CompuServe Messages

Need: Feedback on any NTSC Output cards for PCs. Considering the Truevision TARGA+. Video Capture and GenLock are not an important factor for now, but would be nice – looking ahead to the future. Must be Broadcast Quality or near-to. Use: For recording Computer Generated Animation and Graphics for video production work – mostly documentaries (maps etc) and promo videos (presentation graphics, etc). Current Software: Animator, Animator Pro, ACAD11, AShade 1.1 (looking into 3D Studio for possible early/middle '93 – I hope, sooner would be nice 🙂 nice xmas present!) Current Hardware: 386 PC, lotsa memory, lotsa Hard Drive. 4 Computers total at my office. Price: I don't want something like the Magni VGA Producer. I've seen a few VGA-NTSC convertors such as this and they do not provide the quality. Would like to stay between $1000 and $2500 for the card. 24-32bit video would be nice, but could settle for 8-16bit (since AniPro only supports 256 colors on screen anyway), but am looking into the future towards 3D Studio which supports higher color depth. Besides my main occupation as a Shareware Author/Computer Consultant, I own an 8-Channel Professional Studio where I compose Soundtracks. A local Video Company whom I have created Soundtracks for Documentaries (Expo `86 @ Vancouver for one) will be performing the video recording. They have Sony UMatic 3/4" machines, a Panasonic Controller and a Sony port-a-pack; decent camera; medium quality Special-Effects generator for simple wipes/dissolves etc.; medium quality Titler. Machines are currently Factory Video-In but he's getting YC adapter boards installed right now. How's the TARGA+ for speed with animations on AniPro? In the 512×486 NTSC mode will I require a DiaQuest VTR Controller or similar to record it a frame at a time, or can I real-time it to the recorder? Current VGA 640×400/480 VESA causes wiping on medium-size Frame Update values. Thanks.