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In the standard parlance of professional video production equipment, FXDeko can be described as a "Windows NT-based real-time character generator suitable for both broadcast and postproduction use." Like so many other computer-based systems, however, it does much more than that definition alone implies. It's a full-blown graphics platform that's been optimized for use in the role of a character generator. As such, it produces multi-layered effects without rendering-including dynamic titles, logos, and 3D effects.
We've had it installed in our edit bay for a couple of weeks and have had several editors and a couple of artists spend time with it. One thing that becomes apparent watching different people work with the system is that it's a very practical tool, as a good character generator should be. Editors concerned just with getting good-looking-if simple-titles onto whatever they're doing find the interface familiar enough to go right to those things they need, and to get in and out quickly. Artists who want to work out a complex multi-layered graphic composite with generated titles, imported graphics, live video, and 3D animation, on the other hand, will find everything they need in a very fast environment. It's kind of a "best-of-bothworlds" situation. Definitely a hot CG.
The System
FXDeko is a turn-key system, factory built with all hardware and software. It comes with a rackmounted computer chassis (4 RU's in size) with a 400 MHz Pentium II processor, Open GL graphics support, a large hard drive, a CD-ROM drive, 128 MB RAM, the Pinnacle PCI boardset, a 10/100Base-T network adapter, and a standard D-1 llO with key. Composite and component analog I/Os are available as an option. It ships with 500 TrueType fonts built-in. Additional RAM and storage can be added. In my estimate, most users will want to add a lot of RAM to extend the layering capability to the maximum. There is an optional "Fast Action Keyboard," which has layers.
FXDeko has many of the characteristics one would hope to see from a computer-based CG. Its creative environment has a lot of...