CompuServe Thread

#VTR equip HELP

4 messages in this thread
#24734From: John TorricoOct 12, 1992 4:08 PM
AW>> The Diaquest is tailor-made for 3DS (or vice-versa) and works… If you don't mind me asking, what is a ballpark figure for this type of unit? I'm curious as to the overall cost of a system that would allow direct animation to video, and the VTR portion of the equation is proving to be a difficult thing to research (at least difficult through my normal channels) Anyone else is free to add their two cents worth as well, I'm looking for as much info as possible. Thanks, John…..
#24756From: Aaron WeintraubOct 12, 1992 8:51 PM
The price of the Diaquest ranges. I can only quote you on figures that I get from my dealer, and even then, it'll be in Canadaian dollars (since I live in Canada). Depending on what kind of record deck you have, the regular Diaquest in Serial or Parallel mode comes in at about $2200, I think. The diaquest 2sp will run you like $5000, but it works with a macintosh and has a bunch of other features that I can't remember. IF you don't have a record deck, you'll need one. Decide on your format, SVHS, Betacam SP, Digital, Laserdisc…. and find out from your dealer what models work with the diaquest. Perhaps Kevin can jump in with some prices here. Aaron
#24800From: CSA/CAOct 13, 1992 11:45 AM
Aaron, Perhaps not. Greg Pyros has already answered pretty fully. Kevin Krell – Computer Support Associates
#24764From: Oct 12, 1992 10:57 PM
John: Yes, single frame computer animation to video is a very difficult thing to research! We've been doing it over 5 years, and only within the last year can we consider ourselves anywhere near expert on the subject! There are actually 3 types of Diaquest controllers: Serial 422, Serial 232, and Parallel. The Parallel and Serial 422 require a hardware board to control, which also provides sync and other niceties. The Parallel also has a time code generator built in. The serial 232 version is software only and works through your computer's serial port. Prices have come down on the hardware versions recently, but are still a bit pricey: S232-$995; S422-$1,800; Par-$2,500. The one you need is determined by your tape deck or laser disk, however! You should choose that piece of equipment first, then the controller second. These are the costlier pieces of equipment, ranging from $4,000 or so for a low-end SVHS deck to Hi-8 to 3/4" to Laser Disk at $16,000 or so. And this is definately a place where YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! Especially in terms of quality, 2nd and third generation copies, editing, reproduction, etc. ALL our clients want a minimum of Beta SP, and we have had a few sticklers who wanted 1". But we do a lot of broadcast work (National Geographic, Nova, CBS, etc.) Industrial quality would require a minimum of 3/4", and I'm sure your mother would accept 1/2" or Hi-8. I'm sure I will get some comments on that one, but we've tried 'em all and that's what we have to report. Comments from other single frame junkies??? Greg