CompuServe Messages

James, >> Thanks for your input regarding the PAR vs. MAX. I am swayed to go with the PAR due both to price and to it having Pyros' backing. Well, if you like the idea of the PAR, then I'd suggest getting the DPS PAR and an Exabyte 8505 _instead_ of a Matrox Illuminator Pro, at first. You'd have most bases covered then. You could do previews with the PAR (possibly final output for some clients), and use the Exabyte for backup and for sending your animations to tape, via Greg (if he upgrades to a 8500/8505) or via an Abekas house. I really don't see you being able to cost justify all the high-end equipment at first. I've been in business 2.5 years, am fairly busy, and still couldn't justify my own frame acurrate vtr or Sony LVR3000. I almost leased the latter, about 8 months ago and I'm glad I didn't because I'd probably be bankrupt now, if I had. The PAR should give me the power to experiment in full colour/full speed and try out my ideas before committing to tape. For the occasions I need to dump to tape, I have contacts who own high-end equipment. I often do barter deals where I do animation in exchange for use of equipment. I did my first demo reel (2 years ago) and my second (this week) with this method and made sure that the people I deal with are influential, will give me an impressive new name to add to my list of clients, and will possibly send more work my way. Hard to lose, doing that. You don't need a lot of equipment to get started in your own animation business, and you can always add stuff as you go along. Some dealers will tell you that you need a ton of stuff, but it just ain't true or wise. >> Do you have any thoughts about software VTR control vs. Diaquest? I've always liked the Diaquest but I've never had to buy one. I've been lucky enough to use other peoples. The Videomedia Animax/V-LAN might be a better way to go because they cost less than Diaquest, don't ask you to pay for every little piece of software and essentially do the same thing. SoftVTR has its supporters but I've never used it, and can't feel comfortable saying much about it.