#Hi-8 audio tracks? HELP!
5 messages in this thread
Don,
Your question sent me to the manuals to check for the specification in writing,
but alas, no such description about the pixel size of the frame buffers. But
here is what I do know… The system specifications are CCIR 601, which I
though was 720×486.(you're the expert here.. ) Further proof for the frame size
is also confirmed by the bundled "paint" program that has a default size of
720×486 with no facilities to change it's size. In addition I loaded up some of
the special effects files that are used for Geni wipes etc., and PShop also
confirms the 720×486 size.
If I fire up the Inscriber program an tell it to load a 512×486 targa file, it
sizes the image to fit the 720×486 size. This is also confirmed by "exporting"
the file and checking it's size with PShop. With the Alladin application
itself, if I load the same image, it is not sized and has black borders at the
sides of the image. I did note that PShop cannot load the JPEG files that
Alladin Paint creates 🙁
Sooo… Everything seems to confirm the 720×486 size even if it is not stated
anywhere in the documentation. This is probably due to the fact the bundled
programs must see the Alladin to work, and operate as an integrated package. If
the system was 640×480 when you saw it, it has certainly changed. I can see no
way to get any of the applications to produce an image file of that size. As
far as working with the Fast Video Machine, don't know…From what I know, I'm
not sure what value the Alladin would add to the Fast VM. Seems to be very
redundant capabilities in the switcher/frame buffer area. It is clear that they
make modifications to other application that work with the Alladin, ie. the
Crystal Topas software that must see a lit up Alladin in order to start. As I
said, a very expensive harware lock. (I haven't, nor do I intend to load Topas,
but thats what the Doc's say)
From the pixel depths,
Tom
On the CCIR issue: I would say it is favorable for 720×486 but not to
guarantee it. I will try to get some answers here. Could be they have a
special configuration for different machines.
As for Topas, Crystal sells many versions of the Topas Professional. Yours
requires Aladdin, mine requires the 3DStudio dongle, would you believe.
As for the FAST VM: Aladdin brings additional video channels of compositing
and 3D DVE. Fast only has two channels and only does 2D DVE. And from what
I've seen a better chroma keyer than the FAST. IT is a definite plus for a
FAST VM owner. I place it higher prioriety than any NLE system for FAST VM.
Don,
Thanks for the clarification on the FAST stuff, I didn't remember the 2D vs 3D
effects issue. Given that with the Alladin does all the switcher handling, I
guess the FAST is relegated to machine control and the FAST GUI editor,
correct…
Cheers,
Tom
>> guess the FAST is relegated to machine control and the FAST GUI editor,
correct…
I have never gotten a straight answer from either FAST or Pinnacle on this
question, but if a recent article in VMUM is any indication one would only use
the Alladin for 3D effects, subtractive chroma key effects and any use that the
VM by itself is not capable. This is why purchase of a 3D effects box is a
tough call money wise. Considering that the average video is 90% cuts, 8%
dissolves and fades to black, and 2% special wipes and effects. We would only
use the Alladin for, maybe, half of that 2% or 1 effect out of a hundred. Of
course if we did music videos there might be a greater proportionate
application. If I decide to get the Alladin it would be based on the
assumption that TV commercials would be taking on the this layered, high end,
Alladin look for the commercial market I currently tap. I think it is
unrealistic to believe that I would start to get those deep pocket commercials
that tipically use these effects. I have done one commercial like this all
year and it was achieved using the VM's alpha wipe capability in manual T-bar
mode. In other words the Alladin would be a long payback for me in my current
business. I could only justify the expense if I felt that the competition was
passing me by in this regard.
Don,
You're assumptions are quite valid. Early on when I was assembling my edit
suite the Fast was a consideration, but I was concerned about the proprietary
architechure. It seems that some of my early concerns were valid.
For my particular case, I had a somewhat dated Echo Labs PC-3 SMPTE switcher.
In order to do basic CG, I used a Magni VGA Pro with a DOS based CG program.
This required more signal paths for the video than I wanted, and the quality
was only passable for low budget productions. For Higher end sy=tuff I used the
Targa. I very much wanted to replace the the current setup, so the Alladin
seemed like a natural choice.
So far I'm still learning all of the things it can do, but the quality of the
signal and the effects are awsome…
Thanks for your side of the equation. Some day I'll try and make some money off
all of this investment. Right now I do only a few commercials, and some
industrial trade show video work.
Onward to better video quality,
Tom