CompuServe Messages

Michael, The unit I referred to in an earlier post was the "Jazz Ensemble". The Jazz (like other dedicated DVE's) manipulates the picture prior to coming into the Toaster (or any other switcher) inputs. The Jazz's internal TBC (Y/C or composite) allows for complete image stabilization, while it's digital manipulation of the picture (squeeze, crop, tumble, splits etc.) is much smoother than the Toaster's. All functions and seqenced moves are fully programmable from a remote control unit that has a great user interface. Since the Jazz is doing the image squeeze, there's no tell tale "Toaster" pixelization to the image. You simply run video thru the Jazz with whatever settings you prefer, then into a Toaster input. If you want to superimpose the manipulated video over a Toaster graphic, you set the Jazz's background color to "black" then use the Toaster's luminance keyer to show the composited images together. One of the main reasons I originally got the Jazz was to have a good quality image squeeze, but after a time I began to appreciate some of it's other features such as variable rate strobe, mirror, ChromaKey, transparent drop shadow, solarize, and a host of other TBC and colorizing effects. Probably the most useful of it's abilities is storage of all sequences (as stored keyframes) on memory cards. BTW, the split image function of the Jazz only works with a single image, but can be varied in number, size and orientation. The effects you eluded to in your post can be done on multiple passes, or with a multi-channel DVE, or with a PAR/TBCIV/Lightwave and a lot of time for single frame rendering. The Jazz is a single channel unit that functions in real time. The Alladin on the other hand is much like the Toaster in that it's 4 input switcher requires all inputs to be time base corrected (it doesn't contain a TBC). It's DVE module is also single channel, but there are four seperate layers of keying available (as opposed to two on the Toaster) which make it possible to display seperate elements such as a keyed graphic or CG along with a moving DVE simultaneously on a single pass. It's already designed with NLE in mind. In fact, Pinnacle is OEM for the new DVE module in the pro-level version of the PC Fast as well as Avid's media suite pro. As far as integration of Alladin into a Flyer, there has been no indication that it will happen any time soon since in some circles Pinnacle and Newtek would be considered direct competitors. However, you could use ANY DVE to manipulate the video signal prior to capturing it as a video source into the Flyer, the only problem being the inability to change the DVE settings once captured. One of the main selling points of a Toaster/Flyer combo is the ability to make after the fact adjustments to your finished product with little more than a few mouse clicks. A keyed element may need to be changed, or a title graphic modified. If the video has already been manipulated prior to capture, you could run into some limitations in a final version of your project. Regarding NLE quality of the Fast vs the Flyer; I can't really comment since I have not seen either. Just as a passing point. I intended to have the Alladin replace the Jazz in my system, but the current shipping version of the Alladin doesn't yet have ChromaKey enabled. It's a feature I need to use from time to time. The new software (version 1.1) is supposed to ship late September or early October. At that point I will be putting the Jazz up for sale. If you are interested you should contact me for more info. Regards Frank