CompuServe Thread

Hi Ray, << .. out to video..shhh!..>> Please review the following thread for starters.. File Info for BOARDS.ZIP Section: Index and Info Contributor: 73172,1351 Size: 12132 Submitted: 7/12/94 Type: Binary Accesses: 156 Title: MAX/PAR/other Debate Keys: MAX PAR VIDEO BOARD DEBATE A PreSiggraph 94 thread debating the merits of the MAX/PAR and alternatives.

>>university video… There are three ways I have some experience with: A great way is a device called the PAR which will give you 24bit color at 30fps, but it will cost $2500 or so. The quality is perfect for industrial/technical animation. A much worse way, but with much better quality, is to use a frame-accurate VTR with a special controller. This is very expensive and a lot of headache. A less expensive way is to use a VGA->NTSC converter, ranging from a Magni board ($1700 or so?) to much less expensive external boxes with perhaps somewhat lesser quality. These will, however, only let you record 8-bit color at perhaps 15fps or so, but may be more than adequate for your application. I think you can get a converter for a couple of hundred dollars, but I don't have a specific one in mind. Another possible solution is to find some benevolent local animator with good equipment and a big heart to volunteer to do this for you occasionally. There may be a user's group nearby which may provide contacts. Also many industrial and government agencies, such as where I work, often work up partnerships with local universities and can provide resources. Where are you located? JKJ >>(don't let this get out)… You don't really learn till you start to teach!

>>video output<< Hi, I'm teaching a 3DS class at the University of Illinois at Chicago and using a PAR for video output. It is one of the easier -high quality- video devices to use, if you aren't too familiar with video. There is a lot of info on the forum about this. It costs about $2700 with the 1.6GB hd. For decent quality(vhs quality anyway), truecolor 30 frame/sec video at a more affordable price, you might look at the MARS system. It has lower (read cheaper) system requirements and is easy to use. The MPEG files that it works with are compact, render quickly and play smoothly off of standard hard drives. Unless you are running a Video production class and need the best quality available, then I think the MARS will satisfy your students. They have educational pricing ~$900. When I'm not teaching, I sell 3DS and videographics systems; but I only sell MARS in Illinois<G>. Best of luck with your class, Paul 'Adjunct Asst. Professor' Lempke -Rising Star Graphics