CompuServe Messages

James, Not sure what you are after, and I am not a video expert, but I do know what looks good. Let me tell you something about the SONY SVO9600 SVHS deck. For one, It has very good quality. Not Beta, but no where close to VHS either. It has a couple of hundred more lines of resolution as opposed to VHS. VHS I beleive is around 240 lines of horizontal resolution, SVHS is 400 lines of Horz Res. Hi 8 is but 400 or 450 lines of Horz-Rez. Beta-SP is around 550 lines MII is about the same 550, so for the dollar, SVHS is a good buy. Now, the SONY SVHS SVO9600PRO has four audio channels, two HI-FI 90db recorded onto the Video track and two NORM recorded onto the audio track. YOu can add a RS-422 or 232 (better with 422) board and a SMPTE TIME CODE Generator board. There is also a Digital Noise Reducer board available for this model as well. But you will NEED the RS-422 and the TIME CODE board for sure. The deck is then FRAME ACCURATE and delivers GOOD quality video and takes Frame by frame animation with the proper controller, ANIMAX controller for example. The deck has two VU meters switchable from HI-FI to NORM (time code goes onto track two of the HI-FI. The deck is affordable, and If I wanted or needed two or three decks for editing then I would buy two or three of these. Here is what I paid for mine: SONY SVO9600 $2,295.00 TIME CODE 400 RS-422 600 ANIMAX 1044 That's $4339.00 So for $8678 you can have two frame accurate decks. (they have gone up a little so I counted the ANIMAX cost twice. I don't think that is too bad a deal. As for broadcast quality, I will repeat to you what a wise forumer told me, there is not a STANDARD for broadcast quality. I have done some work for a local T.V station and MY quality in my opinion exceeds what they have. They except my work on SVHS (I have to bring my deck into the station and then we dump to a 3/4 machine). It looks better than most of the local commercials after being broadcasted, providing the T.V. guys don't botch up the editing. I am not a dealer of these machines. I know how confusing it can be, especially when dealing with certain salespersons. (I hate wabbits) and I only have experience with this machine, and Hi-8 camcorders. My recomendation is to buy from a dealer on the forum so you can have quick support if needed. If you buy the SVO9600 then tere are a few on this forum that know the set up. Mediavison (ANIMAX) also has a forum called VLAN. They also make audio SMPTE Controllers and from what I understand are developing a QuickPass type of Software that will cost you nothing if You buy the controllers they make, and their controllers NETWORK for editing purposes. Well, this is my opinion. mainly formed from hanging on the forum here and listening. Sure hope this helps you in your desicion making, I been there, and it is a headache. Merlin G. Farmer