Overlaying Graphics on a Live TV Signal
by Rob Sanchez
on
Jul 9, 2008 at 9:58:10 pm
Hello, I am a new member of this forum. In my office, we have an LCD TV in the lobby tuned to CNBC. I would like to find a way to overlay some graphics, specifically our company logo, onto the screen. My first thought was some kind of video capture card on a PC that is able to overlay graphics. Does anyone know of the right solution for this problem? I've googled all over the place but couldn't find what I was looking for. I know how to do this in Adobe Premeire with pre-recorded video, but want a solution for Live TV. Thanks in advance for your help.
Re: Overlaying Graphics on a Live TV Signal by Chuck Reti on Jul 12, 2008 at 4:36:10 am
The simplest solution would be hardware-based. You would have to take video out from the cable box and run it through a frame synchronizer. You would need a character generator and switcher with keyer, or a standalone logo inserter to key your logo over the stabilized framesync'd video.
I would be curious to know if it is "legal" to alter or modify in this way, network material that is being displayed to the public.
Re: Overlaying Graphics on a Live TV Signal by Rob Sanchez on Jul 14, 2008 at 5:08:31 pm
Thanks for your help. I am afraid I am a total novice when it comes to broadcast equipment. Can you explain in a little more depth? I am really looking for a solution that would cost no more than $300 or so.
Re: Overlaying Graphics on a Live TV Signal by Dave LaRonde on Jul 14, 2008 at 5:17:07 pm
[Rob Sanchez]"In my office, we have an LCD TV in the lobby tuned to CNBC. I would like to find a way to overlay some graphics, specifically our company logo, onto the screen."
Chuck makes a good point.
What you propose to do isn't very different from slapping a Post Cereals logo on a Kellogg's box. If you did put your own logo on CNBC's signal, I'd enjoy being a fly on the wall if some CNBC people visited your office.
You might want to investigate the legality of doing this before you proceed.
Dave LaRonde
Sr. Promotion Producer
KCRG-TV (ABC) Cedar Rapids, IA
Re: Overlaying Graphics on a Live TV Signal by Rob Sanchez on Jul 14, 2008 at 5:19:25 pm
Thanks for your advice, I will surely investigate the legal implications of this. But if I had a box of Wheaties in my office that I had no intention of selling and put my sticker on it, do you think that would be illegal?
Re: Overlaying Graphics on a Live TV Signal by Charlie King on Jul 14, 2008 at 5:28:52 pm
If[Rob Sanchez]"But if I had a box of Wheaties in my office that I had no intention of selling and put my sticker on it, do you think that would be illegal?"
Illegal, maybe, maybe not. Unethical, probably so.
If I were Kellogg and saw a Post sticker on my box of Wheaties I would probably test it in court. Do you have the resources to fight Kellogg for your right to brand their product with your sticker?
Charlie
ProductionKing Video Services
Unmarked Door Productions
Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel
Las Vegas, Nevada
Re: Overlaying Graphics on a Live TV Signal by Dave LaRonde on Jul 14, 2008 at 5:36:15 pm
If you were the only one looking at the box, I'd say you'd be just fine.
I realize we're splitting hairs here. The worst thing that would probably happen is that your company would get a cease and desist order. But think about this: if it WERE legal to put your own logo on various TV signals, wouldn't you see it happen all the time in sports bars, airport lobbies and Buffalo Wild Wings?
Dave LaRonde
Sr. Promotion Producer
KCRG-TV (ABC) Cedar Rapids, IA
Re: Overlaying Graphics on a Live TV Signal by Chris Brown on Jul 14, 2008 at 8:22:30 pm
Guys, though you are raising a legal question here, what you're not realizing is there are digital signage products that have been sold the past few years that allow you to pipe in a signal, add your own branding around the screen, and supplement it with your own information feeds. Heck, even national hotel chains have done this with certain signage displays and in-room feeds. The products are already on the market.
Legal question aside, do a Google search for digital signage products, you will start to get in the direction you're looking for.
Videographer/Editor
Creative Director
Union Digital, Inc.
http://www.uniondigitalmedia.com
Re: Overlaying Graphics on a Live TV Signal by Dave LaRonde on Jul 14, 2008 at 8:27:46 pm
As alluded to previously, I'll know the legal issues have been resolved when I go to Buffalo Wild Wings and I can see the restaurant logo over ESPN's Monday Night Football video.
Dave LaRonde
Sr. Promotion Producer
KCRG-TV (ABC) Cedar Rapids, IA
Re: Overlaying Graphics on a Live TV Signal by Charlie King on Jul 14, 2008 at 8:40:39 pm
[Chris Brown]"there are digital signage products that have been sold the past few years that allow you to pipe in a signal, add your own branding around the screen, and supplement it with your own information feeds."
I create Digital Signage for the largest Hotel Casino chain in the world. We don't put our logo over other programming. We create our own messages and modulate them into special channels in-rooms. Our signage around the hotel are playback units that strictly display our own messages. The actual TV's located in some areas broadcast strictly cable TV unaltered. So I am not sure what you are talking about.
Charlie
ProductionKing Video Services
Unmarked Door Productions
Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel
Las Vegas, Nevada
Also, using any of Blackmagic Design's I/O boards, via hardware and software, you can superimpose anything.
We lead our customers away from doing that, but the fact is that the manufacturers of these products haven't really grasped the possible implications of what they are selling.
That said, there are products on the market that allow you to display a feed of video, and add your information and branding around it. It's very useful, when used in a legal way. For example, if your a city government, and you want to pipe your city cable channel into your courthouse, but also combine a list of upcoming court cases for a courtroom - volia - supply the feed, the data feed, run it through a box like Chyron ChyTV, and send it to your signage display.
Videographer/Editor
Creative Director
Union Digital, Inc.
http://www.uniondigitalmedia.com
