Recording Official FIRST Footage

[Kyle Fenton]

Originally Posted by SilverStar

Dr Bot started a thread regarding webcasting regionals. I just want to tape the footage directly on VCR or DVD? What equipment do you need? And, what do you need to do?

I need to know how I'm supposed to setup a connection with the FIRST cameras at the regional. I'll be at the Pacific NW Regional, so if anyone wants to help us with it, look for team 948.

Just ask for the black box. The black box is a device where it converts HD (High Def) FIRST footage into SD (Standard Def). It is usually a table where you can plug in your VCR via RCA. You must supply your own VCR cables.
There is some limitations though
They usually only supply mono and not stereo sound.
They go the full 4:3 ratio and not just TV safe area (meaning that scoreboard will probably be cut off a little)

One thing though is to bring an RCA splitter, sometimes there are not enough jacks to hook up your VCR. And don't depend on just hooking into someone else VCR's output, they might take it out earlier than you want it.

Regarding the last post, there is no issue that I know of permission to use the official feed. FIRST gives you the tools to do so, and they never specified any restrictions on it.