CompuServe Thread

Steve, <<We are looking into the best way to create animations with 3D Studio and record them to videotape. If anyone has any suggestions as to which Hardware and/or Software combination to use (hopefully under $3000.00).>> Best bet is the PAR (VL-BUS) or PAR Perception(PCI-BUS) board, with you can record then play back real time animations (both are $1700. although the perception board is as yet unattainable<this month hopefully>) These cards are able to seamlessly integrate with 3D Studio, so its pretty easy to get it up and running. However if that is too pricey then go with a regular board (info. is abundant on these cheaper boards and for PAR in the Hware/OpSys/video forum) You need a dedicated HD for these boards, micropolisAV series or seagates Barracuda are the best, 4.3 GB $1200. 2.0 GB $900 (4.3 GB will give you 16 min. at 30 fps, 2.0 GB = 8 min.) Depending on quality of the tape you want you can use S-VHS, Hi-8, Beta-CamSP…etc.. If it is budget you are worried about then go with S-VHS which gives near laserdisc quality and you can record to regular VHS tape. However if you decide to go for quality use the Beta-CamSP, this deck will give you the coolest looking results, however, when you drop it to VHS the quality will drop nominally. If sound is an option, I recommend either Adobe Premiere($800) or autodesk's animator studio($495) If you need more info. feel free to contact me at CIS address 71214,132 or you get plenty by scanning through the Autodesk multimedia area's. GREG

I second the reccomendation for the PAR/PVR. UNquestionably the best balance between budget and quaity. I would have susggested Razor Pro, which is another package to look into, but their new line of software, called Speed Razor, is too expensive to remain competetive with Premeire. -jk