CompuServe Thread

I spent a day at NAB and here are some personal observations: * The PVR Very impressive quality. Excellent Windows interface with many new features including scripting ability which allows several segments (even on different hard drives) to playback seamlessly. Ability to record video and audio (through a Turtle Beach card) in ONE operation. Ability to mark in and out points on each segment so segments do not have to be copied and frames deleted. Uses SCSI drives on PCI (only) systems. Price is the same as the PAR: $1995 for the PVR and $995 for the video capture board (they don't call it a TBC — maybe it is not?). I specifically asked Brick Eksten if there was a trade-in or upgrade path for PAR owners and the answer is: "No." Just to be clear, I asked by switching from a PAR to PVR would I lose any features or capabilties. Answer was also "no." The PVR really makes video editing practical. (To be honest, the best thing about watching Brick demo the PVR was to see all the Mac-heads blanch when they asked, "You've got this for the Mac too, don't you?" and were told "No, only for PC's) * Virtual Sets This has nothing to do with 3DS but several firms were demonstrating systems which allow the creation of a complete virtual set in which actors or newspeople can walk around. The set could be such things as an elaborate news set like the major networks use with the Anchor man walking around or sitting at a real or virtual desk with graphics or multiple video "screens" behind and around him and a huge 3D globe revolving in the center of the set. The actual set is simply a blue, coved, Ultimatte type stage and all the other "items" are computer generated. The systems are so powerful that when the actor moves around, he will cast shadows on the virtual objects! I don't think it is possible to tell the differance between the a real set and a virtual set. These systems can place someone in the middle of a crime scene or other location. One selling point is that instead of a network having to physically build an expensive set for such things as election coverage for only a few days use, they can build a virtual set and then modify it quickly as needed. One system I saw used two SGI Onyx computers and when I managed to buttonhole a VSG from SGI, I found out that they had another two Onyx computers on line for back up. The cost, he told me, for an entire video and computer virtual set system is "about one million." I'm not sure how the virtual objects are created but I know they use maps and some mesh objects. * Trinity This is a new Toaster-type thing from a few of the NewTek people who left to form their own company, "Play, Inc." It is PC based and seems to offer some very nifty features including the ability to map live video onto a rendered object and then rotate or squash the object in real time with the video image squashing and rotating along with the object. It also has a 10 input switcher; paint, animation, and compositing, dual channel still store; and two TBC's. Price is &5995. * Rolling Wonder Nothing to do with 3DS again but a real nifty little plywood board with skateboard wheels attached in a special angle which allows the board to track on two-inch PVC pipe. The idea is to place a sandbag on the board and then place a video (or film) camera on top and roll along for some great dolly shots. The PVC pipe can be placed on the ground or on sawhorses or even against a wall. The price is $995 but it does seem like something a handyperson could build in the garage. * Autodesk Kinda felt sorry for Autodesk, stuck in a little booth in the corner when Alias and Wavefront had elaborate booths and big demo areas. Alec Jason