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From: smiley@gcc.uucp (Wise men still seek Him)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.amiga,comp.sys.mac.misc
Subject: Re: Fantastic video switcher card being shown at Mac World!
Message-ID: <348@gcc.uucp>
Date: 2 Feb 91 09:57:59 GMT
References: <1408@tardis.Tymnet.COM>
Organization: Grove City College, Grove City, PA
Lines: 44

In article <1408@tardis.Tymnet.COM>, jms@tardis.Tymnet.COM (Joe Smith) writes:
...
> report featured close-ups of New Tek's Video Toaster.  For only $1600,
> the Video Toaster provides a 4-input/2-output video switcher/genlock with
> character generator and 24-bit paint program.
> 
> The reporter did not make it clear that you have to have an Amiga 2000
> for the Toaster to plug in to.
> 

I have had the opportunity for a "hands-on" demonstration of Newtek's
Video Toaster.  It is, in a word, astonishing.

The device is a card that plugs into an Amiga 2000 series computer.  It will
not fit into the 3000s at this time.  I understand that work is underway to
remedy that problem.

The Video Toaster accepts four NTSC inputs and creates NTSC output.  It expects
that the sources are all genlocked to offer all of its features.

It functions as a digital video effects switcher, manually or timed switching.
Those $50K effects that you've seen on TV where the page appears to turn
or the video frame flips and rolls from the corners - the Toaster can do!

It functions as a 24 bit paint program - all of the expected features and
a nice display.

It functions as a character generator - crawls, text effects (like chrome and
gold), again, very nice appearance.

It functions as a genlock.  Using it exclusively as a genlock is a waste of
resource (after all, you're going to pay $1600), and is not the Toaster's
strong point.

Super product, rivals several expensive pieces of industrial video gear (it
will hold 400 lines of resolution, great for Super-VHS and ED-Beta, but not
1"!).  Plan to have lots of memory in your 2000 series machine, better
performance on a 2500.

These opinions are my own, based upon personal observation and salesman
provided information.  This may not reflect the technical details provided
by Newtek.

Jim Smiley