CompuServe Messages

Paul, If your intention is to really "get into it" as far as video goes, or you spemd more than about $10K per year on your video needs, then by all means, you should consider building a studio around the Toaster. However, if your main job (and those of your company/co-workers) is something else entirely – like widget manufacturers – then by bring the Toaster onto the scene you are risking loosing productivity in the widget arena. The part the Toaster demos and tapes don't stress too much are the TBCs single frame controllers/PAR cards/Flyer cards, "broadcast quality" editing decks and controllers, not to mention the audio equipment, production music licenses, clip-art libraries (and the time to search them), the other tools you'll inevitabley want in both software and hardware (house synch, and if you want broadcast results, waveform-vectorscope). The "amatuerish look" can also be obtained with the Toaster. The tapes don't stress the sheer talent of the people who made them. The Toaster was merely a vehicle to let the talent express itself on video. What I would suggest is to hire an Amiga/Toaster/DTV knowledgabl person for a few hours consulting, to look at what you have, what you want to do with it, and how you anticipate being involved with video over the next 5 years. Have them specify a system for you right down to the cables and connectors level, and price it out for you. Fold that information in with your assement of the talent of the folks who are going to use it, and there's your answer. You might find it is better to locate a Toaster owner with lots of talent and limited potential for getting a foot in the local hi-budget video service providers who would give you a good price in exchange for a shot at getting a good customer. It's as simple as looking at the demo reel and an interview to see if the person is willing to work to your vision. wmc – via Autopilot!