CompuServe Thread

I have access to a Sony 5850 Frame Recorder and a BCD single frame controller (1) I need recommendations and/or knowledge about how to choose the video output card and the framebuffer for these two peices of equipment. Additionally, I need to know for a PS/2 Micro Channel and a standard bus computer what options are available for each? Where do I get this info? My dealers don't know. (2) Is there a card that has both the functions in one, do I want that? Should I go with the inexpensive video output cards and choose a better framebuffer? Why or why not? (3) I would like to obtain these cards inexpensively (Ha!) hundreds not thousands, but how do I know what low end professional quality is acceptable for the money? In otherwords, where does the most basic professional level start? (4) Joeseph Mangan (Autodesk) at Fall Comdex explained to me that Creative Labs and C-Cube would have Video Blaster Pro out by Feb '93, that allowed near broadcast quality VT recording. Is that still true? Should I wait on this card as opposed to buying a framebuffer and video output card, for low end professional animation? (5) I would like to build a converter that converts X,Y,Z coordinates, such as a DEM (digital elevation model) into a DXF file. Is there an example C program that shows how to build a DXF file? Is there an inexpensive or free utility available for this besides 3D Surf?