Panasonic WJ-AE5, Canon XH-A1 and XL2 issues

[rom]

I just purchased a used Panasonic WJ-AE5 video mixer for live switching. I use a Canon XH-A1 and Sony VX2000 cams. The issue that I am encountering is with the Canon, the video seems to display darker than the Sony. And whenever I pan, tilt, zoom in and out with the Canon, the exposure faintly darkens in and out, almost like a glitch.

I’ve tried playing around with all the settings with no luck, including locking the auto exposure and shutter. I’ve replaced the video cable from composite to svideo but still get the same results. Tried swapping the mixer inputs with no luck. The Sony’s video output is crisp, bright and no issues.

Now, I have another mixer but don’t have the same feature as the Panasonic, it’s a JVC JX-SV55 switcher. I don’t think this mixer has a TBC because it will not do dissolves (mix). I’ve connected both cams and to my surprise, the resolution is identical, bright and crisp, no issues at all.

I just purchased a Canon XL2, found the same issue exist on the Panasonic mixer but works just fine with the JVC switch.

My conclusion, the signal coming from the Canon is different than with the Sony’s. Seems the Canon signal is too weak for the Panasonic. I’m considering purchasing a new mixer but first I would like to find out if there is a device I can purchase to solve the issue. Does anyone know if there is a device that can boost the signal on the Canon?

Does anyone know if there are any compatibility issues with Canon camcorders output signal with certain mixers? Could it be that the Panasonic is just too old for the Canon? My concern is, if I purchase a new (used) mixer, I may get the same issues.

I’m considering of purchasing a Videonics MX-1, does anyone have any experience with this setup?

Any help is very much appreciated.

Thanks
Rom

[Paris MkVI]

What is the length of your cable runs?

Have you, in your swap test, isolated the cable in the swap, so you know it is not the cable?

[rom]

Thanks for your help. Yes, I have replaced with known good cables. All cables that didn't work on the Panasonic worked on the JVC. The length of the cable runs are the standard, cables that came with the cams. I even swapped the cable with the Sony, no luck.
Not sure what's causing the problem but both Canon XH-A1 and the XL2 have the same issue.

Thanks
Rom

[Paris MkVI]

Very interesting! I have not worked with the VX2000. I would have first guessed that perhaps there is a considerable sensitivity difference between the two cameras.

But the fact they both look "normal" (closer to matching in luminance sensitivity) on the JVC, and the problem does not isolate to a channel on the Panasonic, rather deepens the mystery!

[tdangelo]

Originally Posted by rom

I just purchased a used Panasonic WJ-AE5 video mixer for live switching. I use a Canon XH-A1 and Sony VX2000 cams. The issue that I am encountering is with the Canon, the video seems to display darker than the Sony. And whenever I pan, tilt, zoom in and out with the Canon, the exposure faintly darkens in and out, almost like a glitch.

Rom, my first guess (echo'ing others) would also be a cable issue. If not, then my second guess would be a termination (impediance) issue. If not, then my third guess would be a iris issue. If not, my fourth guess would be a mechanical issue. If not, my fifth guess would be a human issue.

For termination, does the switcher or any other device in the signal chain have loop-able inputs that the Canon camera is going through. If yes and there is a termination switch on that device try playing with that switch and see if it affects the problem.

Also, check to see if the Panasonic switcher has any sort of processing amplifier (proc amp) on the Canon camera input. If yes, match the settings to the cameras.

For iris, try and find a way on the Canon to turn the auto iris off. Also turn auto-gain (if the camera has it) off. Some consumerish cameras allow in-camera effects. Check all menues for those and turn them off.

For mechanical, shake the camera. Does anything feel loose or rattles? Same with the Panasonic switcher?

For human, are you playing with us?

Originally Posted by rom

Does anyone know if there is a device that can boost the signal on the Canon?

Yes, it would be called a "proc amp" or sometimes a TBC (time base corrector) will have these controls as well. But I don't thing this is the problem.

Originally Posted by rom

I’m

Originally Posted by rom

considering of purchasing a Videonics MX-1, does anyone have any experience with this setup?

Yes. Not a fan.

[sempei13]

Just to be clear, if have you swapped just the camera? Keep cables, etc. the same, but trade camera inputs. If the problem follows the camera, check anything that had to come with the camera (the canon 3 cable connector, power supply, etc.)

If the problem follows the input, check any cables and then the switcher.

Paul