Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!csd4.milw.wisc.edu!marque!joeb
From: joeb@marque.mu.edu (Joe Bronikowski)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga.tech
Subject: Controlling Sony VCRs with Amiga
Summary: desktop video application question
Message-ID: <414@marque.mu.edu>
Date: 16 Apr 89 00:46:19 GMT
Reply-To: joeb@marque.UUCP (Joe Bronikowski)
Distribution: na
Organization: Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
Lines: 34

Greetings,

  I have a slight problem regarding single-frame recording of animations with
a VCR that I hope someone out there can help me with.  I have a Sony SLV-50
VCR with their 5-pin "Control L" port on it.  I've been told that this is
simply a serial port (I suppose ground, Tx, Rx, and maybe RTS/CTS), and it
can be connected to the Amiga with the proper cable.  What I'd like to do
is use the single-frame-record feature to put complex animations on tape,
using Aegis VideoScape 3D and the Amiga to control the recording operation.
I'm also thinking of writing a video editing controller (using a genlock, and
possibly supporting multiple decks) sometime in the future.

  So, what I need is a description of the serial protocol used by the
Control L port.  I called Sony's customer information center, and they told
me that 1) they don't recommend connecting a computer to their VCRs, and
2) they don't have any manual describing the protocol.  I asked about
engineering documents, but of course they wouldn't send me something like
that. :-)  I also tried contacting Aegis, but they were unable to give me
any information either (something about the original programmers having left
the company).  I suppose I could reverse-engineer the protocol, but I'd have
to find somewhere to rent another Sony VCR or video camera (or maybe a
real editing controller).  Even then, I'd probably miss some commands by
virtue of not knowing they exist.

  Therefore, if any of you Amiga video enthusiasts have the Control L
protocol information, or a pointer to the information, I would be deeply
grateful for a copy.  Then all I'll have to do is produce something halfway
presentable!  (I wonder if videotapes qualify for the killer demo contest? :-)
Thanks in advance for any help.  Mail or post your replies.

-- 
					Joe Bronikowski
					...!uwvax!uwcsd1!marque!joeb
				     or ...!rutgers!marque!joeb