Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.misc
Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!ucselx!maxc1158
From: maxc1158@ucselx.sdsu.edu (Greg Penetrante)
Subject: Re: Amiga Video Toaster for the MAC
Message-ID: <1991Apr28.084754.29484@ucselx.sdsu.edu>
Organization: San Diego State University Computing Services
References: <1991Apr23.171539.4428@cs.dal.ca> <1991Apr23.185910.1826@cunixf.cc.columbia.edu> <2236@gold.gvg.tek.com>
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 91 08:47:54 GMT

In article <2236@gold.gvg.tek.com> brandonl@gold.gvg.tek.com (Brandon Lovested) writes:
>
>It is *not* amazing, nor astounding.  In fact, it is abyssmal.  It is 
>antiquated, and requires huge efforts to get so much information across
>such a little bus. PC-based "video systems" leave a lot to be desired,
>DVI included.
>
>The VideoToaster is an Amiga, and though one could foresee yet-another-computer
>interfacing with it, one would have to question its value. Data transfer, yes,
>direct control, why?
>

Amen to that!

Despite that many people hail the Toaster as the Next Best Thing Since Sliced
Bread, it does have significant limitations for commercial and broadcast users.
I know, I know, that NuTek never really claimed that the Toaster could replace
say, a Pinnacle 2010 or Kaleidoscope or even a Kadenza. BUT: (and this is a
big butt with cheeks) I know of many fellow production company owners who have
bought the Toaster instead of scraping more dough together to buy more capable
systems... and they have been burned.  The current trend in broadcast video
production is towards COMPONENT and DIGITAL video signals and processing.
Component video simply provides for a better picture over multiple generations
than composite signals; same with digital video.

Perhaps, if NuTek would release a COMPONENT or even DIGITAL version of their
Toaster, more members of the broadcast community would embrace it. 

I may get flak for this, but I must say it: NuTek should be more explicit on
the Toaster's capabilities AND limitations. Of course, purchasing a piece of
gear that is touted to replace or accomplish what existing DVE's do is tempting;
but finding out that you CANNOT integrate this device into your existing
Betacam-SP, M-II or even S-VHS component system -- is flushing money down the
toilet.

Okay, okay, I know responsible managers would do their jobs and inquire more
deeply about the Toaster before making a final purchase decision; BUT, how
many NON-fortune-1000 companies and small businesses do that?