The Great DV Shootout 2003
Page 12 of 14
Nathan Yanoff, Canopus:Let's clear up a few misconceptions. As far as the RAM buffer discussion, there's obviously a misunderstanding regarding the mechanics of truly scalable technology. All of DVStorm2's processing is performed by the CPU; the RAM buffer provides extra headroom for realtime performance only during complex compositions. This performance, even without the RAM buffer, exceeds any realtime performance Matrox or Pinnacle offers on an equivalent system. Regarding quality, Canopus believes the quality of both hardware and software codecs count. Matrox's own testing shows that their hardware codec is seriously flawed.
Concerning the ROI, since the release of DVStorm in 2000, Canopus software upgrades have included adding multiple realtime video tracks, title and graphic layers, sophisticated realtime video filters and 3D transitions with keyframe controls and other quality improvements. Neither Matrox nor Pinnacle has ever demonstrated their products can be upgraded in such a manner. In addition, RT.X100 and Pro-ONE are limited by dated hardware designs that cannot scale with CPU power to allow for more realtime capabilities as users upgrade their systems. To reiterate, upgrading to DVStorm2's feature set is only $299. Keeping up with Matrox or Pinnacle in the same timeframe requires three board purchases totaling approximately $3000. DVStorm2 will continue to provide editors with increasing functionality and superior quality for years to come.
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Charlie's Comments:I do think that Nathan is right when he mentions return on investment with the DVStorm2. With one piece of hardware, you get more features every time Canopus writes more software. And every time you get a new computer, you can do more effects. Another good part of this story that Nathan didn't tell you was that around last April (2002), Canopus told me it had hired about 50 software engineers, whose job it is to improve Canopus's standing on the software front. So far, the fruitful harvest of that acquisition of a gang of software experts has been bountiful. We've seen the excellent Imaginate software package that can move stills around in a smooth and versatile way, and we've seen the release and improvements to the highly superior ProCoder, a software compression application that puts Discreet's Cleaner to shame. So I expect to see more improvements to Canopus software, and hope some of this newfound expertise finds its way to DVStorm (3?) where the systems could sure use some keyframability on its tired TitleMotion applet and the ability to use 3D moves as filters. I'd also like to see more keyframability of all its filters -- for example, the ability to keyframe the blur filter (like you can with the RT.X100) so you can simulate a camera racking focus.
I'd also like to see the mushy feel of DVStorm's scrubbing improved. Compared to the RT.X100, when you scrub the DVStorm, it feels like you're pushing the cursor through molasses. And finally, the cursor's tendency to crash, leaving you with just an arrow through Premiere, is a minor annoyance that I'm sure the Canopus 50 can iron out in a jiffy.
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