Digital Arts metaSETZ TLC-8d Tally Light Controller with Intercom Pass Through

Pretty Okay Considering no other alternative...

I bought the 8 channel system for my Livestream Studio software/hardware system. The god news is that Metasetz works as described. The kind of annoyance news is as follows. 1. The Light units look aged. With an all white-sh translucent cover, this little unit look more like a high school senior project. I can't help of thinking of those 70's and 80's electronic RF TV scrambling project from radio shack that called for the use of enclosed travel soap dishes. I had to modify mine with a layer of 2" black gaffers tape along the sides and top of the units. 2. The universal hot-shoe camera mount screw is too long for most cameras and seems to protrude into the light unit bending the plastic cover. I had to also modify the screws, by grinding them down by 1/8" and then re-tapping the threads. 3. Finally, it seems that Digital Arts forgot that the talent sits in front of "Hot" lights. These Tally lights (on the front end) are pretty dim and can't always be seen by the talent. Strangely enough the LED bulbs in the back of the units (meant for cam-ops to see light status) are significantly brighter than the fronts. - Once again I had to modify mine by reversing the lights and using them backwards. now the Talent can see the bright LED bulbs. 4. On a sidebar note: The master control unit feels kind of plastic-y. (normally I wouldn't care so much as long as the unit works). Only, but the fact that the Ethernet & power receptacles (on the inner circuit board) don't completely match the outer plastic housing. (at least on my unit). - I had to Dremel grind the edge of the plastic housing, in order to plug the USB(B) portion of the power cord into this unit. If I hadn't, Id have to return this whole system for a replacement. Like I said in my Title, I don't have much other choices in other brands for this niche product, so maybe I shouldn't complain and just be happy thet it all works in the end. Luckily I'm a natural tinkerer, but if you're not.. then buyer beware.