The whole studio does not need to be replaced all at once. There are many advantages to this approach. Things like Editors, SEGs, DVEs, CGs and VTRs are replaced by desktop systems. Each system manufacturer has decided what type of picture data bit reduction scheme is best, and has implemented that reduction into their product. Once that choice is made it affects the visual signal quality of the DVE, CG, SEG and playback video.
Desktop video has significant cost advantages over the traditional type of systems.
Nearly all desktop systems use a commercially available PC and PC components to construct the machine. These disks are quite reliable, and technology has continued to improve the performance and capacity as well as reduce the costs to you and I. Desktops are specialized PCs - very familiar and very comfortable. Out of space again, so the next issue will have to begin to address the question of test and measurement in the digital world. Please remember to write, phone or fax me, Mark Everett at Videotek with your question and comments.