DVRack: Video Recording without the Tape

Shotclock

Conclusion

Video production is a stressful affair: often, you have one chance and only one chance to get a good shot. After all, people can only stand in one place for so long, and events such as weddings and graduations can't be redone. DVRack helps you get the shot right the first time, every time.

The modules accurately depict what is really being recorded to tape. No longer do you have to guess with your eyes and ears, and if you detect a problem, you can correct it immediately. Since DVRack records straight to the hard drive, you can also edit immediately. When you record to Mini-DV tape, you will have to spend time transferring the video from tape to the computer.

The disadvantage to DVRack is that it is not a "Run and Gun" video gadget. Since the software obviously needs a computer, you will need to lug around a laptop with the video camera. If you do live action video, such as COPS, then this setup would not be practical.

However, for the amateur who wants to move up in video production, or the professional who doesn't want to carry around all those clunky boxes, DVRack by Serious Magic is an excellent application.

Humphrey Cheung was a senior editor at Tom's Hardware, covering a range of topics on computing and consumer electronics. You can find more of his work in many major publications, including CNN and FOX, to name a few.