#Editor for Toaster
16 messages in this thread
Well, folks, I thought I'd already fulfilled my needs for an editing system
for my Toaster-based suite, when I ordered the equipment recommended and
sold by Interactive Media. Unfortunately, I called today for tech support,
speaking to the guy I ordered the gear from, and he
listened to my questions and problems, then said "Well, sorry, I don't have
a clue as to how to help you." I also forgot to mention that I paid an
additional $40.00 up front for 30 minutes of tech support. But, to shorten
a long story, I'm returning the equipment, since it will not work with my
setup, and would appreciate any advice on a nice editing controller that
interfaces nicely with a Toaster-based suite. I was considering AmiLink,
until I read some unfavorable comments on this forum about it. I'm using 2
Sony EV-S3000's for source players, and a Sony EVO-9650 record deck. I've
ordered a Tascam 688 multitrack mixing cassette deck to handle the audio
chores. Many thanks in advance for help!
Jerry Hatchett
Jerry,
Since I use and recommend the edditing equipment sold by InterActive
Microsystems, I am concerned to hear of your problems. I have had a
similar experience with poor technical support by Interactive
Microsystems. I have found that if you can get through to Jim Rickman, he
is knowledgeable and helpful. Unfortunately I have not always been able
to get past the person who answers the phone! I am using a Mediaphile 2.0
editing controller and Mediaprocessor to do A/B rolls with a Sony 801 and
Sony EVS-3000 as source machines and a Panasonic AG-1960 as the record
deck. I have used this setup for over eight months and edited many hours
of Hi-8 tape complete with hundreds of Toaster DVE's. I have found the
Mediaphile equipment to be difficult to initally set up and learn to use,
but once you are past this, the equipment does a very good job. If you
want to send me a private E-mail with your phone number, I'll be glad to
do what I can to help you get your MediaPhile equipment up and running. Be
assured that I am not affiliated in any way with Interactive Microsystems.
I am not a video professional, just a hobbyist who has successfully gotten
the Mediaphile equipment to perform as advertised.
Tom
Tom,
I can indeed see where the Interactive equipment would work nicely, but
here's the crux of the problem: the EVO-9650 is controlled via serial port.
Since the Mediaphile Edit Controller plugs into the serial port, I asked
Jim Rickman about adding another serial port for the EVO-9650. He then told
me that their software will only address the Amiga's primary serial port,
but that if I wanted to send them my 9650, they would 'try' over the coming
weeks to see if they could get their software to work on a secondary serial
port. Also, as I explained my setup to him, he said "Why did you buy that
combination of equipment from us, since it's not what you need?" I then
explained that I went
solely on HIS recommendation, after I had told him precisely and exactly
what equipment I would be using. Just left a bad taste, not to mention the
fact that I don't really care to send my new $4500 VCR off
for a few weeks.
Thanks, and Stay in Touch!!
Jerry
Jerry,
That's interesting. I'm sorry to hear of your experience with Interactive
Microsystems and I don't blame you for returning the equipment. The
audacity of Interactive Microsystems to charge the customer for technical
support is perhaps the last straw, especially when both their manuals and
their tech support leave much to be desired. It's curious that Rickman
apparently never mentioned to you that Interactive Microsystems was
supposed to introduce a controller for serial port VCR's. This
controller, the 3.0S Pro, is pictured in their current product catalog but
is apparently still vaporware. In any case good luck, and let me know what
editing equipment you ultimately purchase.
Tom
Tom,
I forgot to mention that I had to get pretty haughty to get Rickman to
agree not to charge me a $100 restocking fee, which I found absurd
considering the facts of my situation.
Thanks,
Jerry
Has anybody had any experience with an editing system called "The
Editizer"??? It runs on an IBM platform, and allows serial control of the
Toaster. The manufacturer faxed me some info on it, and it sounds like a
pretty impressive system, but I'd really like any feedback you guys could
provide.
Thanks,
Jerry
Jerry,
I have been using The Editizer from TAO, Inc. (Rolla, MO – 800/264-1121 or
314/364-4925) since early 1992; mine was one of their first units (maybe
THE first), and version 1.0 of the software. It was just OK. Over the
course of the year, TAO has upgraded the software continuously (for free,
so far), and provided outstanding support to me. I am now using the current
release (version 1.92) of the software, and it is excellent. It provides
complete A/B roll editing control and control of the Toaster (and internal
DPS TBC II cards, too, if you use them). The cost of the system was about
$1,600 when I got it, but I think it is now something around $2,500. It
requires an IBM compatible PC (at least a 386SX, 12 MHz) and MS Windows
3.1. I highly recommend it.
-Eric
Eric,
Thanks for the reply. The IBM equipment is no problem, since we build it
here at the office daily. I think I'm gonna give this setup a shot.
Thanks,
Jerry
I am a dealer fro the Editizer picked it up about June this year, so far
the product has been performing well in most situations, the only problems
I have seen with it is when using there Serializer boxes for Parrell
decks, and basicly those just didnt work, but they have updated the
Serializer hardware and it now seems to be stable. Version 2.0 will be the
first update they will charge for and not much at that. The product works,
and the company is very responsive and willing to support the product, and
at $1999 list it is a great buy…
Forrest
Forrest,
I called TAO yesterday, sadly to find out that the system will not yet
support my recorder, the Sony EVO-9650. Any other suggestions??
Thanks,
Jerry
If the 9650 is Visca capable, The Editizer will s'port it by year-end.
Currently the only controllers I know that work with the non standard
EVO-9650 VISCA protocal, is Video Director by Gold Disk, Sony's own VIsca
editor, and Video Media's OZ, SuperMIcron also control it…
Forrest
I've been very happy with the Ami-Link equipment, as a dealer and as a
user. There's a small learning curve, and it's not "Fancy", but it works
great, and is a very productive tool. Dean Cooper-Computer House, Reno NV
I use the Macintosh based Sundance System from Sundance Technology in
Houston Texas. In an A/B roll configuration it cost about $3500 complete.
It will allow you to controll up to 15 serial controlable decks and has 8
GPI triggers and controls the Toaster or any other serial controlable
switcher.
I am using this system with 2-Panasonic 7750's, a JVC 811U w/911 controler,
2-Sony 9800's and 1-Sony 9850. I was up and running doing a/b roll edits
within a half hour after unpacking the system out of the box. The best
thing about the Sundance System is the Tech Support. This company has bent
over backwards to answer any questions I have had. They also seem to love
taking any suggestions for on how they can improve their product.
Hope this helps!
Thanks, Richard! I had hoped to be able to stick to one platform for this,
but that may not be possible. I may look into the Sundance.
Jerry
Jerry,
If you have a mac, Sundance makes a nice editor that will control the
Toaster. It doesn't have as complete control as Amilink but it's very
good. It only will work with serial controlled decks.
— JG
<licensed to fly>