#What VTR Hardware???
19 messages in this thread
What is the least expensive way to go for a VTR controller. I know that the
V-Lan stuff isn't cheap. Is there any other way?. Perhaps a software only??
I have a Panasonic AG7750.
Thankns in advance.
Hi Phil,
<< ..inexpensive method of recording to a VCR?.. >>
File Info for BOARDS.ZIP
Section: Index and Info Contributor: 73172,1351 Size: 12132
Submitted: 7/12/94 Type: Binary Accesses: 156
Title: MAX/PAR/other Debate
Keys: MAX PAR VIDEO BOARD DEBATE
A PreSiggraph 94 thread debating the merits of the MAX/PAR and alternatives.
[download time at 2400 baud: 1 min]
Phil,
>> What is the least expensive way to go for a VTR controller. <<
if you have a framebuffer already (targa+, vista, or Illuminator Pro) then the
cheapest controller would probably be SoftVTR. I'm not sure how much it costs.
If you don't have the framebuffer then consider the DPS Personal Animation
Recorder for use with your vtr.
The SoftVTR lists for $995.00.
Paul S.
Paul,
>> The SoftVTR lists for $995.00. <<
don't they bundle a free copy of Topas with it for that price now? <G>.
Martin ..
I believe we have the Video Blaster or something. It is my intention to
get a Targa board. I have access to some older Targa 64's and Targa 16s … I
am wondering if they will work OK…
Phil,
>> to get a Targa board. I have access to some older Targa 64's <<
It would work with a targa "classic", but no chance with the Videoblaster.
Targa Classic? Is that a 16 or a 64 ( i guess its a Targa plus)?
Do you mean that we cannot output to Video tape with the VB?
Or do you mean that it just won't look good?
( 3D Studio and the PC are at my office. I assume that they are using the VB.
)
Phil,
the videoblaster is not a serious framebuffer for frame accurate output.
When you say 'Frame accurate'…. with respect to this frame buffer..
I mean are we talkin' color…, registration, …..???
Phil,
>> I mean are we talkin' color…, registration, …..??? <<
No, that's not what I meant. You'll just have to trust me here…you need a
framebuffer card to hold the image and a videoblaster doesn't qualify for
frame-by-frame recording. You might read some book(s) on the subject. A great
one is "Inside 3d Studio" which goes into great length on methods of outputting
to tape.
Martin.. I didn't mean to imply that I had no knowledge of framebuffer cards.
In fact…
I developed a motion analysis system for the film Alien III that used a
Targa 64, a Sony Laser Disc Recorder etc etc. I wrote an entire application
around the Targa.
I was just looking for a more in depth description of the problems with a video
blaster.
Thanks anyway.
PS.. I have Inside 3D Studio… great book.
Phil,
>> I developed a motion analysis system for the film Alien III that used a
Targa 64, a Sony Laser Disc Recorder etc etc. I wrote an entire application
around the Targa. <<
considering your excellent credentials, I'm surprised you are asking about the
Videoblaster which I believe to be a low end video-for-windows type capture
card mainly designed for making low resolution .avi files to run in Windows. If
that's your application then it might work. I looked at a few of these type
cards to see if they had what it took to capture/playback high-quality video
and none of them came close.
Instead I bought a DPS PAR (Personal Animation Recorder), the optional capture
board (TBCiv) and a special, dedicated 1gb hardrive. For around $3000 this
setup allows me to capture and playback video and animations at 752×480 60
fields per second and output to composite, s-video, and component (betaSP or
MII). It's a great device and the cheapest of it's kind.
Understood…
If you remember.. this started when you said that the VB wasn't 'frame
accurate'. Problem is.. these guys here already had the video blaster before. I
haven't even looked at the card or any data on it. To me.. anything with the
word 'BLASTER' in it probably isn't a pro product!
The PAR seems to be the preferred device. I am also looking at the
Soft Vtr / Targa combo. Any thoughts on that? I really don't go for the
dedicated drive thing although my DAWs are like that. I mean a 1Gig IDE can be
had for about $400 (caviar). I have a bunch here and a SCSI 1 gigs.
How fast does PARs drive have to be?
Phil:
>> I have access to some older Targa 64's and Targa 16s … I am wondering
>> if they will work OK.
They will work fine, the Targa 64 much better, though, the Targa 16 was only 16
bits deep, it may show some banding. If you have access to both, go for the
64!
Greg Pyros
THANKS!! I will try to get the 64!!
I just happen to have SoftVTR and a Visionetics VIGA +64 I am trying to sell.
E-mail me for a very reasonable price quote.
Hi, I have used both Drastic Technologies Animation Commander, and Diaquests'
DQ422+. cost 495 and 2k respectively.
Bill
Thanks bill!!