I would initially say it is not feasible. You would need multiple PCs with several IMAQ cards (+ audio) each to get all the data into a system, and very large, fast hard drives to store the data. The drives would fill up very quickly.
If you went to on demand recording of selected channels, it becomes reasonable, but still big. It would depend on the actual requirements. One thing I would consider if you decide to do a system like this is to look at video to firewire converters that combine a video and audio signal and convert it to digital video for firewire. I don't know if this format is compatible with the NI firewire drivers (I doubt it), but that might compress the video enough to record several channels on a single computer. They might be cheaper than IMAQ cards, which could only handle one channel each. They would also take care of synchronizing the video and audio for you. I don't know if the quality would be considered professional quality, though. I would probably just look at a large tape machine that records several channels to a large magnetic tape, and have backup system ready when you need to change the tape. Bruce ------------------------------------------ Bruce Ammons Ammons Engineering www.ammonsengineering.com (810) 687-4288 Phone (810) 687-6202 Fax -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Roman Golubovski Sent: Monday, March 01, 2004 4:24 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [A] Infinite continuous logging of 16 TV (A+V) channels Hello, This is out of my expertise so I am posting it on the forum. A friend from a TV station would like to set a system for continuous 24h (or on-demand) recording of 16 TV channels (composite or AV) with professional quality. What would be the cheapest and most efficient solution HW&SW - single or multiple IMAQ cards, single or multiple PCs, drivers, software, ..., considerations on reliability? I appreciate any info regarding any aspect, especially concrete products. Thanks in advance, Roman Golubovski, MSc Dipl-EEng [EMAIL PROTECTED]