Agenda Packets - 2003/11/24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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3. Professional versus “Prosumer” One of the primary considerations when searching for a replacement model is the level of quality needed for professional broadcast. The principle difference found when comparing an inexpensive home video model, also known as “prosumer”, to a professional model, is reliability. “Prosumer” models are generally manufactured with cheaper components, and do not last as long as professional models. Professional models cost considerably more, but are built better and have a longer life expectancy. Another key difference is the features available. While some “prosumer” models are often difficult to use, or lack the exact features desired, professional models provide many features, and are designed to be used easily. Videonics is among many companies who manufacture cheap home character generators. They are usually compact and self-contained. Professional character generators are built using personal computer hardware. This means that instead of a small proprietary keyboard, which could be expensive to replace, the professional model uses a standard PC keyboard, which is inexpensive. The professional model uses all the functionality of a computer, such as a computer monitor to view the program, and a mouse to easily create graphics and run the program. Computer based software is also easily updated. A computer based C.G. also allows hard drive storage for images, and network capabilities. 4. Professional Character Generator Options Professional character generators have become extremely sophisticated in recent years. Professional news broadcast, such as CNN, have many things going on the screen at once. This could include the CNN logo, the current time, a banner, and other information. Many news shows also have “tickers”, the information crawling across the bottom of the screen. Professional graphics also have more visual impact, with custom designed backgrounds and colorful banners. These features have become more commonplace and are now expected as part of a professional broadcast. Professional Character Generators generally start around $4,000 and go beyond $10,000, depending on the features. Research has found that many smaller broadcast facilities use a system from Compix Media. Currently, CTV Cable Access uses the Compix system for their production vans and studio. Recently, Arden Hills ordered the Compix system, and it was installed earlier this year. The unit has been operating satisfactorily. The Compix system has an intuitive windows interface, using the common “cut and paste” and “click and drag” functionality. It allows the user to design their own graphics, and allows the user to alter the color, size, shape, and placement on the screen. It can save multiple pages to a hard drive, and has a variety of transitions, such as dissolve or wipe effects when switching from one page to the next. It also can display the current time, and can import pictures and other graphics for display. Another key feature is the ability to display a graphic page while simultaneously editing another graphic page. This allows the user to make last second changes without losing the current graphic on the screen. Most of the features described above are not available in the “prosumer” models. I have been using the Compix extensively over the past year at CTV and Arden Hills, and have become comfortable using it.