink® for Macintosh or Windows, users can upload this list to a PC or Macintosh-based editing system.
What are the benefits of using Shot Logger?
Shot Logger captures key information about each take while the shoot is happening, and gives users the ability to determine which footage to digitize to nonlinear editing systems- while they're still on the set. Shot Logger saves money by reducing the time used reviewing and logging footage for digitizing. It also saves money if you rent time on a nonlinear editing system by automating the digitizing process. Best of all it just makes the time spent on your production easier by organizing the post production process for you. Since Shot Logger is wireless, users and cameras alike are afforded complete freedom of movement on the set. This means the focus on the set can be directed to the filming- not on the equipment used to do the logging.
How does Shot Logger differ from existing logging programs?
First, it's wireless and that allows for tremendous freedom of movement on the set. By using radio transmission, line of sight from the transmitter to the receiver is not an issue. That means the camera and Shot Logger transmitter could be mounted to the mast of a ship and still transmit to the camera crew using a Shot Logger receiver and MessagePad on the deck below.
Secondly, it's designed to run on a very powerful, robust handheld computer, the Apple MessagePad. In addition to capturing an incredible amount of data, Shot Logger's user interface is so intuitive that it's very easy to learn how to use. Unlike laptops, there is virtually no boot-up time with the MessagePad. Four AA batteries last all day, eliminating the need to carry bulky batteries or AC. In addition, the price/performance of the MessagePad makes it the most powerful and cost-effective solution for logging on the market.
What kind of data can be captured with Shot Logger?
Shot Logger allows users to input: project title, scene description and number, reel number, take number, unlimited notes, timecode in and out points and criteria for each take. This information is used by nonlinear edit systems in order to digitize.
Does Shot Logger print out logs?
Yes. Shot Logger prints out complete lists or select lists to any printer supported by the MessagePad. You can also fax your list to the post production house or any location.
Will Shot Logger give me machine control?
No. Currently Shot Logger doesn't support machine control. Shot Logger is designed to eliminate the need for post shoot logging.
Which nonlinear editing systems does Shot Logger support?
Currently Shot Logger supports Avid Media Composer, Media 100, Scitex Videocube, Adobe Premiere, Panasonic Post Box, and DVision.
What kind of cameras does Shot Logger work with?
Any camera or source that can generates a timecode signal can be used with Shot Logger. Shot Logger was designed to work specifically with SMPTE Time Code.
Can Shot Logger be used for film production?
Absolutely! Any source that can deliver a timecode signal can be used by Shot Logger. Because it exports a list to Avid, it is great for the Film Composer. Production Magic also has a solution called SoundLogger which is geared to feature film work. Sound Logger is built into Shot Logger for sound or audio work.
Does Shot Logger have an Autolog feature?
Yes. Two of them. The first automatically logs the "in" and "out" timecode points.
This allows you to rate the take and add notes. The user then confirms the
information by tapping "Log".
The second method is the full Autolog. This feature captures the "in" and "out"
points in addition to confirming the take. You can set it and forget it. Scenes can
also be defined automatically.
Introducing Rapid Scenes- the only single shooter logging system that allows you to rate the take and change scenes while you shoot... alone. Built into Shot Logger, the Rapid Scenes logging mode works off a series of finger taps on the Newton screen. Two taps rate the take for digitizing and one tap advances to the next scene. Shot Logger uses the camera trigger to record and log the takes.
Can Shot Logger log videotape?
Yes. Shot Logger can log videotape after the shoot just like other logging programs. Combine this capability with the ability to log wirelessly, and Shot Logger becomes an even more flexible logging system.
Does Shot Logger work on laptops?
No. We chose the Newton platform for Shot Logger because of its portability, low battery consumption, quick boot-up time and its price/performance over laptops.
How does Shot Logger transmit timecode?
Timecode is sent via radio transmission. Production Magic chose to use radio transmission for its wireless capability because of the robustness and fault tolerance of the signal. Unlike infrared, radio transmission does not require that the camera and MessagePad be within line of sight in order for the signal to be received by the Newton.
What frequency is the wireless transmitter? Is a license required?
RF Frequency: 916.5 MHz. No license is required.
Does the transmitter interfere with wireless microphones?
No. Shot Logger is set tested and frequency researched.
Can I have multiple transmitters operating at the same time?
Yes! You can have up to eight transmitters running at once. Each transmitter can transmit different timecode.
Can multiple receivers be used at the same time?
Absolutely. This is particularly useful when you have a need for more than one person to track different aspects of the take.
Can you use Shot Logger in a wired mode?
Yes! You can connect the Newton directly to the timecode source. A high tech new lightweight cable plugs into the PC Card receiver. Great for shooting in hospitals and other restricted areas.
Which MessagePad's can I use with Shot Logger?
You can use any MessagePad running Newton Operating System 2.0 with a minimum of 2Mb of memory. Today this includes the MessagePad 120 and the recently introduced MessagePad 130 which features backlighting.
Does Shot Logger interfere with the MessagePad's built-in functions
No. Shot Logger utilizes all of the built-in capabilities such as Names, Database, Notebook and Calendar- as well as faxing, printing and beaming.
What if I don't know how to use an Apple MessagePad?
The Apple MessagePad is an easy, intuitive handheld PDA. Because of its ease of use, you can operate Shot Logger using the Quick Start card which comes with Shot Logger- but we recommend that you learn the basics of the MessagePad to optimize your use of Shot Logger.
Does Production Magic make any other software for film and video?
Yes. Production Magic is bringing a suite of products to market specifically aimed at
meeting the needs of the broadcast, film and video industry.
SoundLogger is designed to assist sound recordists with any production, such as
feature films, that requires that an accurate log be maintained, printed and exported
to a nonlinear editing system.
How much does Shot Logger cost? When will it be available?
Shot Logger retails for $2,295 and is available now!
What kind of technical support is available?
Shot Logger technical support will be provided via email, our web site and telephone. For a small fee, we will be offering instant overnight replacement of any damaged transmitter or receiver. Superior customer service is our number one concern.
What is Shot Logger's warranty?
Shot Logger has one of the longest warranties in this industry. We offer a full 6 months parts and labor warranty on both transmitter and receiver. Compared to the average video equipment warranty of 90 days. Production Magic offers double the warranty.
Can I buy an Apple MessagePad from Production Magic?
No. Production Magic is not an authorized Apple reseller. We can recommend a vendor to you or you can shop around and get your best price. You can have your MessagePad shipped to Production Magic and we will set up and test your MessagePad free. This will assure that your new Shot Logger is operating correctly for you right out of the box.
Questions?
If you have any questions that you would like to ask Production Magic, please email
us at:info@ProductionMagic.com