Targa 2000 vs. PAR
15 messages in this thread
Is anyone out there using a Targa 2000 with 3D Studio?
I'd appreciate any feedback, reviews or critiques!
Thanks,
Scott Lawrence
Scott,
Yes, I'm using the Targa 2000 with 3D Studio R3 & the 3DSTAR.IXP. What
do you want to know?
Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
Kevin;
From what I can gather re: Targa 2000 vs. PAR, the Targa is far and away a
better investment (even though it's more costly) yet I haven't seen any reviews
comparing the two. Are there any drawbacks to the Targa? Does the Targa do
everything the PAR does & more, or are there limitations specifically relating
to animation that the PAR is better suited for? (Of course, sound & video
capabilities give the 2000 an obvious edge). Also, is rotoscoping possible
with the Targa as it is with the PAR and TBC?
Thanks much for your advice!
Scott Lawrence
Scott,
T2000 advantages:
Audio + video capture & playback in 1 slot.
High-quality compression (min 6.5:1)
Works as a frame buffer
Windows display @ up to 1152x870x24-bit
Video in a Window, & out of a window
Record Windows desktop (full-screen or marquee) to video
Includes Video for Windows and Adobe Premiere
Does not require dedicated drive (& uses SCSI)
T2000 disadvantages:
Video recordable size is 640×480
Input & output signals composite & S-VHS only
(upgrade forthcoming for 720×486 adding component & RGB)
EISA bus only (PCI eventually)
Limited software, although some on the horizon
Likes a clean machine – no SmartDrive, QEMM, etc.
Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
Kevin,
Thanks for the info. Am I correct in assuming that full screen video output
isn't possible w/ the 2000?
Are you a Targa dealer?
Thanks again,
Scott
Scott,
Incorrect – I don't see where you get that assumption. The Targa 2000
output is full-screen 640×480.
Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
I think by "video" Scott meant NTSC, which the targa doesn't quite do.
John Tissavary (LUNA cie, inc)
John,
Not sure what you mean. The Targa 2000 does input/output NTSC
composite.
Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
So you're telling me I can fill an NTSC screen with the Targa 2000, overscan
and all? I was under the impression that this was a square pixel device really
set up for computer RGB video stuff rather than NTSC video. At 640×480 it's
not really the best resolution, either, unless I'm wrong about THAT, too.
John Tissavary (LUNA cie, inc)
You can get full hires (720×576) PAL resolution with the Targa 2000. I think
that is because PAL frame rate is only 25fps, instead of 30fps, therefore
reducing the need for more data bandwidth and providing a higher resolution
than NTSC at 640×480/30fps. I think that the Targa 2000 will evolve in the PCI
version and thanks to further improvements of high end disk video oriented
arrays in the PC arena (already present in the Mac desktop video world <g>)
ana /krazy images
John,
You're right about resolution – currently 640×480 overscanned. 720×486
w/component & RGB is in the pipe though. Adobe should also have a more robust
PC version of Premiere due out, and EMC has announced their software for the
Targa 2000 (list: $4950).
Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
I agree with you, John. 640×480 for video does fall short. However, many of
the new NLE systems are using this resolution for video. I have the same thing
with my FAST VM and when the video is processed in the DVE there is a
noticeable loss of sharpness from beta SP source. The DVE looks similar to my
Hi8 and SVHS quality. Not to say, now, that 640X480 is Hi8 quality <BG> Its
just that the PAR at 752 is more detailed than my Fast VM. The Fast VM is
still a wonderful tool for "low end" industrial video that comprises the bulk
of my work.
Kevin,
Are you with Computer Support Assoc. in Santa Monica? I seem to recall that
you're a Truevision dealer. If so, please give me a price on the Targa 2000.
Thanks!
Scott Lawrence
Scott,
Formerly in Santa Monica. We've been just over the border in Los
Angeles (I think Centinela is the demarcation line) for approx. 7 years. Call
me at 310/820-4004 and we can discuss your requirements.
Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
Kevin,
Nice talking to you yesterday & thanks for all your expert advice. I'll have
to call back when I get a few minutes as I haven't quite resolved my hardware
dilema & you seem to have a handle on all this stuff!
-scott lawrence