boi@richsun.cpg.trs.reuter.com (Ken Boi) (08/23/90)
To anyone with video application knowledge (and the Toaster): I am not a video person (yet), but have an interest possibly of investing to get started in some video applications (e.g. adding titling to EXISTING videotapes). Also, I would like a framegrabber to take snapshots off of TV or videotapes. I am aware of the Toaster (NewTek), and some of its capabilities. I understand that it can perform these applications stated above. Is this a valid understanding? I am also curious as to whether, if one was to purchase the Toaster, is there a use for a separate genlock device? Does the Toaster itself perform all of the functions one gets from a good genlock device? I hear that the Toaster will be packaged with Lightwave-3D, a titling program, and a paint program, which makes its price tag (around $1600) much better of a deal. But ultimately, I want genlocking for the purpose of titling existing tapes, and the ability to framegrab off of TV.
mark@calvin..westford.ccur.com (Mark Thompson) (08/27/90)
In article <982@richsun.cpg.trs.reuter.com> boi@richsun.cpg.trs.reuter.com (Ken Boi) writes: >To anyone with video application knowledge (and the Toaster): >I am not a video person (yet), but have an interest possibly of >investing to get started in some video applications (e.g. >adding titling to EXISTING videotapes). Also, I would like >a framegrabber to take snapshots off of TV or videotapes. I >am aware of the Toaster (NewTek), and some of its capabilities. >I understand that it can perform these applications stated above. >Is this a valid understanding? I am also curious as to whether, >if one was to purchase the Toaster, is there a use for a separate >genlock device? Does the Toaster itself perform all of the >functions one gets from a good genlock device? The toaster includes a genlock, linear and chroma keyer, frame-grabber, dual frame-buffers, and a character generator. However, it expects a very stable video input. This is something your camera can create but your VCR cannot. Therefore, all VCR inputs must be first run through a Time Base Corrector before being input to the Toaster. Here are the specs I have for the Toaster: Video Standard: NTSC Inputs: 4 composite synchonous inputs (BNC) 1v p-p coherent chroma software controllable temination (75 ohm/Hi-Z) Keyed clamping DC restore Main Video Out: 1v p-p composite into 75 ohms Preview Output: 1v p-p composite into 75 ohms Refrence Video: Composite color or black burst on video input #1 Insertion Delay: 400ns Video in to Main out Sync Gen: Sync, blank, and burst internally regenerated Meets all FCC broadcast video & RS-170A specs SN ratio: >55 db Sample Rate: 14.31818 MHz Quantization: 8 bits Differential Phase: <3 degrees Lum. Bandwidth: +0/-3 db to 5 MHz Lum. Resolution: >400 lines Memory: 8 fields (expandable) Still Store: Dual outputs independently routed to switcher Stores 1, 2, 4, or 8 fields Capacity: Up to 1000 frames depending on hard disk Load Time: From RAM: <1/5 second From Hard Disk: <3 seconds Switcher: 7 inputs: External video 1-4 Digital channel 1 Digital channel 2 Matte generator Independent software control of input channel at every pixel (70ns) Linear Keyer: 16 steps @ 70ns resolution 256 steps @ 280ns resolution Dual Luminance keyer for dual threhold keying or two independant keys. Dual clip level control with 256 steps. Key input switchable to any input or digital still store. Independently selectable Preview output. Digital Effects: Arbitrary geometric remapping at 60 fps >I hear that the Toaster will be packaged with Lightwave-3D, >a titling program, and a paint program, which makes its price >tag (around $1600) much better of a deal. But ultimately, I >want genlocking for the purpose of titling existing tapes, and >the ability to framegrab off of TV. Combine the Toaster with a TBC (you can get one for around $1500 to $2000) and you will have a broadcast quality video setup that production houses would pay MANY tens of thousands of dollars for. Hope this helps! +--------------------------------------------------------------------------+ | Mark Thompson | | mark@westford.ccur.com | | ...!{decvax,uunet}!masscomp!mark Designing high performance graphics | | (508)392-2480 engines today for a better tomorrow. | +------------------------------------------------------------------------- +