CompuServe Thread

#Digital Video Effects

6 messages in this thread
#44799From: Stephen SponagleDec 20, 1994 12:11 PM
It could be that NewTek wants to do a better job than the old JPEG standby that most of the non-linear systems employ. This, and the fact that Windows is new territory for NewTek could be what is delaying them. Concerning motion effects, find out if the Video Machine does them in real time, like the Toaster. Most systems have to render out motion effects, which can take many hours just to do a simple tumble or perspective shrink. When you're talking of Toaster DVE quality, you must compare to equivalent machines such as Ampex ADO (which there is no comparison either price or quality) But, for many, Toaster is good enough, considering that the effects happen quick enough that the artifacts are not that noticable. -Steve
#44818From: Rick FigleyDec 21, 1994 8:58 AM
The DVE's on the FAST Video Machine are flawless in REAL time. I saw the system demonstrated at STS Electronics on Ft. Lauderdale. They advertize in all the video mags. They are the largest dealer in the country. They used to sell the toaster but don't anymore. They showed the effects in real time and you could control it manually, like on th toaster but with no noticeable artifacting. Only the normal warping of the video image as it moves in and out at an angle. The quality is excellent.
#44824From: Vance SchowalterDec 21, 1994 11:32 AM
And as I recall, FAST costs more than the Toaster, too. So, I would expect better DVE's. *8^) -= Vance =- Image Master Internet: viking@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca
#44829From: Barry W. LawrensenDec 21, 1994 5:00 PM
And, FAST has built-in sync on the board: separate TBC's aren't needed, but it does cost more than a Toaster. PMFJI, I was considering FAST before I bought a used Toaster about 2 months ago, but the FAST costs a lot more if you don't have the PC already. And compatibility problems can come up in the PC: specific video cards, etc. From my post in the FAST section of Multimedia Vendors B forum, one user e-mailed me his six-month frustration in getting a FAST system to work properly, with a lot of extra money spent on a new video card, more memory, and lots of other problems. If you're serious, I might tell you more of what his complaints were by e-mail. Don't get me wrong: I think I would love the FAST system. But the Toaster is a much more complete package. The FAST doesn't even include any of its own PAINT or CG software (or certainly not Lightwave); only "support" for other Windows products for titling or paint. It does have machine control; it was just more than I could spend for a real-time switcher, which I think the Toaster is easier to use for. Barry
#44836From: henry tellerDec 21, 1994 10:42 PM
PMFJI – But I'm a dealer and have been considering the FAST as a system to support PC and Mac owners who can't bring themselves to buy an Amiga. The prices I've seen, using the Video Machine Lite – seem to suggest that the package, delivering less than the Toaster, also costs quite abit less. I would certainly appreciate any user input you might have. We pride ourselves in delivering systems customer can make money with, so I'm wondering if our evaluation of the FAST is not complete. Any information would be appreciated. Hank Hank/Videology All the P.O.M.P. under all Circumstances
#44883From: Stephen SponagleDec 27, 1994 1:04 PM
The FAST Video Machine sounds impressive! Perhaps it is better than the Toaster because it is more like "second generation". The Toaster is probably limited by its original design. If they were to start again from ground zero, it would probably be artifact free in the DVEs. Just like everything else electronics… it gets better and cheaper! -Steve