#ABridge help
8 messages in this thread
[ continuation ]
then this option isn't present.
And loading HAM anim files into DPaint cannot be done under any
circumstances. ABridge won't go across the HAM – non-HAM gap, so it won't
help him with this problem either.
I wrote ABridge to deal with a specific set of problems, namely to allow
anim-5 format files to load into any program that supposedly supports
anim-5 format but doesn't anyways do so, at least, not well. I know this
sounds like a very narrow target for a full-fledged program but I was
tired of AniMagic crashing whenever I tried to work with files from
DPaintIII. I was also tired of DPaintIII telling me I couldn't load an
anim file from AniMagic, SA4D or Videoscape even if they were non-HAM.
I'm sorry ABridge doesn't do what Jim needs done. I would suggest
Animation: Editor from Hash Enterprises for going from SA4D to
AmigaVision. As far as loading HAM anims into DPaintIII, the only
solution I know of currently is to break the anim into IFF images (which
can also be done with Animation: Editor) and convert each frame into
non-HAM using either PixMate, Butcher (not highly recommended because of
it's treatment of overscan HAM) or Colors (which comes as part of the
Deluxe Photo Lab package. This is a time consuming process if the anim is
of any size, but since there are no image processing utilities that have
ARexx ports, this is the best I can suggest.
If you can't get this message to Jim, please let me know and I'll see if
there is an alternate route. -Ron
Regards, Ken Cooper
Mucho thanks for forwarding that reply. I really appreciate the effort.
It seems that Animation: Editor is my solution, I am hoping that it is.
Thanks again…
Jim CBM Ottawa
Tom,
Thanks again. Everything worked great. I had some problems with TREXX at
first but everything is going much smoother now. The transitions are
great.
I've got a generic script through TREXX that I use everytime I want to
freeze the last frame of video from one scene and do a fade to another.
Player A:(SEARCH 'last frame #', PAUSE), Then I run the repetitive Arexx
script to freeze it with the TBC4 and then store it in the toaster DV
buffer to use as the beginning of the roll. With your script help I just
can't believe how effective this really is.
At first I thought I would have to save every ending frame as a Framestore
but I see that is not necessary now. Just freeze it in the DV1 or DV2 and
replacing it again with another further down the line in the Mediascript.
One last question: Is there a way to get the TBC1v's screen to quit
acting like interlaced. I have to pull the top of the screen down till the
workbench is barely visible in order for it to stop shaking so that I can
read it ?
Also my version of MediaEditor is 3.8.2 Is there something significant
in .4
Rocky
Jerry,
I am not controlling my TBC IV's via software as you apparently are. I am
using the DPS RC-2000 remote control unit for real time processing of the
video. Thus I can't really help you with your problem on the TBC IV's
software screen. I'm curious about one thing: how are you using your
MediaPhile controller and the TBC IV's control both from the serial port
at the same time? You must have an expansion card offering multiple
serial ports?
I am a bit reluctant to grab the last frame using the VCR's pause (i.e.
still frame feature) because I feel that introduces a slight degradation
of the image. I prefer to catch a frame on the fly near the end of the
scene using the freeze button on my RC-2000. However, the rest of the
process is use is identical to yours.
No, I don't know what the changes are between MediaEditor 3.8.2 and 3.8.4.
I was simply afraid that you might still be using the older (and no
longer supported) MediaProcessor.
I really like your idea of using the TBC IV together with a T-Rexx written
ARexx script to freeze your last frame and hold it in a buffer until you
are ready to transition into the next clip…very neat!
You know, I really feel that for mixed format A/B roll editing with
complete Toaster control, the MediaEditor/T-Rexx package is impossible to
equal for anywhere near the price. I am really happy with this package
because I find it easy to use, remarkably accurate, and even fun to use.
Did I really say that editing is fun? Maybe I've not been getting enough
sleep… Good luck in your editing and don't forget to pass along any
tips for using T-Rexx and MediaEditor together that you may discover.
Tom
Yes I bought the GVP Multi I/O port. I have the TBCIV running from it and
the Mediaphile serial connect to the AMiga port.
I wanted to use the exact frame from the end of the clip so using the
Vdeck :..
!Player A:(Search Fr#, Pause)
The still mode on the VDeck is very stable. In fact I do not see any
difference visually between it and a freeze from the TBC while in play
mode.
Yes the freezing of the frame and just holding it in DV1 or 2 sure works
faster than actually saving it as a Framestore. Esp since I don't intend
to use that particular FS again anyway. I just overwrite it with the next
transition Freeze.
I agree on the package. At first I was overwhelmed by the MediaPhile
system. But I only have $200 invested in it and $109 in the GVP port and
$120 in the TREXX pro ver 2.1. TREXx pro to me is a must. It really makes
this sing…
Be talking to you.
Rocky
Jerry,
I envy you your multiple I/O port card. Unfortunately, I have long since
run out of slots for cards in my A4000 — the lack of enough slots for
adding cards is a major problem with the A4000. I even have my TBC IV's
mounted in an external case (Toaster Toolbox) because in my A4000 I have a
GVP SCSI card, a Toaster 4000 card, and the DPS Personal Component Adapter
card –and that's it. I am out of slots.
My Sony 801 also produces a nice still frame, but I don't think it's
quite as good as I get by grabbing the still frame on the fly with
the TBC IV. There appears to be a little color shift and image
degradation in the still frame on the 801. It's been a long time
since I have actually done fake A/B rolls since I usually am editing
footage shot with two camcorders and almost always do actual A/B
rolls from one source to the other. I have not had the pleasure of
seeing the VDeck in action and it sounds like your solution of
grabbing the still frame with the VDeck and using DV1 or DV2 for
temporary storage until the transition has been completed is working
well for you.
I agree totally with you that T-Rexx Pro is essential to do efficient
and versatile editing using MediaEditor and the Toaster. I can't
imagine doing without it.
The Mediaphile editing system is an amazingly economical approach to
true A/B roll editing. The program is rather intimidating to set up
and get into, but once you are over that part of the learning curve,
it is a pleasure to see the things you can do in editing with this
package and the Toaster. In terms of the cost, nothing else is even
close. My only complaint with the MediaPhile products is that tech
support for the package is almost non-existent. I have never called
Interactive Microsystems without actually giving them more
information than they gave me. Because of the complexity of
MediaEditor, it is a product that really cries out for good tech
support.
Good luck with your editing.
FYI, I have MediaPhile connected to my Outboard Amiga serial port and
my Personal V-Scope connected via the internal serial port connection
on my 2000. I don't know if the 4000 also has this feature.
Brian,
Thanks for the info. I don't know if this is possible on the A4000 or
not.
Probably is, but I like using the RC-2000 to control the TBCIV's better
than software control. The RC-2000 allows real time color processing
control without having to flip through several screens to get to the TBC
IV software. Also I can save several complete set-up on the RC-2000 and
access them instantly. This allows very rapid changes in color processing
and video or black levels, something I have found useful.
Tom