CompuServe Messages

In Scala-speak, an EX is an EXtension or driver to control other audio/video peripherals and software. These EX modules allow Scala MultiMedia or our InfoChannel product to orchestrate a complete multimedia presentation, at a comparitively low cost. The Toaster EX will be compatible to the Toaster 4000 and Toaster Software version 3.1. As I envision an ultimate Amiga based multimedia presentation system, the best configuration I can think of is in a two-machine setup. One Amiga A4000 will act as a Master Workstation (Master). For example, it will have a SunRize AD516 Audio Board, Digital Solutions Personal Animation Recorder (PAR), SuperGen SX and Scala MultiMedia or InfoChannel. The second A4000 will be setup as a Playerstation that will contain the Toaster 4000 (Toaster). The Master's Amiga video output is encoded using the SuperGen SX, routed thru a TBC and into one of the Toaster's video inputs. Other video peripherals, like a laserdisc player or VTR may be TBC'd and input to the Toaster. Control of these video peripherals is done by the Master. Now, control of the Player from the Master may be accomplished in two ways; ParNet or a peer-to-peer network like ENLAN-DFS. The Toaster EX will control the CG, Framestores, DVE's, Toaster FX, Toaster Animation Playback, etc. As you have surmised, we are currently working on a Studio 16 (AD516/AD1012) and PAR EX. With these powerful audio/video tools and Scala MultiMedia or InfoChannel to orchestrate it all, you can imagine what kind of powerful mutimedia based presentations you could create! Imagine full audio (In multiple tracks that are master synced to SMPTE timecode!) with Framestores displayed with Toaster DVE, overlayed with Scala based computer graphics, with PAR animations dissolved in. Mind boggling isn't it? It's all possible and we are working hard to accomplish this! Any other questions? Warmest Regards, John Chang Technical Support Manager Scala, Inc.