Is This $400 SDI Video Switcher Any Good? - OSEE Duet Review

Summary

The OC Ghost Stream Duet is a versatile video switcher designed for quick setup and standalone operation. It offers a balance between simplicity and functionality with its menu-driven interface and tactile buttons. The switcher supports various input configurations, including SDI and HDMI, and features a unique fifth input for SD card, NDI, or USB-C sources. It also includes a physical T-bar for transitions and a playback engine for dynamic backgrounds. Despite some limitations in the multiviewer's flexibility, the device is praised for its user-driven software updates and ease of use, making it an excellent choice for small-scale live streaming.

Takeaways

• 😀 The OC Ghost Stream Duet is designed for quick setup and ease of use, aiming to balance simplicity with functionality.
• 🔄 Modern video switchers are often computer-driven and complex, but the OC Ghost Stream Duet offers a more tactile, hardware-based experience.
• 🔌 It provides both SDI and HDMI connections, allowing for versatile input options without the need for external converters.
• 💻 Despite its hardware focus, the switcher can also be controlled through a computer with the 2.1.1 software update, offering additional flexibility.
• 📼 The fifth input source is unique, supporting an SD card for internal recording and playback, as well as NDI HX sources over the network and USB-C cameras.
• 🎛️ The switcher features a physical T-bar and buttons for program and preview, emphasizing a tactile and straightforward operation.
• ⚠️ Caution is advised with the T-bar as it can accidentally trigger both sources if bumped.
• 🔑 The transition area allows for easy keying on and off the air, which is crucial for clean transitions and is a standout feature.
• 📺 The playback engine is simple yet effective, capable of handling basic playback needs without complex software.
• 🖥️ The multi-viewer display in the software is limited in flexibility, lacking options to rearrange input sources or windows.
• 👍 OC appears to be responsive to customer feedback, as evidenced by the software updates that have made HDMI outputs routable.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the OC Ghost Stream Duet switcher?

The OC Ghost Stream Duet switcher is designed to be a standalone device that can quickly set up for live streaming or shows, offering both simplicity and flexibility with its menu-driven operation and computer control options.

How does the OC Ghost Stream Duet differ from older hardware-based video switchers?

Unlike older hardware-based switchers that required manual menu changes, the OC Ghost Stream Duet has a computer-driven interface, making it infinitely configurable but also more complicated. However, it retains an old school feel with its standalone capability and tactile response.

What types of connections does the OC Ghost Stream Duet support for input sources?

The OC Ghost Stream Duet supports both SDI and HDMI connections for input sources, allowing for various configurations without the need for converters between the two formats.

What makes the fifth input source of the OC Ghost Stream Duet unique?

The fifth input source is unique because it can accommodate multiple types of sources, including an SD card for internal recording and playback, an NDI HX source over the network, and a USB-C camera, providing additional flexibility.

How does the OC Ghost Stream Duet's physical T-bar contribute to its operation?

The physical T-bar on the OC Ghost Stream Duet allows for manual transitions between sources, providing a tactile and immediate way to control the switcher without relying on software.

What is a potential issue with the T-bar on the OC Ghost Stream Duet?

A potential issue with the T-bar is that if it gets bumped, it can accidentally trigger both sources, creating an unintended transition or overlap.

What features does the OC Ghost Stream Duet have for managing transitions and keys?

The OC Ghost Stream Duet has a dedicated transition area with buttons to change the background, downstream key, or upstream key, and an on-air light to indicate when a key is active, allowing for clean and controlled transitions.

How does the OC Ghost Stream Duet handle playback of media?

The switcher has a playback engine that allows for playing media directly from an SD card or through a connected computer, and it can be controlled physically or through software for simple or complex playback scenarios.

What limitations does the OC Ghost Stream Duet have regarding the multiviewer display?

The multiviewer display on the OC Ghost Stream Duet is not very flexible, as it only allows for changing the order of preview and program, and does not offer options to rearrange input sources or customize the display layout.

How does the OC Ghost Stream Duet's software reflect customer feedback?

The software updates, such as version 2.1.1, show that OC is responsive to customer feedback by making improvements like making HDMI outputs routable, which was a feature requested by users.

What is the overall assessment of the OC Ghost Stream Duet's balance between functionality and simplicity?

The OC Ghost Stream Duet is considered to strike a good balance between functionality and simplicity, offering powerful features for live switching while maintaining an easy-to-use interface, although it may lack some flexibility compared to more complex switchers.