V-Lan v.s. SoftVTR
12 messages in this thread
Having had about all the "fun" <G> we can handle editing animations a frame at
a time to video, we're about to cough up the money for an animation controller.
But which kind? Already having a Videomedia VLC-32 video editor, we are
familiar with the V-Lan system and already have V-Lan receivers for our tape
decks. (We'll probably use a Panasonic AG-7750A for recording animations.)
We're told either a Videomedia "Animax" system would hook to the serial port of
our PC and "talk" to the V-Lan receiver, or – if we don't mind sacrificing a
slot in the PC, a V-Lan PC-T card would do the same thing.
Another option we've heard of is the software only solution – Soft-VTR. This
idea would also seem to have it's merits.
My experience has been that an "ounce of good user experience is worth many
pounds of manufacturer advertsing claims," so I'm asking – what do you fellow
animators think? Which system is more trouble free? More precise? Integrates
best with 3-D Studio? Would be best for use with the system I've described?
Any help in helping us make an informed purchase decision would be greatly
appreciated.
Rick,
It sounds like you are already set up for another V-lan node. Since you you
already had V-lans for all of your VTRs, a V-Lan transmiter card for your PC
seem to make more sense. I have used and tested almost all of the animation
controllers out there including SoftVTR; they all performed well if the deck is
frame accurate and tape was striped with timecode properly. Most controller out
there come with software utility, and driver for 3DS or Topas.
The benefit of SoftVTR is that since it is software it is simpler to install
(no dip switches!!!), you could install the same software on several PCs and
shared one cable (using ABC switch box) rather than uninstall a board and
re-install it on another PC. It also available on different platforms such as
SGI, Sun Sparc so that if bussiness going up you might want to get an SGI
Virtual Reality Engine then SoftVTR will be there for you, using the same
cable.
Hope this will help.
Regards.
Tien Nguyen
SoftVTR Tech Support Eng.
Tien:
>> if business is going up you might want to get an SGI Virtual Reality
>> Engine then SoftVTR will be there for you, using the same cable.
Just what I always wanted, the ability to spend $250,000 to be able to
re-use a $5 SoftVTR cable! But it's the thought that counts! <bg>
Seriously, I appreciate all the support you've given people here on the
forum. I wish all manufacturers showed such commitment to the 3DS market.
Greg Pyros
Greg,
You obviously haven't tried to purchase another cable, I got quoted $295 for
another cable (to control 2 decks).
James
James:
I was referring to a standard serial cable, which is all that is needed to
control our Sony laserdisk recorder or EVO-9600! <g>
Greg Pyros
Rick,
I have used the Diaquest dq422 quite extensively and had good luck with it,
sometimes connected to an AG7750. The price is pretty high though, so I'm glad
I didn't have to buy it. If I was buying now I'd probably go with the Animax
because of the price.
Rick,
There is no question you should go with the V-LAN system. You already have
receivers from your VLC and with a patch bay or A/B switch you can have the
same access to all those VTRs through 3DS. V-LAN comes with all the utitlies
for every major graphics and animation system. Since your already on the V-LAN
Network, you can now rotoscope off multiple VTRs. Saves time. There are V-LAN
Transmitters built into almost all of the Video Boards on the SGI platform so
you immediatly tap into any machine control you need on that platform.
The other option you have is the T-POD shuttle jog controller from Videomedia
that is also a V-LAN Transmitter. It sits next to your keyboard and is the
same knob and keys that you have on your VLC 32, and now you have that control
in 3DS as well. It connects up to the serial port so you can use it on any
platform. The T-POD is a little smaller than have the size of your VLC-32
keyboard. If Autodesk expands there ADI driver spec to include some new
things, You wouldn't even have to use there dialogs for any VTR control in 3DS,
you could do it all from your T-POD keyboard. (mark In, switch node, search,
goto, play/pause, shuttle,etc..)
Regards,
L.
Rick,
I recently bought the video media Oz/Animax package and couldnt be happier
withit. The animax is a card with one transmitter and one reciever on the
card. You could easily connect it directly into your Vlan network and have
controll of your equipment. The Oz package is a easy to use editing package
that runs under windows. I have found it extreemly easy and efficient to use.
As far as 3D Studio, everything was extreemly easy to set up and use. I have
worked for other companies that used Diaquest controller and I remember
spending days to set up and debug the things. I was animating with in the hour
with the animax and the people as Video Media were great.
Andrew
What is the street cost of the Oz/Animax paxckage? How about just Animax for
an animation only setup. What kind of interface (422?) do I need on the VTR?
I am considering SoftVTR ($780 local price) but would like a I am conseidering
SoftVTR ($780 local price) but would like a solution that will allow me to
upgrade to an editing system…
–Nat'n
Nathan,
The Animax card controls any serial device and has a list price of $1250.00.
It is a V-LAN-Transmitter and a V-LAN Receiver on a board. It allows you to
connect up more V-LANs at any time (boards or external units) to expand for
editing. The OZ cuts only version software can be downloaded free from
Videomedia. It is fully upgradeable to the OZ A/B roll at any time.
The Animax-2 card allows you to control 2 serial machines for $1995.00. This
will give you cuts editing, expandability at any time, plus two machines for
animation and rotoscoping.
L.
An Oz solution with One transmitter and Two recievers to do cuts only editing
was around $2400. It used rs422 controll lines. Video Media also has
recievers that can control pro-summer decks like the the 1970, though these are
not frame accurate. Yet in a low end editing suite they can cut the costs.
There is no question about it…..V-LAN! I tried SoftVTR. It only works under
absolutely IDEAL conditions!!! If you have sloppy servoes or try a tape made on
aonther machine (perhaps slightly skewed SMPTE code) it bombs. I went to V-LAN
even though it cost me more than it will you since you already have the V-LAN
receivers. The slight additional cost of an ANIMAX for example is WELL WORTH
IT. If you are concerned about absolute frame accuracy all the time, under all
types of environmental conditions, don't compromise your system integrity.
Videomedia service is great too!
Good Luck
BH