CompuServe Messages

Hi Ang, >> The product is called Online… << Yes I am aware of the editor, as I was informed of it during its beta program under the code name Bermuda. The Alladin solution features a "switcher" without an editor if my understanding is correct, so the D/Vision editor in conjunction with this suggestion would provide a more complete solution, as D/Vision has incorporated some "switching" capability in its product On-line. I don't know how extensive that capability is but as it is a software solution it would seem that there is really no limit to the kinds of "switching" effects that could be provided. My understanding is that it is intended to be a device independent Editor, so that not only will it support the Max et al. but will also support other DVR's including Truevision's T2K. So it would seem that there would be support from Matrox, Truevision, Sony, Diaquest to mention a few for animation graphics as provided for with Ani-Studio and 3DS working in tandem as outlined. This combination provides for full 2D/3D animation/graphics capture/compositing/output support and would compliment any non-linear editing solution in the NT environment. The most device independent being D/Visions Online system. I have spoken with Matrox regarding drivers for the Ill Pro and they are developing a software independent driver as a result of their work with D/Vision and their "Online" product. So essentially what would be required is that Ani-Studio have the interface to take advantage of that capability, which should be device independent allowing for use with other boards including the T2k, Vista and Targa series, along with new boards as they become available. 3DS will have the ability to output to the framebuffer as Matrox has already made a commitment to provide a driver to do that. If 3DS could share the framebuffer with Ani-Studio so that one could switch back and forth between the two applications without clearing the framebuffer this opens up some possibilities that have only been available through DOS with other framebuffers. The ability to input through AS with frame grabbing or live video and overlaying titling in real time (which should be possible with Ill Pro) would be a very powerful extension of its present capabilities. Coupling that with a render control feature to activate 3DS for rendering so that renderings could be combined with a control interface to implement "frame grabs" through either a Sony, Matrox, Abekas, Accom, DPS or Diaquest etc. protocol, would extend the capabilities even further, as NT has the stability to make it all feasible. I would expect that those device drivers would naturally be provided for by those manufactures in support of this and similiar capabilities such as direct output from 3DS, which would enhance the value of their product. I don't know if or how NT has implemented support for this kind of device independence but it should be a high priority. They may be relying on device specific applications which is going to be an impediment to faster development in support of the graphics community, which many expect to be a large segment of NT's potential market. I hope this is not the case but either way Autodesk stands to gain as it is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the hardware that is presently available. Thanks for your feedback, I trust that your insight and opinion will be taken into consideration. Alot of additional potential here with minimal implementation cost. NT will be opened up sooner or later to these capabilities and 3DS / Ani Studio are posed to take advantage of this potential now, which will result in Autodesk maintaining and expanding their lead position with the best integrated solution. Very promising indeed. John