dmm@eos.UUCP (donald) (09/07/88)
A while back somebody asked about using a video tape setup to emulate a
videodisc system. Since I never saw a follow up and have come into
possesion of some docs I thought I'd post. Note: I haven't played with
these systems and will not get a chance to since they won't arrive at
my present site until after I have left. Also, there are other similar
systems available. (I don't have specific data on them.)
Please contact the manufacturers for further details since I won't be at the
above address after the summer is over, and they will no doubt be more
knowledgable and helpful.
BCD Associates, Inc.
7510 N. Broadway Extension, Suite 205
Oklahoma City, OK 73116
(405) 843-4574 or? (405) 948-1293
The BCD VideoLink 232 is a RS-232 video tape controller that provides frame
addressability using BCD's Absolute Addressing or can be configured to use
standard SMPTE time codes. Just get the command language directives out
to the RS-232 port.
unit's base list price ~$1300
Model VIPc interface board for IBM compatible PC. Interfaces with Sony,
Panasonic, and JVC videotape players and Pioneer, Sony, Magnavox, and
Sylvania videodisc players.
list price ~$1200
TeleRobotics Internatinoal, Inc.
8410 Oak Ridge Highway
Knoxville, TN 37931
(615) 690-5600
These folks have hardware and lots of software available for Macintosh
systems. The hardware is set up to interface a 512 or latter Mac with
a Sony 8mm videotape deck (2 sec accuracy) or Sony, Panasonic or Pioneer
videodisc drive (others under development). Video Builder software can also be
used with the VideoLink 232 (from BCD Associates) for a more accurate
(1/30 sec.) frame based system. The Software comes with examples and Macintalk
access.
For reviews see:
BYTE Aug '87
Applications Only, by Ezra Shipiro
Macazine Dec '87
Ted Landau
MacWorld Dec '87
Macware Reviews, by Franklin Tessler
hardware interface module $100
software Course Builder 2.1 ~$400
(Frence version of Course Builder also $100)
Video Builder 1.21 ~$700
additional device driver&cable $200
music&sound supplement $10
Whitney Educational Services
1777 Borel Place, Suite 402
San Mateo, CA 94402
(415) 341-5818
Designed for use with an AppleII in an instructional system where tape
locations are specifically registered (with possible notation).
The hardware consists of an interface card. There is additional software
for authoring and time coding.
card's list price ~$600
software's list price ~$300 (total)
Whitney also has videodisc controller,...
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From some back issue of PC World (don't know which one)
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Allen Communication
140 Lakeside Plaza II
5225 Wiley Post Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
(801) 537-7800
Universal Video Controller
Links two videotape or videodisc players to computer via RS-232 port.
list price ~$1000
Cavri Systems, Inc.
26 Trumbull St.
NewHaven, CT 06511
(203) 562-4979
Intermedia Universal Video Controller uses an RS-232 port.
Will interface with Sony and Panasonic videotape players and Pioneer 4000
videodisc players.
list price $1800
Digital Controls, Inc
555 Oakbrook Pkwy. #200
Norcross, GA 30093
(800) 441-3332
Red Max Interface
Uses an RS-232C port to interface with Sony and Panasonic videotape players
and Sony and Pioneer videodisc players. (Notice the toll free number!)
list price ~$850
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Hope this helps somebody out there.
take it easy,
donald
dmm@gatech.edu (closer to permanent)