[Tig] What can drive a Spirit Datacine HD SDC2000?

[Schneider Michael]

Hi Florentijn,

to control a Spirit SDC 200x you have several options. But keep in mind
that the control interface should be designed in a way to let colorists
and operators work on your Spirit for long hours. Especially when it
comes to efficiency a good control interface does make a big difference.
And at the end of the day, when your colorist finishes an hour earlier,
because the TK controler allowed him to better access all settings and
parameters in the fastest possible way, it pays off most of the times. 

Let me list your options, I hope I did not forget one...

1/
Eventlist (an option for the Graphical Control Panel from Thomson)
* works only with GCPs, not the old FCP panels
+ inexpensive
+ can control all Spirit related parameter scene by scene
+ GPI input for scene change detector (also part of the Scream Grain
Reducer) 
- small control panel, not suited for long hours use
- no VTR machine control

2/
Pandora Pogle

Pogles are around since quite some time, beside the new models, there
are lots of Pogles around in the market, some are for sale. In case you
got an offer for a used Pogle make sure that this was a 'Telecine
Controler' which includes a TK interface and not a 'tape to tape Pogle'
as changing the telecine interface from any machine to a Spirit
interface (in case it is equipped with a non Spirit interface) is
cheaper than expanding it to a Telecine Controler.

3/
DaVinci 8:8:8 or 2K TK controler series

As Dwaine already explained in his e-mail, both, the DaVinci 8:8:8
Rennaissance series and also the DaVinci 2K or 2Kplus series works with
Spirit as controler. For the 8:8:8 Rennaissance you will need the Spirit
interface board equipped to make sure it will run with your Spirit, the
DaVinci 2K series are compatible with all machines (Dip switches). Also,
there are some used controlers around, also check witrh DaVinci.


4/
Tangent Devices CP100
the most inexpensive new control panel is probably the CP100 from
Tangent Devices. Have a look at www.tangentdevices.co.uk. Straight
uncomplicated setup, you can add as many RS422 devices as you want. Very
nice UK based company, a pleasure to deal with.


5/
Filmlights Baselight system. All Spirit machines can be controled by
Filmlights Baselight. But as you mentioned further below, you are
already familiar with this interface.


Disclaimer: I work for and get paid by Thomson, who builds, sells,
refurbishes, resells and maintains Spirit Telecines and Filmscanners.

Michael Schneider 
Thomson Systems Germany GmbH
Weiterstadt, Germany