CompuServe Thread

#Genlocks

14 messages in this thread
#3546From: Jim MoncherDec 14, 1990 7:35 AM
I am thinking of getting starting in Desktop video. What you you suggest in the way of a genlock and Software. Thanks in advance JIM
#3588From: Peter GreciDec 15, 1990 3:07 AM
Get a Video toaster from Newtek,not only is it a genlock it also does 128 Digital effects,has 2 24 bit color frame buffers and I believe a Frame grabber all for $1495,oh yea I think it also has 2 meg of video ram
#3599From: Pete GouldDec 15, 1990 9:34 AM
Careful, Peter — there are some requirements for using the Toaster that you'd better explain — like if you're using it in postproduction, you need a timebase corrector for any inputs to the Toaster from video tape. A tbc costs AT LEAST another $1500 in addition to the cost of the Toaster. Pete
#3632From: Peter GreciDec 16, 1990 12:37 PM
Yer right bro,But for what I plan on using it for is simply to output my Animations to Tape and add DVE's to it,period.I don't do filming at all which is stupid considering I spent alotta $$$ on a 8 mm Camcorder from Sony.Thanx for the advice tho,but I already knew about the TBC Also if yer using a LD as yer source the TBC is not needed
#3670From: Pete GouldDec 16, 1990 10:50 PM
Fair enough. I'm just always concerned about other people reading messages and making purchasing decisions without having all the facts… Pete
#3692From: Jim BroekDec 17, 1990 12:45 PM
Pete, If you use One tape (or video) input into the Toaster, in order to Genlock Amiga Graphics onto the video a Time Base Corrector is needed? I was under the impression that the TBC was needed ONLY if you planned on using TWO video inputs that had to be in sync. Thanks, Jim
#3693From: Pete GouldDec 17, 1990 1:43 PM
Jim, For the definitive answer, contact Rad Moose in the Newtek section of the AmigaVendor forum. However, my understanding is that ANY tape inputs into the Toaster must be timebase corrected, even if there's only one. This is apparently due to the fact that the Toaster is particularly sensitive to sync instability, and absolutely cannot handle uncorrected tape input. Pete
#3748From: Jim BroekDec 18, 1990 11:35 AM
Thanks Pete, The need for a TBC for even ONE video input severly limits the Toaster's Usefulness for folks on a budget. Is it just me, or does this limitation make the Toaster a non-complete item? Obviously without a TBC, the Toaster can only do a fraction of the funtions it's capable of. Later, Jim
#3756From: Pete GouldDec 18, 1990 5:06 PM
That's one of the reasons I haven't bought one. Pete
#3764From: Jim SteeleDec 18, 1990 8:08 PM
Jim, I've been playing with a store demo Toaster for a few weeks. You definitely need a TBC on any tape unit. We tried consumer VHS decks, a couple of 3/4" decks and an 8mm unit. On the other hand, camera inputs are OK. For grins, I hooked up an Amiga 3000 as a source- it worked fine. Without a TBC you could do your effects live with two cameras or with one camera and a still frame. Some people think the character generator alone is worth the price of the Toaster. We've made a few bucks recording title pages for people.
#3739From: Peter GreciDec 18, 1990 2:15 AM
I see what ya mean,but before ya spend that kinda $$$ on anything it's good to ask yer own questions and if possible get a demonstration of the gizmo s
#3600From: Douglas FleischmanDec 15, 1990 9:49 AM
Then the Video Toaster can be considered a 24 bit video board for the Amiga? If this is true (and I think it is), then I am getting a toaster as soon as they can make it physically compatible with the A3000 (my machine here). Sorry for breaking into the conversation, but I have had interest in the toaster from day one and now think it could be just what I will looking for!
#3633From: Peter GreciDec 16, 1990 12:41 PM
No problem Bro,I believe the Toaster is a true 24 bit color board,tho if ya have the 3000 the fit is a problem.Ya might be better off getting the Colorburst gadget I saw in last month's AmigaWorld it's $495 and is touted as a TRUE 24 Bit board.No genlock or DVE's built in but if ya don't need em and just want the 24 bit parrt it's a better way to go,espescially if ya already own a good quality Genlock already
#3639From: Douglas FleischmanDec 16, 1990 2:38 PM
So far, I haven't gotten a Genlock or a good video digitizer, so I think the Toaster will work real well for all my needs. It will be tough, but I think I will wait until the A3000 style Toaster comes out. Thanks for the info.