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Martin, I'm an English chap living in Southern California freelancing in 3d graphics and animation. I'll give some suggestions and prices in US dollars and you can convert, OK? 486/50, 32mb RAM, 650mb hardisk, 16" multisync monitor, cd-rom ($5000) Targa+ 16/32 framebuffer ($1995) Diaquest dq422 vtr controller ($2500) Panasonic AG7750 S-VHS VTR ($6000) or Sony VO-9650 Hi-8 ($5000) That's a decent system to start you off with. I have all that plus another system (486/33 with weitek co-processor 16mb RAM) and a Gigatrend 1.2gb DAT backup unit and some more hardisks. I do not have a VTR because: 1) clients always request different formats so I'd probably have to take my system to a video post-production facility to lay to tape anyway. 2) I can't afford it. 3) If I really had to buy one I'd buy the Sony PVW2800 Betacam SP (higher end format) or a Sony LVR5000 recordable laserdisk. Actually, none of my clients have ever asked for s-vhs or hi-8. It's usually 3/4" SP, 1", or Betacam SP but that's usually because my animation will be edited in post-production with other video, such as live footage. Finally, don't waste your money on cheap frame buffers, targa+ is an industry standard. If you can get around buying a VTR you can always take your files to a service bureau to lay to tape. Here's some phone numbers: Truevision (800)858-TRUE Diaquest (415)526-7167