CompuServe Messages

Jesus, I make commercials every day using the Toaster, as do many cable company operators I am aware of. There is certainly a lot more than just a Toaster required to do spots as you describe. You will need a Time Base Corrector for each of the taped sources you want to use into the Toaster's switcher. I also recommend that you investigate some other format than 8mm, becuase it is not of sufficient video quality for broadcast in most instances. I would suggest SVHS at a minimum, perhaps 3/4Umatic if you intend on making dubs of your originals to send to the stations. Not all TV stations will have SVHS but nearly all still have 3/4 Umatic on hand. The prefered format in most areas is Betacam, or 1". Although I encourage you to continue to investigate the Toaster as a valuable tool for video production, I wouldn't want you to get the impression that it is ALL you need to do commercials. You might want to get some back issues of a magazine called Video Toaster User (available by calling (408) 252-0508). This magazine has many articles that can answer most all of your questions in much greater detail, and profiles many who have used the Toaster in applications such as the one you are looking into. Frank