Apple Final Cut Pro 7 - Manual (Page 1670)

Print to Video
In most cases, the Print to Video command doesn’t use device control, so it is useful when
your deck can’t be controlled remotely (such as a VHS deck). You can’t specify timecode
In and Out points for recording on the tape, so you can’t use this method for output to
a precise location on your tape. You also can’t choose which audio or video tracks are
recorded on tape—they are all recorded.
Note: Some camcorders and VTRs can be triggered to record automatically as soon as
you begin the Print to Video operation. You need to connect a FireWire (for DV) or RS-422
device control cable between your computer and video deck to use this option.
The Print to Video command allows you to begin recording wherever the tape is currently
cued, and without timecode accuracy. You also can’t set a precise Out point on the tape,
so there is almost always a break in the video signal on tape at the Out point after
recording. To prevent your movie from cutting off abruptly as soon as it ends, you should
include some black after your program, either by adding slug to the end of your sequence
or by including some trailing black, which is an option available in the Print to Video
dialog.
If you don’t require a precise In or Out point on the tape, then Print to Video is generally
the best option. You can even use Print to Video with a completely blank tape, since it
doesn’t require timecode or video signal information from the tape before it begins
recording. Unless you need to output your video to a specific timecode number on tape,
or replace a shot on a tape that already has video on it, Print to Video should suit your
needs.
Record to Tape Directly from the Timeline
This method allows you to record whatever signal is currently playing on your editing
system, regardless of the quality. Simply connect the video output of your computer
(FireWire or third-party video interface) to a VTR or camcorder, turn on external video
monitoring in Final Cut Pro, and press the Record button. Whatever happens in the
Timeline is recorded to tape. This is useful for recording rough cuts directly from the
Timeline or when you want to record any real-time adjustments you make in the Viewer,
Canvas, or Timeline.
This method is convenient for quick output at any time, but may display low-quality video
and unrendered sections of the Timeline. The quality of video output is based on the
real-time settings of your editing system and the current Timeline, so high-quality video
is not guaranteed. Use this method to quickly create work-in-progress tapes when you
aren’t concerned about output at the highest quality.
1670 Chapter 100 Preparing to Output to Tape