CompuServe Thread

The problem with QIC is that it is horribly slow. I don't know of any high-end video post houses that gladly use QIC (or even have it, for that matter). The thing about the post houses that use the Abekas DDR for recording to BetaSP is that they easily beat the cost of most BetaSP single framers out there. But you need to supply the image files on a better medium. The top choice is backing onto Exabyte 8mm using the "Abekas Driver" from ASDG. This windows software will take your individual rgb frames (.tga, for instance, uses rgb color) and convert them to YUV, which is what the Abekas uses. then back them onto the Exabyte 8mm tape. Exabyte is a company that makes 8mm helical scan tape cartridge systems (tape backup). They are fairly expensive.. mine cost over $2000. DAT (digital audio tape) is also acceptable, but there are a variety of DATs out there, and not all DATs can read each other's data. If you plan on using DAT, you may want to make a test tape to send ahead of time, so the facility can determine whether they can pull the data off correctly. You'll most likely need to use a UNIX TARchive, because the Abekas is a UNIX device. You'll find PCTAR and ASPITAPE as shareware in the UNIX forum here on Compuserve. I would check with the facility you plan on using before deciding which format you need on tape. They may have a popular DAT tape backup software, and you could use that instead (more user freindly than PCTAR and ASPITAPE). In any case, you'll get the absolute best quality possible using the Abekas-to-BetaSP route, at the lowest cost. This is because it is a quick procedure. The Abekas can play your animation back in real time, whereas single framing usually ties machines up for 12-20 seconds per frame. At $200 hour for a typical Beta SP edit suite, that's a pretty big savings! John Tissavary (LUNA cie)