CompuServe Messages

>> guess the FAST is relegated to machine control and the FAST GUI editor, correct… I have never gotten a straight answer from either FAST or Pinnacle on this question, but if a recent article in VMUM is any indication one would only use the Alladin for 3D effects, subtractive chroma key effects and any use that the VM by itself is not capable. This is why purchase of a 3D effects box is a tough call money wise. Considering that the average video is 90% cuts, 8% dissolves and fades to black, and 2% special wipes and effects. We would only use the Alladin for, maybe, half of that 2% or 1 effect out of a hundred. Of course if we did music videos there might be a greater proportionate application. If I decide to get the Alladin it would be based on the assumption that TV commercials would be taking on the this layered, high end, Alladin look for the commercial market I currently tap. I think it is unrealistic to believe that I would start to get those deep pocket commercials that tipically use these effects. I have done one commercial like this all year and it was achieved using the VM's alpha wipe capability in manual T-bar mode. In other words the Alladin would be a long payback for me in my current business. I could only justify the expense if I felt that the competition was passing me by in this regard.