#APro to video
6 messages in this thread
I'm sure this has been discussed thoroughly in this section, but I was
looking for advice on what sort of display card to use for best results
taking flics directly to NTSC.
My problem is that we already have a TARGA 16 and TARGA+64, as well as some
good fast SVGA display adaptors for use for CAD drafting and windows. I
hear the encoder on the Truevision VideoVGA is very nice, but except for
the NTSC output, the card seems pretty limited in functionality. If all I
really want to add is good NTSC output, isn't there another way that uses
the hardware i have better? How is the VideoVGA with AutoCAD or other CAD
packages?
A dealer here suggested getting a hold of an old Vision VGA Overlay card,
which outputs RGB at 15.75Khz. He said I could just use it as my adaptor,
and take the RGB output from the card as input to the TARGA+, thus using
the TARGA+ to encode the signal. These cards apparently are not being made
any more or supported.
I'd be interested in suggestions or comments.
–Noah
Noah,
I don't think the options available to you are great.
Skip the VideoVGA in this instance, if you want to run AutoCAD @ 1024×768
non-interlaced. Highest non-interlaced for the VideoVGA is 800×600.
A high-res scan converter that handles a VGA 31.5kHz signal at very good
quality is about $3000. Ignore anyone who thinks a Jovian VIN+ box is
usable for high quality. Ok for consumer level tapes though, @ about $495.
Let's assume no interest in a single-frame controller to record through
Animator Pro's FLITAPE, which will re-render your .FLIs on the Targa,
although this is a possible.
The Everex solution you mention is possible (there is no noticeable loss on
RGB into a Targa or Vista, although my tests were a Targa 16 into a Targa
M8 w/color cycling, or into the Vista). Unfortunately, it also blows away
your current SVGA card as a solution for AutoCAD.
In your shoes, and assuming a VGA w/a removable RAMDAC, I'd go with the
Magni Producer (list: $1495). Use your system as is, including any
high-res for AutoCAD. The Magni will only record 640×480 and below, but
does not interfere with higher resolutions your SVGA may be capable of.
Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
Kevin-
Thanks for the info. Until recently I actually did a fair amount of CAD
work at 1024×768 interlaced, with no problem.
In your experience, is the VideoVGA a snappy card for AutoCAD if you can
live with the resolution? How are the drivers for ACAD and windows?
It also seems that some hardware vendors are missing a niche opportunity
here.
–Noah
In addition to what Kevin said, I'd add that even if your VGA doesn't have
a removable RAM DAC, it's possible to desolder the one that's there and put
Magni's socket in.
– G
I'd suggest looking into the Nth TV from Nth Graphics. It's a bang up
AutoCAD card and does NTSC encoding as well. I can't speak for the singal
quality, I've not "seen" it, though Nth touts it as being very good.
I'm normally a skeptic until I see/play with one myself.
John