On this page: History, Training and Duplication
In the Beginning
Llen Labuscagne and Leon Enslin established Pan-o-Vision in 1995 and started out with a FAST editing system and
two Panasonic MS5 Super VHS cameras. The initial focus was to establish a name in video production by concentration on school concert and weddings. At this point in time, all editing took place in analog and the computer was used to manipulate the two cameras to play back the clips which was then recorded on a Super VHS VCR. This was done by establishing in/out points on the tape as it played and thus the time code was of extreme importance.
It was extremely frustrating as things seldom worked out exactly as they should. At one stage the computer got a slight dent on the side when Leon, out of pure frustration "attacked" the computer with a walking stick. The slow way of duplication was irritating initially and we had to appoint company's to do our copying.
two Panasonic MS5 Super VHS cameras. The initial focus was to establish a name in video production by concentration on school concert and weddings. At this point in time, all editing took place in analog and the computer was used to manipulate the two cameras to play back the clips which was then recorded on a Super VHS VCR. This was done by establishing in/out points on the tape as it played and thus the time code was of extreme importance.
It was extremely frustrating as things seldom worked out exactly as they should. At one stage the computer got a slight dent on the side when Leon, out of pure frustration "attacked" the computer with a walking stick. The slow way of duplication was irritating initially and we had to appoint company's to do our copying.
Super VHS Editing decks
The Panasonic AG 4700 workhorses of which we had two in working order, were the machines that had to ensure the recording of the master S-VHS was done to satisfaction. I had a lot of respect for these machine with a lot of analog editing capacity. We never used them for editing as such, but purely for ensuring a reasonable quality master copy.
As you can see, the VHS cassette format was the norm at that stage and the expensive Super VHS cassette was one of the things we had to make peace with.
The problems of copying 300 or 400 cassette was still an issue and after experimenting with a few suppliers we settled with Kerugma Productions as our official company to do mas copying.
During this time Leon Enslin decided that he was not going to participate in this venture anymore and Llen Labuscagne decided to buy some other equipment as the bulk of the current equipment was sponsored by Leon.
As you can see, the VHS cassette format was the norm at that stage and the expensive Super VHS cassette was one of the things we had to make peace with.
The problems of copying 300 or 400 cassette was still an issue and after experimenting with a few suppliers we settled with Kerugma Productions as our official company to do mas copying.
During this time Leon Enslin decided that he was not going to participate in this venture anymore and Llen Labuscagne decided to buy some other equipment as the bulk of the current equipment was sponsored by Leon.
From Panasonic to Sony
Llen Labuscagne decided to settle on a (digital) Hi 8 Sony Camera (TVR410E PAL). This was at that stage the newest trend w.r.t. digital video recording. After this purchase the quality was pretty good and this lead to many satisfied customer.
Soon after this a second (digital) Hi 8 Sony Camera was purchased and these cameras worked extremely hard, sometime months in a row every weekend. The quality that was pushed out as well as specific aspect included in the packages made Llen Labuscagne Video Productions popular. Affordability played a huge role and linked to the kind of quality produced by limiting the re-copying of a production, increased sales and demand dramatically.
As we all know, to fall behind with technological development in this market i dangerous and soon it was realised that purchases will have to be made to ensure that the competitive edge is maintained.
Soon after this a second (digital) Hi 8 Sony Camera was purchased and these cameras worked extremely hard, sometime months in a row every weekend. The quality that was pushed out as well as specific aspect included in the packages made Llen Labuscagne Video Productions popular. Affordability played a huge role and linked to the kind of quality produced by limiting the re-copying of a production, increased sales and demand dramatically.
As we all know, to fall behind with technological development in this market i dangerous and soon it was realised that purchases will have to be made to ensure that the competitive edge is maintained.
The first Canon video camera used by us
The Canon XM1. This small bulky camera never gave up, but unfortunately had a few flaws. The built in microphone was not the best. The cameras quality was superb and the camera was a very reliable asset to many a video production company. The XM 1 just worked and worked and worked and an external microphone solves the problem experienced with the built in microphone. My XM1 is still fully functional today.
However working with two different formats (Hi 8 and Mini DV) had some problem and even though we upgraded to Adobe Premiere it was clear that gradual upgrade in recording equipment would be essential.
The upgrade decision was reasonably easy once Canon released their XM2 model.
However working with two different formats (Hi 8 and Mini DV) had some problem and even though we upgraded to Adobe Premiere it was clear that gradual upgrade in recording equipment would be essential.
The upgrade decision was reasonably easy once Canon released their XM2 model.
The Canon XM2
The XM2 was the sports model after the XM 1. It had soft lines and an attractive look. A pleasure to record with and very good low light qualities. Soon the XM 2 replaced my reliable XM 1 as primary camera and I had great fun to work with such a lovely camera. At this stage all recordings were done digitally on mini DV cassette and captured digitally to be edited and exported to DVD.
Unfortunately just after the year guarantee expired, the XM 2 developed a problem with intermittent cassette ejection. This was extremely irritating to struggle with this problem after replacing cassettes in the middle of a ceremony and the camera decides to reject the cassette.
The XM 2 was sent in for repair and eventually my camera was replaced by Canon. The replacement camera lasted for a year and a half after which the same auto eject problem popped up from time to time and gradually it got so bad that we decided not to use it anymore. Before this decision was made, the lovely Canon XH A1 appeared on the market.
Unfortunately just after the year guarantee expired, the XM 2 developed a problem with intermittent cassette ejection. This was extremely irritating to struggle with this problem after replacing cassettes in the middle of a ceremony and the camera decides to reject the cassette.
The XM 2 was sent in for repair and eventually my camera was replaced by Canon. The replacement camera lasted for a year and a half after which the same auto eject problem popped up from time to time and gradually it got so bad that we decided not to use it anymore. Before this decision was made, the lovely Canon XH A1 appeared on the market.
New dimention
The Canon XH A1 impressed me until i took it out the box and recorded a couple of shots in my garden. I was disgusted at the quality and phoned my friend who suggested I buy the camera. With a chuckle he suggested that I should pop in at his home and he will assist me with my new purchase.
After a few hour I was amased at what this new purchase was capable of with a couple of setting change and after a few presets were installed. My friend mentioned that this is the type of camera you can do a complete movie production with.
The XLR capabilities put a complete new dimension to sound quality.
The HDV quality is immaculate because of the amount of light allowed in by the size of the lens. HDV recording have certain challenges and initially it took a while to get used to it. The quality on an HDV screen makes all the effort worthwhile.
We currently have two of these cameras and without too much effort am able to get another two HDV cameras to record with if required
After a few hour I was amased at what this new purchase was capable of with a couple of setting change and after a few presets were installed. My friend mentioned that this is the type of camera you can do a complete movie production with.
The XLR capabilities put a complete new dimension to sound quality.
The HDV quality is immaculate because of the amount of light allowed in by the size of the lens. HDV recording have certain challenges and initially it took a while to get used to it. The quality on an HDV screen makes all the effort worthwhile.
We currently have two of these cameras and without too much effort am able to get another two HDV cameras to record with if required
Training
Llen Labuscagne did a basic course in Video Technique and Editing through the Video Workshop offered by Panasonic.
Duplication
We have equipped ourselves with a duplicator and copy protection unit. The copy protection unit protects DVD's from being copied.
We offer this duplication service to any company that requires mass production of DVD's and CD's. We also offer the service of printing the DVD's and CD's. Feel free to contact us for a quote.
We offer this duplication service to any company that requires mass production of DVD's and CD's. We also offer the service of printing the DVD's and CD's. Feel free to contact us for a quote.
Final word
Off course this is not the end of the line and new formats of recording is popping up all over. Soon we will have to replace again.