HD VT4 will it won't it??? [Archive]

UnCommonGrafx

11-29-2004, 11:42 AM

BlueIsland,
Your questions will only truly get answered by we users.

Does it do it? Dunno, never tried. The specs say that the OLD board can do HDV so, a 64 bit board leaves one to imagine the best.

Now, clarify whether you really mean HD or HDV. There are multitudes of dollar differences in the two specs.

If you need it tomorrow, buy it elsewhere. Otherwise, continue making money with what you have and buy it when NewTek releases the goods. My bet is on NAB.

Ivan

11-29-2004, 11:46 AM

Robert,

I have never seen the specs that indicate that the old board would do HDV, where did you see this? I do agree with you about an NAB release but you wisely left out the year as am I. ;)

Ivan

UnCommonGrafx

11-29-2004, 11:54 AM

Good one, Ivan.
But I want to win the bet so I'll put "2005" on the year. I'm brave. {stupid when it comes to gambling, though. :eek: }

In my conversations with Bob and in seeing that the new hdv camera is using minidv tapes as it's format. To that end, it's just a bit more needy than DV so it should be under the 22mb/sec Full Res spec the board needs to process video.
Technically speaking, as I said, we could do hdv now, no problem. The problem has always been on the OUTPUT side. Everything but that is scaleable.

Jim_C

11-29-2004, 11:55 AM

Does it do it? Dunno, never tried. The specs say that the OLD board can do HDV so, a 64 bit board leaves one to imagine the best.

VTPro is not 64-bit but is 66MHz (VT-X board was 33MHz).

UnCommonGrafx

11-29-2004, 12:09 PM

Appreciate the correction.

eon5

11-29-2004, 02:55 PM

HDV Plugin for VT4 will opens path for new Sony HD camcorders.

http://images.digitalmedianet.com/2004/Week_48/v65i736w/story/vegas_cineformapplet.jpg
Sony 's version of the CineForm ConnectHD capture tool

http://images.digitalmedianet.com/2004/Week_48/v65i736w/story/vegashdv_prefs.jpg
The preferences dialog box gives you a choice of capturing to straight MPEG transport stream (MPEG-2 TS) -- the native HDV format, a combination of MPEG-2 TS and the CineForm codec, or the CineForm codec alone. It also offers you the option of scene detection on capture and more.

a Beta version is currently available for download from CineForm’s site located at
http://www.cineform.com/products/DownloadCHDBetaDone.htm

HDV will soon show that DV’s past is yet a prologue to the new world of HDTV for everyone.

ScorpioProd

11-30-2004, 11:37 AM

Realize, HDV itself would make NO use of the VT Card, so that's a moot point.

HDV would simply use a firewire card. The best way to do it, IMHO, is with the ConnectHD codec from CineForm, as Sony is currently doing with Vegas 5.

So, if Newtek can open up the VT[4] pipe in software to HD resolutions and frame rates, license the codec as Sony is doing, we'll be set.

As for high-end HD, no, I don't feel that the VT[4] Pro card will be able to deal with it. The reason being that a 32-bit/66MHz card is a lot less bandwidth than a 64-bit/66MHz card. I frankly can't imagine why Newtek didn't go with a 64-bit card, but that was their choice.

So I would expect that when they decide to do uncompressed HD, there will be a new card required.

So, the choice in upgrading now is simple:

IF you do LIVE work that needs the new VT[4] hardware, get it. If you're only doing NLE work like me, just get the VT[4] software upgrade, cause it really is a good upgrade, and definately worth the money.

blueisland

11-30-2004, 05:13 PM

thank you eugene. You've answered my question. I use vt3 for nle so I will go with the software upgrade and wait and see.

ted

11-30-2004, 05:28 PM

My guess is that NewTek wanted to add some more power to VT before going to HD that the original card couldn't do. (Dang, think how long Tim's original card produced. That's impressive). :)
I think a new card was needed to make VT everything NewTek wanted for VT-SD.

I'm guessing that as time goes by, the software will push the VT-Pro card farther. I purchased just to stay on top of the curve, and to help NewTek. ;)

I'm hoping that by NAB, we'll see at least a prototype VT-HD available. (Not just vaporware! :eek:

By NAB, I think many of us who have not jumped in, will have to start planning our HD purchases. I certainly hope NewTek has a product for us.
Man, I'm going to HATE to buy all that storage for HD! :(

Jim Capillo

11-30-2004, 05:53 PM

C'mon Ted - you've got it ! ;) :p

Seriously though, all this is conjecture - nothing has been officially announced, denied or mentioned. As best as I can remember, there are a couple of unused connectors on the VT card that could be used for "new stuff". NAB next year would suit me fine, as I plan to attend (Ted owes me about 10 beers over the years :eek: :D ) and maybe spend some money. Maybe.... :p My friends know how tight I am.

Should be nice, though.

ScorpioProd

11-30-2004, 08:10 PM

Jim Capillo

12-01-2004, 12:41 AM

I have no doubt there are new tricks as yet unrevealed in the new card's hardware, but the laws of physics tell me that real-time uncompressed HD switching isn't one of them simply based on the bandwidth of the card.

I'll be at NAB as well, and I'll be happy with HDV support, which I will need at that point.

Hehehe...... I'm not betting anything against these guys. Remember the OT ? (Original Toaster)

Who would've believed it could do what it did ?

:D

eon5

12-01-2004, 09:31 AM

HDV would simply use a firewire card. The best way to do it, IMHO, is with the ConnectHD codec from CineForm, as Sony is currently doing with Vegas 5.

So, if Newtek can open up the VT[4] pipe in software to HD resolutions and frame rates, license the codec as Sony is doing, we'll be set.

EXACTLY ! :cool:

And I'll be happy (too) with HDV support, which I will need at that point. :D

ted

12-01-2004, 03:29 PM

[QUOTE=Jim Capillo]C'mon Ted - you've got it ! ;) :p
(Ted owes me about 10 beers over the years :eek: :D )

Jim, I thought I made it clear that I DID buy the VT4 Card as well as the New SX-8. Maybe not though, so yes I did buy in.

And as for those beers, I think you owe me a handfull also, so If I finally get to meet you after all these years, we'll just get each other drunk, and take advantage of each other! :eek: :p

Jim Capillo

12-01-2004, 03:54 PM

[QUOTE=Jim Capillo]C'mon Ted - you've got it !
(Ted owes me about 10 beers over the years )

Jim, I thought I made it clear that I DID buy the VT4 Card as well as the New SX-8. Maybe not though, so yes I did buy in.

LOL ! :eek:

I was talking about your statement about buying the HD drives........

[QUOTE=Jim Capillo]C'mon Ted - you've got it !
(Ted owes me about 10 beers over the years )

And as for those beers, I think you owe me a handfull also, so If I finally get to meet you after all these years, we'll just get each other drunk, and take advantage of each other! :eek: :p

Yeah, I've heard that about you redheads.......... :D :p :eek:

ottis41

12-03-2004, 06:59 PM

I would also like to know the answer to that question, i am purchasing a Sony HDW 730s HDCAM Camcorder and sure would like to use it in VT Edit, or on the VT swicher live.
My guys say i have to get an Avid or Final cut.. I say no, i am a VT user and a Sony Vegas user.
I have customers asking for HD, and i want to deliver the way i always deliver, and i am not about to buy a Macintosh G5 or a $20.000 Avid , I have $12.000.00 Toaster and want to keep it that way.
Come on Newtek, blow them all out of the water and lets go HD.

blueisland

12-06-2004, 04:44 AM

I think it would be nice to hear from Newtek what the game plan is. If for nothing more than confidence. I understand why they like to keep quite about when they might release products but maybe there is a compromise way of doing this. I don't know if avid or final cut have HD out yet but you can be sure their customers will know that their companies are working on these major developments. The Toaster is a great machine and it has a very loyal base, I won't be buying anything else myself but some form of Toaster news would he helpful.

Paul Lara

12-06-2004, 07:36 AM

rbartlett

12-07-2004, 04:45 AM

I'd suggest that a way to compromise would be to, if HD is on the road map for upto 12 or 18 months away, to help us worrying by declaring how it will be marketed ASAP.

I don't think much damage will occur to the current expansion in VT ownership by announcing that when it comes it will be an add-on or extra to the SD VT platform.

Perhaps it won't be realtime, or realtime-all-of-the-time (in both cases, a la VT1.0x). However acq and delivery might be realtime in the taped media mode and as good as better than realtime when cuts only from DDR to rendered disc files.

Like Eugene W Kosarovich points out. (to paraphrase him) It is apparent that VT-Edit is nearly HD capable already. In that it can take low compressed AVI at HD resolution. It can scale and play-out in SD quite adequately (if the overall bitrate of the source isn't too different to the D1 counterparts). So the change is to increase the "pipelines" max native res., scaler and 3d positioner, keyer and redo the supplied DVEs in HD resolution. Unfortunately that DVE creation work could mean 18+ DVE resolutions/fielding combinations and double that if NewTek do PAL and NTSC frame rates. Beta membership could require that members offer their CPUs screamernet the effort......

Then there is the issue of the interface used for acquisition and play-out. (for which I'd really like to see an external box that connected to a dedicated GigEth (or 10GigEth) port, but then that is a personal quest). Folks could then buy SDI, YUV, RGB, DVI-D, HDMI, Japanese analogue D4/D5 or firewire(DV25,DV100,HDV19, HDV25) sub interfaces for such an external box. The number of main/preview busses could also be adaptable. These aspects could be secret of course. ;)

e.g.
In San Antonio Tx, NewTek Inc announced today that they will be progressing their product line-up with the following new additions in due course:
VT[4]
VT[4]+HD
then VT[5]+HD-Live!
It is expected that those items not already available will be released....... WHEN THEY'RE DONE. :P

Or something like that...!

blueisland

12-07-2004, 05:26 AM

It is not easy I know to develop software and have everyone snapping that they want it to do this and that. Also when its released everyone complains about price but the problem is that the broadcast market is so fragmented that trying to guess the next couple of years is really hard for us all, this is not helped by companies like Sony who have a good 7 or 8 formats its pushing at the moment. What would be reassuring is that the NLE company we choose is letting us know where its going, :rolleyes:a sort of state of the nation statement, without dates of release :eek: . I can not go out tomorrow and buy a HD camera but it seems sony are going with HDV to replace DV, once this hits we'll have to put our hands in pockets again. I'm not trying to be critical of Newtek but if I was buying a NLE system now I would go with those companies who have declared they have or will have HDV or HDTV options. The Toaster is brilliant, the software and board do everything I want and when useful plugging like LWConnect come a long it makes it even better. Tell everyone how great it is and whats in the pipeline, its basic marketing in this trade to make customers feel they are dealing with a company that has it's fingers on the pulse and will be there when the market changes. Conversely I understand Newtek do not want to get burnt promising something and not getting it out on time, but I can be patient and so can my customers but some direction would help.

Jim Capillo

12-07-2004, 07:43 AM

One thing pretty much in common in most all of these comments is that Newtek has been an innovative technological leader throughout the years - personally, I expect that to continue, whether announced or not. Years ago, they absolutely blindsided the industry with the release of the OT (Original Toaster). It took months for everyone to ramp up desktop video production units. Nowadays, it is much harder to catch the competition by surprise...... Newtek is still a very small fish in a big ocean. They obviously don't have the resources of a Sony, Avid, Adobe et al.

Relax.

Keeping in mind that no one from Newtek or any of their resellers has told me anything, I'll go out on a limb and predict that at some point, you'll be able to edit HD(V) on your VT. When ? I haven't a clue. But it doesn't make sense for NT to get left behind in such an important format war.

Why would they ?

Patience is a virtue - Good things come to those who wait - Keep the faith, man..... :D :p :)

ScorpioProd

12-07-2004, 12:51 PM

I agree with Jim, it would be simply dumb of Newtek not to add support for HDV and HD, and Newtek isn't dumb.

BUT, I do feel it's important that we all keep prodding them on this, because as I have pointed out before, they frankly did miss out on the DV revolution. And HDV is a very, very similar revolution happening NOW. Newtek certainly has led SOME revolutions, but it has followed behind some as well.

As for "what would I suggest as the compromise", well, that's pretty simple really.

For companies that don't have an HDV or HD solution out yet but that HAVE announced, what have they said? They have NOT given out any ship dates. They have simply stated that they are working on HDV and/or HD support and it will be in their next release.

What could be simpler? I can't imagine another full release of VT without HDV support at least, since that's the easiest one to add, so it sounds like a safe bet to me. And HDV definately wouldn't need ANY new hardware. It's reasonable to expect that uncompressed HD support and/or real-time support, MAY require new hardware, but that's certainly not something that needs to be stated at this point in time.

ted

12-07-2004, 04:40 PM

I'm guessing there will be some sort of HD announcement at NAB. (I hope).

But I also hope NT doesn't do as some suggest and say HD is on the horizon if it's 12 to 18 months out. If it's more then 3 months out, I'd hope they would at most, HONESTLY say, "we are working on a professional HD solution, but no ship date is being announced".

You gotta realize, if a company, due to pressure, goes out with vaporware, it will hurt them long term. We've all seen it countless times. Especially at NAB.

If you got it, market it. If not, wait until you are ready.
So, while I also want NT to have a HD solution for market presence, I don't want them to burn themselves either.

ScorpioProd

12-07-2004, 10:16 PM

And I don't want them to get burned from not announcing ANYTHING when everyone else is. There's a big perception issue there.

I don't think anyone would realistically expect VT[5] to be launched at NAB. One only has to look to history to see upgrade life cycles.

And again, as I said, I never said to suggest any ship date if there isn't one, just that it is in the plan for the next full upgrade.

robewil

12-07-2004, 11:25 PM

I think I see Newtek's point of view on this.

If Newtek simply stated "Yes, we are working on an HD solution." as some are suggesting, the inevitable floodgates will open. Newtek will have to brace itself for users clogging the forums with:

"Why won't they tell us more?"
"If that's all they can say, it must be a long way from shipping."
"If I purchase VT[4] today, do I get a free update when VTHD comes out?"
"What computer specs are required?"
"Why isn't Newtek saying anything more?"
"Which Lightwave will ship with it?"
"Will it do everything FCP, Premiere Pro, and Vegas does?"
"This is why Newtek sucks. They don't communicate with their customers."
"Will Bob Tasa's plug-ins work with it?"
"Do I need a special monitor to handle high definition?"
"For the love of god, why isn't Newtek saying anything more?"
Basically, no good will come from it. People will not buy the current VT[4], they won't buy plug-ins, current users will say they got screwed, and rumors will get spread and the statement will be used out of context. Saying nothing is probably the smartest thing to do.

ScorpioProd

12-08-2004, 12:51 AM

There are those that believe in the Kobayashi Maru, and those that don't.

Consider me in the latter group.

Jim Capillo

12-08-2004, 05:53 AM

There are those that believe in the Kobayashi Maru, and those that don't.

And if you remember, Kirk changed the condition of the simulation to find a solution. Innovative thinking changed the ultimate outcome.

Maybe we can expect that from Newtek again....... ;)

robewil

12-08-2004, 10:59 AM

There are those that believe in the Kobayashi Maru, and those that don't.

Consider me in the latter group.That goes for me as well. I hope it's understood that my statements above indicate why I believe Newtek is avoiding a "no win situation" by remaining silent.

ScorpioProd

12-08-2004, 11:40 AM

Well, Newtek has their policy and that's that.

I just think that there is more FUD generated by being silent than by saying anything. I don't claim that saying anything is an entirely easy path, just that it is better than the alternative.

I'd hate to see people not considering VT or leaving VT just cause there is no official HD and HDV path.

Rich Deustachio

12-08-2004, 03:01 PM

Although I have always supported NewTek, I am not married to NewTek and when I am ready for an HDV/HD editing solution and NewTek has nothing to offer I will go elsewhere to spend my money. If they can't see how important it is to tell existing and future customers that they are working on and will have HD/HDV capabilities in a reasonable time frame it is there loss.

I wouldn't expect them to commit to an exact date, but a 6 - 8 month time frame isn't too much to ask.

nelsonm

12-08-2004, 05:12 PM

Hello all,

You know... there are so many things changing so fast and the market is so finicky that i don't blame Newtek for keeping silent.

Just look - 1080p is starting to come out just barely a year after many of us bought into 720p. The same thing could be said about the dvd format. Now those of us who purchased dvd duplicators will have to shell out again in just a few months for the hddvd or blueray burners.

However i would have prefered that Newtek continued to upgrade VT3 while working on a HD version of VT4.

But as always... customer demand will drive your next purchase for an NLE, VTHD or otherwise.

ScorpioProd

12-09-2004, 12:49 AM

You mean 1080i. :)

But see, that's part of the solid design of the HDV spec. 720p and 1080i are BOTH part of the existing spec. NOTHING in HDV has changed. This is simply like doing MPEG-2 encoding at a different resolution. Both are automatically supported in the spec. Hence all the companies that came out with HDV 720p NLE solutions are set with support for 1080i. Unless they are silly like JVC and refuse to support 1080i.

John Perkins

12-09-2004, 10:16 AM

Since there is no consumer format for playing HDV (tapes, DVD, etc.) and stations don't take HD of any kind yet, HDV is WAY down the list of my needs. Yes, if you are doing a national commercial or show you could use it, but then you would have a budget for real HD.

The consumer formats are still years from introduction and a few more before the players get any marketshare. I think NT is making the right choice in waiting and focusing on other, more pressing problems and features. (NDF, 24p SD and batch capture come to mind...)

The only reason I see to use HDV at this point is for cleaner source to be downsampled to SD for output. Honestly, I don't think that the VT scaler is clean enough to make this worthwhile even with the new improved VT4 version. PIP on SD material is still too jagged to use in most cases, IMHO.

I guess my addition to the wishlist is still better scaling and HDV source to SD output support.

Jim_C

12-09-2004, 10:25 AM

Well in the meantime there are many people looking for HDV editing software and not buying the VT because of it's lack of support or nod to support in the future.

JReble

12-09-2004, 11:33 AM

I think the first response to this thread is still the best. "Not at this time." A better answer would have been "no".

If you need/want an HD editor, go get one. VT3-4 does not. I don't know why in the heck anyone wants NewTek to say they're working on it so you can wait around complaining about not having it yet. The present product does not. When they have a product that does, you can buy it then, or you can buy something else now. Honestly, it ain't that confusing. Here's a newsflash: When NewTek's business plan dictates they need be selling an HD editor, they'll sell an HD editor. They're most likely developing something now. Telling anyone they're working on it ain't gonna make the slightest difference on when it is available or how it works. Soooo...take it from me...They're working on an HD editor. There's also a company in the southwestern US working on a matter transporter device. Feel better yet?
:rolleyes:

Jim Capillo

12-09-2004, 11:45 AM

Uh-huh ! :D

Jim_C

12-09-2004, 12:02 PM

I don't know why in the heck anyone wants NewTek to say they're working on it so you can wait around complaining about not having it yet.

And how will it be different from these complaints of no word at all?

They are ignoring these questions of "Will It?" now. By stating yes it will SOMETIME in the future all they will be doing is opening up to new questions to ignore. They will just have "When It?" questions to ignore, but at least those who would like to wait on a Newtek soultion will know they can.

It's not that hard to comprehend. VT is a favorite editor of many. Many are looking for a HDV upgrade, Many want to know if Newtek even recognizes HDV exists or if they plan on supporting it in the future.

So someone wants an HDV editor, they ditch there beloved VT, sell it to get another editor that does HDV now. In x months Newtek drops a HDV unannounced bomb on the public. The now pissed off editor says well if I would have realized that x months ago I would have waited on Newtek, but since I didn't they have now lost a customer.

Bottom line is there silence is costing them customers. I know personally 3 people who would have purchased a VT now(based on what I showed them with my system) if Newtek had ANY kind of HDV announcement. They don't so all 3 of them went elsewhere. 3 lost sales. All within the last 6 weeks.

Of course this could all be moot since their silence on the subject could possibly mean they never plan on addressing a HDV soultion.

and I never felt bad to begin with.
:cool:

robewil

12-09-2004, 12:09 PM

There's also a company in the southwestern US working on a matter transporter device. Feel better yet?
:rolleyes:My clients aren't asking me to deliver their jobs via any kind of matter transporter technology yet. There's probably a few years down the pike before I'll invest in that technology. :D

Jim Capillo

12-09-2004, 12:14 PM

I think all this discussion shows that there are valid points on both sides of the argument, and it has also shown that all this discussion (ad nauseum) has not elicited a response from Newtek.

I'm betting they're listening, though.

ted

12-09-2004, 01:16 PM

JRebel, well said. It's nice to see us agree from time to time! ;)

It WOULD be nice for NewTek to respond. (And I think Paul did on some thread, just not every one).
But I wouldn't expect them to say much more then..."We are working towards a HD solution", PERIOD.

But if any of you don't know that thay are.....well.....
Have a GREAT day y'all. :)

radams

12-09-2004, 02:08 PM

Well, let me tell you some reality here in Switzerland and Europe.

You can now buy the Sony HDV camera cheaper than the Sony PD 150 or 170...and it is about the same price as the Panasonic DVX-100....

In fact we have a client who we are getting HDV camera's to switch with...but then they are only switching to SD but what's to say that couldn't be done in HD ;)

The reality is that the HDV cameras are replacing and surplanting ALL DV based cameras...at least here.

Also for basic post this just gives you more pixels to work with...while you still can work with SD based feeds.

So at least here, if you can't work with HDV...then your not selling..simple and fact.
Also with many here also not just creating things for local broadcast but also for theaters and for large scale projection...besides other industrials, etc... we even have a project for an Art museum that we are looking for HD projection for...

So to say that the world is SD...is forgetting that there's alot more to our world than that...and that it is changing exponentially and people are looking for SCALABLE systems buying SD now but move up and keep the workflow for HD, FILM or what ever it is...from smart devices and phones to IMAX...
The world isn't just flat (SD)...but rounded out with many other forms, uses and needs. Those companies that provide a true scalable integrated, frame and rez independent solution will be the ones left standing...the rest will be gone..IMHO.

NT needs to get there workflow (frame and rez independent) working with all of the various codecs and HD/SD forms....if not then they will lose even greater market and we are seeing it here right now.

Cheers,

JReble

12-09-2004, 02:21 PM

:) Hehehe..

And how will it be different from these complaints of no word at all?

They are ignoring these questions of "Will It?" now.

Newtek doesn't have to respond because the answer is clearly obvious. Will it support HD? NO. Because the current product does not do HD so it WILL NOT.

If the pointless exercise it so see if it "will support HD sometime in the future, possibly with new software, possibly with a new card, possibly with a flux capacitor add-on, or maybe just by some miracle through osmosis?", then somebody really needs to get a hobby. What kind of question is that and what kind of answer would you like? I'll be happy to give you a few at a dollar a piece.

Here's a free one..... "Yes it will and boy it's gonna be great!"

Here's another free one... "No, we're going in a different direction."

Ironic bonus answer #1 ... "When we have an HD system ready to sell, you'll be the first to know!"

And bonus answer #2... "No, never, we're sick of you whiney chumps. Buy from somebody else please."

And here's the extra-extra special bonus answer... "Yes! Development is moving ahead and an HD capable VT system will be released right after the holidays!"

Notice I didn't say which holidays or of which year.

Maybe the Earth could explode, maybe HD will fail eventually, maybe Newtek will go belly up in a week. Of course I suppose the best case for some people would be for Play to reform, buy NewTek, and send out a shiney, colorful brochure showing all the great HD capabilities available soon and lots of neato pictures of it in action. Then I suppose some people will be happy. They'll never get their hands on it, but they'll be happy. :rolleyes:

Jim_C

12-09-2004, 02:42 PM

JReble,

Your smart *** replies do not set a very good tone for this discussion. Why do you find it neccessary to speak with such a belittling manner?

You seem to get very worked up and almost offended at the fact that people want to know where the company they have invested a great amount of money is heading in these very important times.

Fan Boys fuel the flames of poor marketing and lost sales.

Maybe I should have used bold type.

videoguy

12-09-2004, 04:56 PM

well put Jim!!! The fact is Newtek is a privately Held company so They can do whatever the hell they want

Ivan

12-09-2004, 05:19 PM

I actually found that rather amusing. If you read the answers that he posted the answer does actually become rather obvious. They are working on it I'm sure, why wouldn't they. VT4 won't support it because once that support is added it's no longer VT4. It's like walking into an empty room, once in there, it's not empty. :)

Ivan

JReble

12-09-2004, 05:54 PM

"When your sense of humor looses out to your will to complain about nothing, it's time to readjust the bug up your butt."

-Mahatma Gandhi

Jim_C

12-09-2004, 06:32 PM

again... Point Proven.

Jim_C

12-09-2004, 07:08 PM

and....
now that I'm home and attitude adjusted.

It was kinda funny...
...
kinda...
;)

...
Jim

(Ghandi eh?)

ScorpioProd

12-10-2004, 12:04 AM

My view of it is that the answer or lack of an answer really doesn't matter to us here that know Newtek and love our VTs.

The answers or lack of them matter to people that do NOT know Newtek yet, or what the VT can do for them now.

Jim Capillo

12-10-2004, 05:44 AM

The answers or lack of them matter to people that do NOT know Newtek yet, or what the VT can do for them now.

And THAT should be the most important thing that Newtek should consider as a company that is courting potential buyers.

PIZAZZ

12-10-2004, 10:08 AM

And THAT should be the most important thing that Newtek should consider as a company that is courting potential buyers.

I agree very much.

With many of our customers especially churches, their VT system is everything to them. It is their editor, compositor, live switcher, everything. With VT being their single most valuable asset, they want to know that it is going to able to handle the future formats at least in some form. Most churches buy 1 system and expect it last for quite a while. They will not buy a VT if they do not feel it has a definite future plan.

Ivan

12-10-2004, 10:22 AM

I agree to some extent but unless they have something to show it really makes no sense for them to comment. What would they say? We're working on it? Of course they are. Given the track record in the industry (Play, Pinnicle, etc.), that and $10 will get you into a movie. Saying that they have it is what will draw those clients not a promise of someday. I think that the days of "someday" are over and most people are purchasing based on what the box does now not what it might do. Besides, I think they took less heat for spinging VT4 on us than they would have if they had promised it by NAB and not delivered.

Ivan

ScorpioProd

12-10-2004, 11:02 AM

I would agree with that under most cases, except for one important difference:

EVERY other NLE either has HDV and/or HD currently or has announced it.

In this case, a "me too" is needed.

Perception is everything.

Ivan

12-10-2004, 11:27 AM

Would you even consider buying one of these that has "Announced" that they will support it if that is one of the things on your list that it needs or would you buy one that already has it?

Ivan

nelsonm

12-10-2004, 12:06 PM

Hello all,

To Eugene... I mean 1080"P"!

"Samsung announced that this fall it will ship a DLP rear projection HDTV based on Texas Instruments' xHD3 1080p Digital Micromirror Device (DMD). As well as the 1080p HPP7071 plasma panel"

"Intel Corporation (Santa Clara, CA) (www.intel.com) has decided to shift its LCOS microdisplay commercialization plans from a 1280 x 720p panel to now focus on a 1920 x 1080p panel."

"Epson Develops True-HD 1080p LCD Panels for 3LCD Projection Systems"

"Sharp Introduces the LC-45G1U and LC-45GX6U 1080p LCD Panels"

Although like most announcements - they tend to fall short on their delivery dates and promises.

Check out http://www.digitalconnection.com/FAQ/1080P.asp for a list of 1080p products! There isn't a lot and many products are missing, but the list is growing.

Also look at http://www.cedmagazine.com/ced/2004/0604/06e.htm it has a discussion about 1080p from ESPN’s Chuck Pagano.

Also, there are a growing number of HD recorder/receivers out there.

HDDVD and/or BLUERAY players and burners will start shipping shortly.

Sony has come out with their HD camera.

Granted there are still a lot of things that need to happen before HD and maybe 1080p take off... but Personally, i think HD will be at our doorstep before you know it. I'm already gearing my purchases toward HD. Just because customers are not asking for it today does not mean they won't be beating down your doors for it tomorrow once the industry floods the market with more products - and i think that will start this next year. So i'm spending my money as wisely as possible to be as prepared as much as possible for the HD demand.

I try not to worry about what i can't control - Just stay as informed as possible, make as much profits as you can with what you have and plan wisely for the future - try not to get caught by it.

I'm sure Newtek is doing what they think is best for them - i would. I and you all should be doing whats best for yourselves. Hopefully, we will all be in sync when the time comes.

Jim_C

12-10-2004, 02:51 PM

I agree to some extent but unless they have something to show it really makes no sense for them to comment. What would they say? We're working on it? Of course they are.

In my case and in the few I have talked to, we are not as concerned as much about full real HD support as much as some type of HDV editing. So in this case the answer is most likely Yes to "Are they working on HD" , but imo, the more important immediate answer is "Is there going to be HDV on the timeline?"

This is the immediate question of the week that is driving away sales with no answer. In this instance, a no answer means No. But with true HD, we are assuming a no answer means Of Course they Are, but not telling us.

Since they could do HD(which we all agree they probably are) and not HDV (which most seem to be wishing for, but could easily not get).