#Opinions on Media 100?
4 messages in this thread
I'm looking for opinions and experiences from people who have used the Media
100. I'm looking at it for editing short (30-minutes or shorter) political
pieces. It would probably be used most for 30- and 60-second TV spots.
I have talked to a dealer about the component version running on a Power Mac
8100, with 80 megs of RAM, 17.5 gig disk array, 9 gig internal drive and
version 2.0 of the Media 100 software. I would probably be using a UVW-1800 as
the disk.
I would appreciate any insight into the strengths and weaknesses of the system
in relation to others. Also, are there any things I should be sure to get or
not get with it? I've also looked at the VideoCube, but I'm leaning toward the
Media 100 because of better host hardware (8100 vs. 7100; 80 megs RAM vs. less
for the Cube) and allegedly better picture quality. They tell me the finished
tape is the same as second-generation Beta SP. What do you think?
Thanks in advance for your help.
David
Make sure you get true pricing from Data Translation re: "add-ons" they tend
to say that they are under 9K but you don't get video effects (dissolves,
wipes…), titling, audio mixing, edl output, and many other features for the
9K.
Also make sure that if you get the power Mac that it is not running "under
emulation" as stated in the January issue of POST mag from the Pres. of Data
Translation.
If it's running "under emulation," you will not get the speed you assume you
are getting with the PowerMac.
Also, please note: Quadras are no longer being manufactured by Apple. You can
only get them from outside distribution.
Mark,
Most of the points you have made about Media 100 are inaccurate.
The base Media 100 system is $8995. This includes the Media 100 card set (2
NuBus cards) and the base Media 100 2.0 software. This allows you to edit up
to 80KB/frame video and 4 tracks of CD-quality audio in real time. It also
includes a fast cross dissolve effect (4x real-time), fast interpolated motion
effects, and it will overlay static titles/graphics created outside Media 100
with an application such as Adobe Photoshop. This system is quite usable and
can be used to produce professional broadcast quality video – on-line. There
are additional cost options (FX, EDL, CG, POWER, and HDR) which provide
features such as additional effects, EDLs, CG, draft mode/redigitize, and
ultra-high quality video. Component (Y,Y-R,Y-B) video in/out is also an
option. We also have several option bundles which have very attractive
pricing.
Media 100 2.0 is Accelerated for Power Macintosh (ie. native) and has been
since it's release in Dec '94. We officially support Quadra 800/840AV/950 and
PowerMac 8100/80. On Feb 17th we will officially support the PowerMac 8100/100
and 8100/110.
Macintosh Quadras are still being produced by Apple. While the 840AV is not,
the 950 and several other lesser models still are. However, for new Mac
purchases, we recommend the PowerMac 8100 series machines for Media 100.
Please get the facts straight before discussing other's products. Thanks.
/Matt
—
Matt Kingman
Media 100 Engineering
Data Translation Inc.
Version 2.0 of Media 100 is native.