Create effects like this in real time

Matrox also brings to DigiSuite DTV the features that make DigiSuite LE the best-selling capture device. The secret is its real time capabilities that work in such a way that each channel is independent of the other. So, in its two-channel layout DigiSuite is able to add a filter to one layer and color correct it, do the same thing with another layer at the same time, dissolve between the two and key text over all of that. By contrast, most other real time editors only can use a single channel at a time, where one layer is the video, the next is a super layer, and bottom layer is the background. This configuration work extremely well, and the great thing is that it's not using much processor power to do this. Most of the pixel-pushing is done on the DigiSuite card itself. This can be vital when you need to be rendering, say, an After Effects sequence in the background while you're doing your real time editing in the foreground. Take a look at the Task Manager and you'll see that editing and playback take up, at most, only about 15% of your processor's capabilities.

Another great feature of this configuration is the way it uses its graphics buffer to allow you to see what's happening in an application like After Effects. This ability to see a layered composition as you place all the layers is a great plus. When doing composites in Premiere, which render much quicker than I'm used to, after it's done rendering it plays back through the DigiSuite card onto an NTSC or PAL monitor. And it's not just Premiere getting these buffer benefits, either. Whichever app is launched first has priority over hardware. Playback for these external apps can use a user-configurable hardware or software codec. By the way, when I reviewed the system, Premiere was my application of choice, and it's been optimized with real time effects for use with DigiSuite products. Also optimized for real time use is in:sync's Speed Razor software and IMC Incite, with others on the way, according to Matrox.

For users who have lots of workstations on a network, DigiSuite DTV is in a great position to handle a variety of production situations. In addition to its multi-format capabilities, DTV is able to handle most network "hiccups." For example, users are now using DigiSuite on a SAN (storage area network) where they can do their work in all digital native DV. Using fibre channel, they're able to save AVI files, create playlists, and exchange DV25 and DV50 files, and it's all digital with no recapture necessary.

As highly capable as DigiSuite DTV is, there are a few items that are missing, like real time 3D effects. But Matrox is busy readying its upcoming Flex 3D system which the company plans to preview at NAB 2000. But this won't do us any good right now -- NAB is in April, a few months away. Too bad. That said, when the Flex 3D-based product is available, it should be formidable. It'll also cost less than the Genie board (made by Pinnacle) that has been sold along with Matrox capture cards for years. Note however that even the Genie board is not compatible with DigiSuite DTV yet -- that's slated for early 2000 -- so if you must have real time 3D effects right now, this board isn't for you. This lack of real time 3D effects is odd, especially in light of the fact that the much-cheaper Matrox RT2000 system ($1295) has real time 3D effects, albeit on a limited basis. But you can still create rendered 3D effects with Boris FX, and that software is included with the package. That'll be fine for the occasional 3D effects users.

Matrox has enjoyed a long relationship with Pinnacle that was quite happy in early days. But things have gotten hotly competitive lately, and it looks like Matrox has decided to lower its costs and have more control over the manufacturing process. Along with that comes better integration of the DVE features with cards like DigiSuite, Millennium, and the company's Marvel series of video accelerators. But it looks like we won't be seeing these benefits any time soon. Flex 3D will be announced at NAB, but that doesn't tell us when it'll be shipped. Matrox will reportedly release more details early in 2000, so visit here for the latest.

Another marketing ploy that presses one of my hot buttons is the decision to make the 1394 interface optional for an extra $995. Jeez, guys. There are 1394 interfaces selling for less than $200, and you're asking for a thousand dollars? That's nothing but price gouging. Why not just include it with every unit? This common practice where manufacturers chisel users for every little option shows that stockholders and corporate profits are oftentimes more important than customers. In fairness, Matrox is one of the least-guilty offenders -- for a full scale rant on this topic, see my commentary entitled The Pizza Syndrome.

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