#3DS Video Output
14 messages in this thread
I am starting up a consultancy in Aberdeen, Scotland to provide
professional 3-D Graphics and Animation. My main market will be
visualisation of oil related products and equipment but I hope to cover a
much wider range of commercial and media topics.
3-D Studio seems to fit the bill and I am now putting together a shopping
list for hardware, software and gadgets. Some of the video technology is
new to me and my local suppliers do not have much experience of this
application. Can anyone give me some advice on realistically priced
systems for video output?
I assume I need a 24 bit video card, PAL or S-VHS output, single frame
S-VHS recorder, PC controller hardware and interface such as Diaquest??
Model No's, contacts and budgets would be most appreciated
M Bowring
Martin,
My 3D specialist, Brett Bentley is going to the UK in late August to work
on a project we have there. I am sure he wouldn't mind visiting Abderdeen
for a couple of days and working with you on 3DS if you are interested. He
is fully capable of training if you want. The only remuneration necessary
would be some basic expenses once he got there like room and a train ticket
from England. If you are interested in spedning some time with a well-known
3D Studio person, let us know!
Doug,
That is a very generous offer and Brett would be most welcome. I would be
pleased to provide a room, food and the price of a train ticket. I don't
expect training but a discussion on the limitations and possibilities of
3DS would be extremely useful at this stage. Aberdeen and the surrounding
area is also nice to visit if Brett has any spare time.
The timing is fine by me. I am just completing the legal part of setting
up a company and expect to have at least the computer and software by mid
August. I finish my present job on the 28th August then travel to Ireland
for a week's relaxation before starting on this venture. I can make time
free as necessary on any other dates.
If this is of interest, let me know and we can firm up on some
arrangements.
Martin
Thanks so much. I have noted your PPN and will keep you posted. He will be
spending some time in Uffington and will probably journey north from
there…
Martin,
I'm an English chap living in Southern California freelancing in 3d
graphics and animation. I'll give some suggestions and prices in US dollars
and you can convert, OK?
486/50, 32mb RAM, 650mb hardisk, 16" multisync monitor, cd-rom ($5000)
Targa+ 16/32 framebuffer ($1995) Diaquest dq422 vtr controller ($2500)
Panasonic AG7750 S-VHS VTR ($6000) or Sony VO-9650 Hi-8 ($5000)
That's a decent system to start you off with. I have all that plus another
system (486/33 with weitek co-processor 16mb RAM) and a Gigatrend 1.2gb DAT
backup unit and some more hardisks. I do not have a VTR because: 1) clients
always request different formats so I'd probably have to take my system to
a video post-production facility to lay to tape anyway. 2) I can't afford
it. 3) If I really had to buy one I'd buy the Sony PVW2800 Betacam SP
(higher end format) or a Sony LVR5000 recordable laserdisk. Actually, none
of my clients have ever asked for s-vhs or hi-8. It's usually 3/4" SP, 1",
or Betacam SP but that's usually because my animation will be edited in
post-production with other video, such as live footage. Finally, don't
waste your money on cheap frame buffers, targa+ is an industry standard. If
you can get around buying a VTR you can always take your files to a service
bureau to lay to tape.
Here's some phone numbers:
Truevision (800)858-TRUE
Diaquest (415)526-7167
Martin,
Thanks for the info. I am starting to make sense of this and to my relief
my initial budget is not yet shot.
I intended a 486/50 but with 1/2 your memory and disk. CD seems useful due
to the extras on the 3DS CD. I have seen adverts for the Targa and will
dig out the mags. I suspect it will suffer from 1 to 1 dollar/sterling
exchange. What exactly is the Diaquest dq422, and will the Targa output a
PAL friendly signal?
I've spoken to a couple of local video companies and your comments on the
VTR make sense. There is lot of high quality equipment available here as
the offshore inspection industry has strict specifications. I should be
able to hire something to experiment with and find someone to work with on
quality output.
Martin,
The diaquest dq422 is just a hardware vtr controller to allow controlling
of the edit deck from the computer. I don't know how PAL/NTSC would affect
it, although the dq422 can provide a sync signal. Anyway, a friendly dealer
should be able to sort you out.
Equipped with the targa+ and a diaquest controller you should be able to
just take your whole system and hook up to your local, friendly video
production company's decks – either that or rent (hire) a deck. Another
suggestion: you might be able to barter equipment rental or usage in
exchange for some animation production. I did just that with a local cable
TV company to produce my first demo tape and no money changed hands – I did
them a couple of TV ads and they helped my lay to tape, edit, add music and
voice over etc. That was on 3/4" SP equipment but my next demo tape is
going to be on either Betacam SP or D2 (much higher end formats) if I can
arrange another barter deal. Also, it's very important that you come up
with a demo video, otherwise it will be almost impossible to get contracts.
Do some material for the type of market you're targeting, even if it's made
up, and don't plagiarize other peoples stuff (that will get you a bad
reputation when people find out – and they will). I did a bit of everything
on my first: architectural, engineering, product visualization, fantasy,
company logos etc.
Good luck – keep us informed.
PS. You'll soon wish you got more hard disk space (and RAM) especially
doing broadcast stuff – 25 seconds of animation can take up 500mb, no
problem.
I intend to use the first couple of months just as you suggest, preparing a
sales portfolio. I have lined up some engineering projects with oil
company contacts and offered to do some modelling for free. Hopefully they
will want to use it commercially and buy it!
Your cable company suggestion is good. We have one of the few UK cable
franchises here in Aberdeen. A number of years ago I made a short program
under their community TV scheme. It was awful. I hope they don't remember
me when I call.
Thanks for your support
Martin Bowring – Image Blueprint
Martin,
You seem to be doing the right things, as far as getting started in the
"biz". You may have to give some stuff away or do some speculative projects
at first until you get established – I did (and still do on occasion).
A couple more suggestions:
1) Frequent this forum and ask your questions here. There are many working
professionals who will give you unbiased advice. If you don't have it
already get some software for Compuserve (e.g. Tapcis, Compuserve Info
Manager etc) which will optimize your on-line time to avoid hefty charges.
You can download the messages you want and upload your replies in a batch
process and read the messages and compose replies off-line at your leisure.
2) Even if you don't buy lots of memory and disk make sure your system will
allow the addition of at least 64mb memory (I got stuck with a motherboard
that would only take 16mb – disastrous!) and make sure your disk controller
will allow you to add more hardisks (I recommend SCSI controllers – they
can typically accept up to 7 devices). Keep your options open!
That's it for now. Keep in touch and ask questions. BTW, engineering is a
great field to get involved in – IMHO they pay good money for animations
since it's not new for them to use it; architecture, on the other hand, is
tough since animation is somewhat new in that field and the recession is
hurting construction.
Martin
PS I don't know about the "SPEA" card you mentioned. I tend to feel it's
better to go with the industry standard (targa+). Does it have RGB,
composite, S-video input AND output? The targa+ does.
Today's success story. Went to see my accountant and have swopped a model
of his impressive converted granite church office for my first year's fees.
I'll keep you updated.
Martin Bowring – Image Blueprint
Martin,
Truevision has a PAL-compatible version of the Targa+, just more
expensive. The Targa+ 16/32 PAL lists for $2995. I'd also be glad to help
you, but the Doug Wolfgram's offer is less expensive. I wouldn't charge
for my time, but you'd have to pay airfare, and dig up some Guinness on
tap, since I'm not that hot on whisky.
Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
I'll have to turn down your kind offer. Next month I am going to an Irish
wedding reception followed by a week in Donegal and Galway. Have you ever
tasted the real Guinness?
I'm still tracking down the Targa cards. My supplier suggests the SPEA
Hi-Lite card with a TVX converter (1395 + 350 Pds) and a TIGA driver.
The Radius Multiview 24 and VideoLogic Rapier 24 also have some good
reviews. Anyone experience of these cards.
Martin Bowring – Image Blueprint
Martin
I feel I must butt in to all this transatlantic advice
(pace Martin F.) you are getting and give you a bit of a shock the ONLY
truly suitable card for anybody operating in the PAL environment is the
ATVista 4M. This is because of the extra memory requirements of a full PAL
frame 740×578 versus NTSC (less lines). Most other cards with PAL options,
SPEA, RAPIER etc were initially designed for Hi-Res rather than TV, they'll
probably come on and deny it but that IS their historical bias. In
particular they (certainly the Rapier) do not do full PAL frame grabs I
find this an essential part of using the system. The Targa+ I cannot
comment about except that it does not have the same functionality in PAL as
it does in NTSC, this is dealer feedback and a Truevision dealer would
probably point you at the Vista.
If you want to see Vistas in action then give me a call and come and see us
next time you visit the Smoke (assuming you do visit occasionally).
Grahame
Magic Lantern Ltd. 071-480-6811
Ah! News from the home front. This card problem obviously needs some
careful consideration. Every time I see a dealer and mention PAL they go
shifty and talk about follow up and service support rates. Today's story
was of site that had tried Targa, binned it, and gone for a Hercules
Graphic station. The reason given was that the frequency was too low,
which ties in with your comments. Mind you this was followed by the
suggestion that DOS would not address more than 16mb?
I recognise the ATVista name but since the wife threw out my rotting pile
of PC mags I have trouble finding telephone numbers. Can you oblige?
What business are you involved in? I know London well but my globetrotting
days may well be over for a bit. But there is a good Inter City Super
Saver Weekend Off-Peak ……
Martin Bowring – Image Blueprint