CompuServe Thread

>> I will compile a list of questions [about the Flyer] from this forum >> and ask them at NewTek. Thanks for your offer, and forgive me if I ask anything that has already been answered, as I've not yet seen any specs for the Flyer. 1) Does the Flyer offer a range of resolutions with different storage requirements, as the Avid Media Composer does? 2) What are the storage requirements for digitized audio and video in terms of bytes-per-minute (or the range of such requirements if the platform offers different resolutions)? 3) Since the Flyer offers D2 processing internally, is there a digital I/O option for either importing or dumping to D2? 4) How many channels of simultaneous video and audio playback are supported? 5) How much on-line storage is supported (total number of drives, drive size, maximum partition size)? 6) I understand the current software interface is somewhat primitive (i.e. no timeline, simple storyboard only). What are the plans for producing more robust software? If Newtek is depending on third-party companies for this, does any third-party company already have something in the works?

I want to know what type of harddisks it is going to use SCSI or IDE. A list of names and models would be nice. Also the backup posibilities for DAT or 8mm drives. Do I need a software package like Quarterback or does it offer something built in?

Jim, Since you're offering, how about: 1. SMPTE timecode support for editing chores? 2. How about dynamic-tracking effects like slo-mo and fast-mo? 3. Type of CD-ROM player that is NewTek recommended? As I've heard that this and future upgrades would be released on CD-ROM. 4. How about SW upgrades? What frequency? Estimated cost? 5. Ability to create your own ADO-style effects and transitions with LightWave? 6. Will it be able to do multi-layers, like a picture-in-picture with a keyed graphic? 7. Will the audio section include a 1Khz tone to include with your bars? these are some of the features of other systems that would be nice to see on a system like the Flyer or at least find out if they are planned 'improvements'

Thank's for asking! 1. Does it create DVE effects through rendering or Toaster DVE? 2. If it uses Toaster DVE, is it a sellable solution? 3. Will there ever _be_ a fix for the DVE capablities in the Toaster ? 4. Does it use one source of non-linear video for true random access transistions or is it a non-linear source that must render cuts and dissolves to a second drive? 5. As alot of aging Amiga video edit system are based around linear tape machines and users are decidedly frugal wouldn't a more con- ventional system running on a thriving IBM or MAC platform be a smarter buy? ala Matrox Studio? 6. If a Christmas release is planned, will the possible failure of a Commodore bailout spell doom for the Flyer and NEWTEK??!!!

Please find out how the Flyer will handle sound. 1. Will you be able to lay down separate tracks at specific locations? ie – a sound effect oposite the video 2. I was shown how a video insert is done. Is this the way it is going to be? 3. How will it do slow motion and reverse motion? I didn't quite understand the answer I got. 4. How is sound edited? How is it mixed? 5. Can you set separate levels for each track?

As far as A/B editing, will they let us use our own brain and put the main material on one drive and the B roll stuff on the other, or are they going to force an inneficient "for the dummy" system that uses more disk space than is really nec.? A COMPLETE description of audio capabilities. Will there be robust AREXX control of playing clips back from the flyer. Many of my projects could A roll from tape,and I could trigger the B rolls and toaster effects via AREXX. Just have them give a complete description of how the thing will work so we can comment on it! Brian

I have heard a rumor and I hope you can ask them if it is true: Supposedly, NewTek will only guarantee the hard drives that are used for the Flyer, if you purchase the drives through NewTek. They have supposedly stated that they are comming across a lot of variation within the same identical drives and that not all of them (regardless if they are the same exact brand, model number, etc..) perform the same. Therefore, they are claiming that they cannot guarantee compatiblity and that if you buy from another source, you may be SOL. So, is NewTek going to hire people to sit around and bench test 5,000 drives??? or is this just a slick way of increasing the bottom end by creating a non-existant crisis and charging a little more for the same drive that everyone else sells? Oh, with regard to Variable Tracking motion control, why is their so much confusion? If the flyer is going to be able to also output for film at 24fps, why can't the software handle 60fps, or 10fps. The PAR sort of already does this so what is the big deal? Why are they so adament about not supporting Y/C, or Component for that matter? What sort of magical technology does something like Y/C+ or Y/C++ have that cannot be incorporated into a device that will ultimately cost the typical user $9,000. Audio specs are very important. What is the Flyers sampling frequency? Can the quality of audio also be altered as is the case with the quality of video?

Will the Flyer come with a time line..something for pro editing? Also, at work we need the ability to tag shots in numerous ways and then be able to say," Run all the footage with Tag A, B, F, K, M," for example. I know the NFL is going NLE in a short period of time… and many colleges will follow the NFL. NewTek would be missing a big market to disreguard this message!

Oh, I forgot this one… and I can see everyone's eyes roll here, but darnit, I want this…. will the FLYER's sound hardware support SURROUND Encoding? After Tim laughs, ask him again! I want to make sound as important as video!