Synchronizing playback on multiple Final Cut Systems...

Everyone,
I'm setting up a room which will have 4 large LED screens on the walls. I have 4 Final Cut Systems (all with AJA boxes).
What I want to do is SYNCHRONIZE playback of all the systems for a presentation.
Basically, I'd like to have some sort of script (or something) that allows me to click in one place and it triggers ALL 4 of the Final Cuts to start playing their videos in sync. Audio will only be monitored through 1 master Final Cut and play via a surround sound system.
I did see "Virtual VTR Pro". WAY too expensive. It was about $10,000. I'm sure there's an easier way to do this...other than 4 people doing a countdown and simultaneously hitting play.
I'm sure someone will mention "Automate", but keep in mind...4 machines simultaneously.

Nice creative solution Travis
To do this the OP might check out the teleport software below
http://download.cnet.com/more-groupware/3000-2065_4-22339.html?tag=vtredir
And there is an ehow posting to get two to work below.
http://www.ehow.com/how2135941one-mouse-keyboard-using-teleport.html
I've never tried to do this myself but this idea might be the trick.
Message was edited because I decided to call Travis by his given name instead of Mr. Thrillcat

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How to Identify the file*, video and audio** format of a movie or sound file
In QuickTime Player
Open the file
Window menu > Show movie info
Look in the Format: field
Note that QuickTime Player may fail to display any audio information for some files.
In MPlayer OSX:
Show the playlist window if it isn't already visible.
Drag the movie file into the playlist window.
Select the movie in the list
Click the "i" button for info
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Differnet Final Cut system's outputting audio at different levels.

I recently got a new Mac Pro to update my Final Cut rig.
I have 2 BetaSP machines that are set so -20db tone coming out of FCP hits their VU meters at 0db.
Today I swap out the machines, and the new machine is putting out -20 at a much lower level. So I figure, adjust the machines, go about your business.
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Tony Bullard wrote:
I recently got a new Mac Pro to update my Final Cut rig.
congratulations
I have 2 BetaSP machines that are set so -20db tone coming out of FCP hits their VU meters at 0db.
Today I swap out the machines, and the new machine is putting out -20 at a much lower level. So I figure, adjust the machines, go about your business.
In the previous line you mean 'The new machine' is the new MacPro?
And with 'adjust the machines' you mean the BetaSP's?
please be more specific.
Problem is, I have 1000 or so video files that have been mixed with the old system, and while the Tone output from the new FCP is lower, the audio from these files is not.
So you are saying that when you send out a -20db tone out of FCP (on the new MacPro) is coming out lower level than the old mac? And that video files come out on the same audio level on both Macs?
It's digital, so should be the same all the way. Somewhere a setting is wrong.
I've gone through all the settings I can find, and nothing seems to hint that the audio output is adjustable.
It is. Depends what you are looking at.
And what your hardware setup is. How are you going from FCP to the BetaSP deck?
So what's your system setup.
How are you comparing?
Are you aware of the Master slider in the audiomixer? (Option 6). I always keep that on 0. It only applies to sequences or clips that you have opened at that very moment in the Viewer or the Canvas. Is it changed in level somewhere?
Depending on the hardware setup:
Did you check the audio output from the Mac under System Preferences?
Or if you use a Decklink card for output did you check the Audio Processing settings in the Apple > System Preferences > Decklink settings?
Or what other setup do you have?
Rienk

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I am having a problem with playback in Final Cut 6.0.6 of 1920x1080 60p footage.
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Welcome to the Forum.
I am sure you will be able to work at full throttle very soon. If my suggestion does not help I am sure someone will recognize your issue.
My suggestion is based on seeing pretty much what you describe in someone else's system and so I am offering the fix that worked.
The scenario you describe may reflect the operation of another application that is as hungry for "bandwith" and space as FCP. If you haven't, try turning Spotlight off. I also suggest that you trash the FCP preferences and repair permissions The last two can do no harm.

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PS

Thank you Tom
How everything connected: : Using Firewire 400 from Sony HC52 to the tower firewire port.
What setting on the media: Format: – NTSC Use :- DV-NTSC
What setting you’re using in Final Cut: : I look into Final Cut > System Setting but don’t
know which tab containing the answer. please
give me direction.
Version of the software of the OS: OSX 10.5.9
Quick Time 7.6.6
I hope I got most of the answer. Thank you again
PC

Synchronizing playback on multiple Final Cut Systems...

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