CompuServe Messages

Matthew, your premise is incorrect: >>I have concluded that it would take too much money ($20,000 for FAST Video Machine or equiv. plus $10,000 for a new computer with big fast drives) to do this with non-linear editing.>> Have I got some great news for you! I have a FAST Video Machine, and the prices you referenced in your message are for the FAST TOP OF THE LINE Digital Player/Recorder where all video is converted to a digital format. For what you want to do, like me, you don't need this. You don't even need the high end analog system I have. You need to look into the Video Machine Lite which is the FAST entry level video editor, but should be more than sufficient for what you want to do. I think you can get it for about $2,500. First, you should get some information about this from a FAST Dealer. Second, you can post a request for information about the Lite on the Fast Forum in the Multimedia Vendor B Group. You will get input from people who are using the Lite. You can call FAST direct at 800-248-FAST, and they will send you information. The November 1994 issue of Digital Video Magazine has a review of Video Machine Lite and compares it to other video switchers. "But don't let the "Lite" fool you: This board means business. While most of the boards here assume the main mission as real-time switching of video sources, the Video Machine Lite shines as a timeline editor." "You can perfrom A/B rolls and audio/video insert editing as long as your video deck supports the Control-L or Panasonic 5 pin protocol (ViSCA and RS-232 controls are options)." "As far as real-time action during a busy studio shoot, the Video Machine Lite would probably come up short. As an editor, it excels as a graphics-based EDL controller, with several hundered effects to choose from." "If you're looking for a real-time switcher, this one's a little choppyl If you're looking for a top-notch editor with a wide choice of 2-D switcher effects, look no further." Matthew, I don't sell the VM, I just use it. And I think it is great. Do your own research, but when I saw your incorrect opening statement about the cost of the analog version of the Video Machine, I decided to send you this message so that you would not overlook an excellent choice. $2,500 is a little more than what you want to pay, but in this area, in terms of quality, you still get what you pay for. Regards, Patrick Mackin Pacific Bow Productions, Inc.