CompuServe Thread

#Toaster sys recommend?

8 messages in this thread
#58610From: Scott HancockMay 31, 1992 10:02 AM
I'm thinking about putting together a Toaster system, but am new to Amiga (coming at this from the video direction). Would there be any suggestions on priorities for the inevitable add-ons, like memory (it seems there are two kinds?), accelerators ('Fusion Forty seems to be the favorite), and HD and amimation controllers. Also, people seem to use other applications like ADPro and Imagine in addition to the Toaster. Why? And any recommendations here. Are there any recommended basic texts on the Amiga environment? I have the feeling that contrary to NewTek's marketing of Workstation, it is best to know something about how the computer works.
#58621From: Marlene Zenker/SYSOPMay 31, 1992 11:43 AM
How exactly do you plan on using the Toaster? Your application (whether it be ray-tracing, CG, DVE, or something else) will dictate what you'll need to add to your system. Many people wish to do image manipulation (using ADPro, ImageMaster, or frequently both), or build 3D objects using another 3D program (like Imagine) and convert them to Lightwave format (using something like InterChange). There are many different programs and utilities that will help you become more productive with the Toaster. Go to your local bookstore to pick up some of the Amiga magazines, and check out the computer section for Amiga books such as "The Amiga Companion".
#58725From: Scott HancockJun 1, 1992 9:22 AM
Thanks for the reply, Steve. I think we're looking to do mainly DVE and image manipulation. I've started getting Amiga World and .info. Are there others? Can you give me the publisher of "The Amiga Companion"? I'm in Japan and that's a bit specialized of a book to find here. If you're so inclined, would you venture one line pros & cons on the "different programs and utilities that will help become more productive with the Toaster"? Scott
#58803From: Marlene Zenker/SYSOPJun 2, 1992 5:51 AM
AmigaWorld publishes "The Amiga Companion". If you find any back issues of .info, pick them up, because .info has stopped publication. I like both ImageMaster and ADPro, and I consider them both a requirement for image manipulation. They can translate your pictures to IFF format from many other formats, and process images just about any way you can think of…and a few you probably haven't. You said you're in Japan…..You do realize that the Toaster can only handle doing NTSC, not PAL, or any other broadcast format, don't you? What format do they use in Japan? Steve
#58814From: SyndesisJun 2, 1992 8:46 AM
It's NTSC in Japan.
#58819From: Scott HancockJun 2, 1992 10:13 AM
Thanks, Steve. Yes, I realize that the Toaster is only NTSC. And that's what we have here in Japan. I'll go back and get whatever other .infos I can. I was wondering how they could do a magazine with 3 pages of advertising. What was their problem? Why couldn't they attract the advetisers? Scott
#58924From: Marlene Zenker/SYSOPJun 3, 1992 6:50 AM
I hadn't realized that Japan had NTSC. Let us know if you have any other questions, and we'll try and help. It probably would also be worthwhile to ask questions in AmigaVendor's Newtek section, or perhaps in AmigaArts in the Video section there. Steve
#59043From: Chris ConroyJun 4, 1992 7:54 AM
Scott, Your last sentence says it all. The programs that you mention (ADPro & Imagine) have to be run on the Amiga – can't be run from "inside" to Toaster. You should definitely get a look at an Amiga and see what it's like. Hardware and software depends upon what you're planning to do with the Toaster? What is the reason for getting a Toaster? What type of projects are you going to be doing? What is your goal? If you can answer a few of these questions, I'm sure you'll get more informative answers.. Chris – via Whap!