CompuServe Messages

John, I'm pretty up on the IllPro, if you have any specific questions, ask .. In general heres what you'll need to know. The Matrox Illuminator Pro (IllPro) comes with different options. First you have the option of either 2MB or 4MB (frame buffers). Next you can order the card in either square pixel 640×486 or CCIR 601 720 lines. The final option is an on-board DVE. The prices range from $2,595-$3,695 depending on the options (no extra charge between square pixel and CCIR 601 spec's). The newest release of the board offers component input for no extra charge and a component output daughter card is available for $395. The board in completely digital 4:2:2 internally. A 4:2:2:4 interface card is in the works to allow direct digital input/output. Also, a realtime record/playback option will be available by the end of the summer which will basically emmulate a laser disk recorder from within your computer (fun!!). The on-board DVE is accessed thru 3rd party software like Inscriber (character generator) which allows page curls, etc. This is nice, since an animation station configured with 3DS would add $3,600 and have a broadcast quality character generator! I'm puttin my new customers ( a few old ones) into this board because of all of these options and future possibilities. If you want the min 3DS board, and want the high res (720 line), the 2MB CCIR 601 card is $2,595 .. very reasonable price. I'm currently using a 4MB, square pixel, DVE board for demo's and animation services and have been _very_pleased_. Ang