Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!ukma!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!ucbvax!TACOM-EMH2.ARMY.MIL!GJACKSON
From: GJACKSON@TACOM-EMH2.ARMY.MIL
Newsgroups: comp.sys.sgi
Subject: Re: Transfer Personal IRIS images to VCR
Message-ID: <8911131423.aa09791@SMOKE.BRL.MIL>
Date: 13 Nov 89 19:25:18 GMT
Sender: daemon@ucbvax.BERKELEY.EDU
Organization: The Internet
Lines: 48


     The recording of graphics from the Iris to a VCR involves
several pieces of equipment.  If you are interested in creating
animations by recording the graphics frame by frame and then
playing back in real time, here is what you will need:
     a)  A color encoder or an RGB scan converter.  The color
encoder combines a ntsc compatible RGB signals (640 X 483 pixels,
30Hz interlaced) into a single ntsc output signal.  This hardware
will work fine if you are able to change the high resolution (1280
X 1024 pixels, 60Hz non-interlaced) RGB monitor outputs to the ntsc
compatible RGB via software control.  A reasonably good color
encoder costs about $2000.  If you cannot change the RGB outputs
or absolutely require the higher resolution, you are forced to get
a real-time digital scan converter.  This device runs about $18000.
Either device gives you a recordable ntsc output
signal.
     b)  The second device you will need is a frame by frame
animation controller.  These typically costs about $6000.  This
piece requires the use of an RS232 port from the computer.  On cue
from the computer, the controller controls the editing functions
of the VCR to insert a single frame onto the video tape.
     c)  The next thing you need is a VCR that is compatible to the
controller in item b).  These are not your typical "home" models.
They have to be editing decks.  The low end of the capable 3/4 inch
systems costs about $6000.
     d)  You asked about the need for a Genlock.  It depends on the
quality of video you expect.  You could get away without one for
awhile and still get reasonable animations (not broadcast quality).
The best general solution for this is to get a black burst
generator.
     I give these as just one solution for a possible animation
station configuration.  The right solution for you really depends
on your exact needs in this technology.
     There is a corporation now forming that is going into the
business of scientific and engineering visualization.  Part of
their business plan includes providing others the service of
setting up animation stations like the one I just described (there
seems to be only a handful of experienced people able to provide
this).  The corporation is to be called Visual Computing Group.
Today its services can be obtained via James Banister of Animated
Technologies Incorporated, phone (213)675-0770.  Tell him Gerry
told you to call.
     Hope this was helpful ... Gerry
Gerald Jackson                *  If you know exactly what it is
US Army TACOM                 *  you are doing, how much it costs
Attn: AMSTA-RYA               *  and when it will be done, then
Warren, MI  48397-5000        *  you really can't call it
ph. (313)574-5032             *  research, can you ?!?