#SoftVTR
9 messages in this thread
I am interested in getting a controller for my system so I am able to do
frame by frame recording to video tape. I read an ad on a product called
"SoftVTR" which costs about 1/2 the cost of a "Diaquest" board and states
that it does pretty much the same thing. I would appreciate any comments
about the use of "SoftVTR" used with 3D STUDIOr2.0. Thanks!!!
Michael:
It all depends on the tape deck you are outputting to!
What are you going to use?
Greg Pyros
>> SoftVTR
Michael,
Well sell both Diaquest and SoftVTR. Basically, it comes down to what
kind'a interface you VTR has. If it is serial port controllabe (either
RS-422 or RS-232) then I'd suggest SoftVTR. If it is an older parallel
deck, then I'd suggest the Diaquest 50P card. SoftVTR is a real strong
product. It comes with 3DS drivers that allow you to use it directly from
3DS and also use the VTR control functions. In addition to the ADI
drivers, it comes with 3 other programs: a script file generator for putting
numbered lists of image files to tape (outside of 3DS), a script file
generator for digitizing a series of frames from tape (outside of 3DS), and
a Windows 3.1 application which provides you with a picture of your VTR and
allows you to run scripts (for digitizing or putting to) or simply
controlling your VTR (jog/shuttle, in points … etc).
Ang
I have used both Diaquest and SoftVTR. Diaquest is oh-so-much simpler to
use, so of course it costs more.
Our SoftVTR unit gave us big problems at first, had to be returned to the
manufacturer, and now works fine. It was actually dumping bogus time code
onto the tape when we got it! And then it ceased to work altogether one
day. The dealer took care of exchanging it, and since then it has worked
without a hitch.
While the dealer was getting it exchanged he gave me a Diaquest to use, and
I was extremely happy with it. My diaquest was a plug-in board, while the
SoftVTR goes through the serial port, which can sometimes be a hassle.
I guess it all comes down to that tried-and-true saying: you get what you
pay for. If you don't mind a little fussing around, SoftVTR is fine.
MB
Michele,
>> SoftVTR was dumping bogus time code
How can that be. SoftVTR being a software only card doesn't generate time
code. You must have had something else wrong.
>> If you want to fuss .. go with SoftVTR
I'd have to say that opening up your machine, installing a new card ..
making sure that there are no conficts … etc… a software only solution
is A LOT less hastle. I have had no problems at all with the product. The
only things that I have found is to make sure the customer has the TARGA and
the VTR set-up correctly. Also, when you concider the additional cost of
the cables and Action Animator (for rotoscoping) … the DQ-422 card is A
LOT more expensive.
>> get what you pay for
Actually, Diaquest has a software only controller for RS-232 decks ($1000).
It rubbed me the wrong way that a RS-422 connection cost thousands while the
RS-232 was much more reasonalbe.
Ang
Ang:
The DiaQuest DQ-422 hardware also includes a sync generator, which you may
have to buy separate if you have a software-only solution…
Greg Pyros
On the bogus time code issue: my dealer said EXACTLY the same thing,
"That's impossible." Then we found out there was another SoftVTR user with
the same problem. The manufacturer looked into it, and lo and behold,
there was something going on with SoftVTR that created and dumped time code
onto the tape. I know it sounds weird, unlikely, etc. but I can assure you
it was actually happening. The manufacturer told the dealer to send it
back for another unit. Apparently they have fixed the problem.
Even though it all works fine now, I cannot forget the above problem, plus
the fact that a connection came loose inside the cable which caused it to
fail intermittently without provocation. (Also causing my heart to fail
intermittently just before important deadlines.)
I did not tell him NOT to buy SoftVTR. I mean, with video equipment
occasionally going out of synch, strange hardware problems making
themselves known in the wee hours of the morning, mesh files so large that
they cause Divide Overflows, we PC users are used to a bit of Patch 'n
Paste in exchange for the speed/lower price we enjoy over the Mac.
Plus it keeps the posers out of the industry <g>.
MB
>> time code not a halucination …
Michele,
I'm due a call in to Chase this week. I'd be interested to see how and what
was happening. By the way, there is a new version 2.02 (I think that's the
#)… get with your dealer for an upgrade (I believe they improved the
interface to older MII decks)
Ang
As for the hassle of opening up the machine, putting in the card, etc. I
let my dealer take care of that for me. That's what I pay him for, after
all. <g>
MB