CompuServe Messages

Tom, Even though Steve pretty well covered your options (with great descriptions!) I feel compelled to add my $.02… "Broadcast Quality" is a term that "America's Funniest Home Videos" (not to mention Rodney King) pretty well destroyed. It is not even subjective anymore — it's meaningless, unless you define it as anything that's been broadcast on any TV outlet. I prefer the following: CONSUMER QUALITY…ie, VHS, S-VHS, 8mm, Hi-8mm INDUSTRIAL QUALITY…ie, 3/4, 3/4SP COMMERCIAL QUALITY…ie, BetaSP, MII, 1", D2, etc. Of course, there's overlap in these designations as well. The point is, it is _possible_ to use most formats to achieve some level of "broadcast quality." I think your expressed concern about spending $10k on a system that doesn't deliver the quality your prospective clients expect is extremely valid. As one who has been in the "commercial" production and post-production business for quite a while, I know how fickle clients can be! Good Luck! –Don.