#3D Animation
18 messages in this thread
I hear that a product for the Amiga and Video Toaster called Lightwave
is being used in alot of TV and film. Is that good? Is it more
expensive than 3D Studio? Also, with the Video Toaster setup, I am
supposed to be able to do wipes and stuff. Is there something on the
PC or MAC that can do this? I have about $15k budget and am
currently looking at PC setups or the Amiga with Toaster and Screamer
rendering engine. Anyone with experience, please tell me which setup
is best and why it works for you. I don't have to make a decision
for a while…. just trying to get a feel for what is available. I
want to start learning about the possibilities. Can a PC with 3D
Studio record directly to a VCR? I heard this was possible with an
Amiga and Lightwave. Any info appreciated!
Matrox Studio is supposed to be better than the toaster and has a lot
more options. It runs on a PC. Course it's more expensive. You have
to buy a toaster to get Lightwave unfortunately. 3d Studio is a much
better value, especially when it includes a network renderer at no
extra charge in release 3.
I would suggest you look at the Video Machine, from Fast Electronics.
It and 3DStudio blow away the Toaster, and are comparable in cost
(that is, once you spent the money for all the add-ons you need to
make the toaster do editing — if you're not going to do video
editing then the VM is more expensive by a few K than the Toaster).
The VM will do the wipes and other DVEs you want — it also does the
aforementioned editing (with two source VCRs, even at consumer level,
and a record VCR), it has two built in TBCs and full frame buffers,
does great frame grabbing and is Windows based (I consider this a
plus).
3DStudio, as you can find out here, is simply the best 3D package
around, in it's present R3 incarnation. Together I can't think of
anything you'd need in life (except a nice looking blond).
I agree with your comments re the Video machine. It is the first
sensibly priced piece of technology I've seen in this arena. Have
you heard anything about them coming out with an add on for non
linear editing? That is what I'm waiting on. I've looked at the MAC
stuff but it is so overpriced right now.
Don:
>> I agree with your comments re the Video machine. It is the first
>> sensibly priced piece of technology I've seen in this arena.
I just got back from this year's Sony Showcase, and they showed a
software PC editing system that'll knock your socks off! And they
are working on a non-linear interface to it, also!
Probably a little bit more expensive than FAST, (it is Sony, after
all!) but for a full component (I don't believe that FAST has
component yet?) editor and switcher (A/B/C/D roll), it may be the one
to beat!
I'm trying to get one to check out, it should be shipping by January.
Greg Pyros
Terriffic!
Keep me posted. Can you get me some product names? We've had three
in house demos of equipment so far because we should be soon in the
buying phase. I'm involved in a joint venture on this and my
partners are real hot to trot. I'm the cautious one, holding back
for a better investment, better compatibility. Our video editing
suite is still in the early 80's technology (3/4 Umatic with manual
A/B roll, DSC Illusion for effects, don't laugh!). We want to go
Betacam PVW, but would rather put the money into non-linear rather
than source decks. We would still go the editor route for frame
accurate recording and the quality factor. My partners can outvote
me and they are hot on the Media 100. It did perform the best so far
but it is first generation tech. and no track record, also only does
Y/C / composite. Scary!
>> Keep me posted.
The product manager will be in my office next week. Including one of
their high-end component effects switchers, it will list around
$19,500. (The switcher alone is around $15,000!).
It will include a 486/66, also. They want to be able to support it
100%, and feel that it is the only way they can do this for
non-computer "vidiots".
It looks like a package that will appeal to the high-end types. With
the non-linear addition, it will be a serious contender. It is being
totally developed here in the US, so support should be excellent!
If Sony puts their name on it, I have a feeling it will be pretty
good!
>> …are hot on the Media
>> 100. It did perform the best so far but it is first generation tech.
>> and no track record, also only does Y/C / composite. Scary!
One of my clients has just set up a Media 100 system, and I have been
quite impressed with the quality of the output and ease of use. I
myself am leary of this first generation stuff also, but it seems to
be working out fine for him. I was not aware it was Y/C / composite
only…since the rest of his edit suite is component (MII). I'll
have to check on how he has it layed out. Just put two 3 gig hard
drives in his 950…boy how things are changing!
Keep me posted on his likes and dislikes as we may just end up buying
one of these for the edit suite.
Right now the Media 100 is Y/C – Composite but the salesman said the
board processes RGB internally so it is geared for future true
component and encoded component formats. Maybe your client is going
to use it for just EDL's and still do the MII stuff ON-LINE.
Sorry to jump in this late- but is it true that the Media 100 is good
for animation output? What about dumping .tga files to tape?
>> – but is it true that the Media 100 is good for
>> animation output? What about dumping .tga files to tape?
I do not have the answer to that YET! It certainly would be great to
copy the .TGAs to the MAC and have MEDIA 100 work it's compression
for realtime animation output. I will get back to you when they can
provide me with an answer. Maybe Don Landis has the anwser to this.
I did see a 15 minute video completely assembled within Media 100 last
night (from an hour of footage). It was complete with digital sound
and digital transitions and looked great. It was compressed with the
best quality, which is 60k per frame.
Ralph, Thanks- please let me know if it does. (or even Pict files
converted from .tga files.) Also- the resolution files that it can
use. Thanks! For non-linear it seems to be the best around for the
$. We may get one soon. John Jordan
The Matrox Movie Express is coming out in no time. It sounds like a
real contender for the non-linear/animation market. I'm going to try
one out as soon as I can get my hands on it, and I'll post my opinion
and vidiot's technogobbldigook.
>> The Matrox Movie Express is coming out in no time. I'm going to try one
>> out as soon as I can get my hands on it, and I'll post my opinion and
>> vidiot's technogobbldigook.
John,
Ya, let us know about this option. There are so many now appearing on
the scene it's hard to keep track. I think I just seen an ad for
this one, Computer Pictures maybe?
A was talking with a couple of MGA guys at Autodesk and they gave me
brochures on the Movie Express, or MAX. My dealer will let me demo
one as soon as it comes in. It uses its own HD controller for faster
throughput.
>Have you heard anything about them coming out with an add on for non linear
>editing?
Supposed to be in January, for around 3K.
Great! I'll put it on my list after the PVW upgrade. Of course if
this other deal goes through before the end of the year I might get
over-rulled and have to get the Media 100. I'll be buying with OPM
so final decision will not be mine.
– Reply to message #61610 (already scrolled)
Greg,
Keep us posted.
Fred
P.S. I'm working on the colors.
P.P.S. A demo is coming to Pgh in Nov. I'll be there.