Twixtor - new motion manipulation software

[chetdavis]

Good news from across the 'big blue' -- for those customers who yearn for high quality motion manipulation on their S-4000/PRO -- the following is from Macrosystem CEO, Joerg Sprave. As you may know the Twixtor will be the new motion software on the Bogart SE OS - replacing the Dynapel Motion Perfect software. You can read more about Twixtor on this webpage http://www.macrosystem.de/e/archives_twixtorann.html

Hello,

I have just started the first test of the "Motion Perfect" replacement,
called "Twixtor for Casablanca". Wow!

I am running BogartSE of course, on S 4000 Pro. Tested with HDV and AVCHD
material, in High Def, and the quality is astounding. I am very pleased.

Looks like we can immediately start beta testing!
We will show this off at the upcoming IFA show in Berlin.

Regards
Jörg

[PaulBusta]

I want it....I want it....I want it

[JohnYoung]

Chet,

Any word if Twixtor will be available for those of us using SmartEdit OS? I sure hope so. If it does, will it be an upgrade for those of us
who purchased Motion Perfect or flat out replace it? Just wondering. I will be nice and not call Motion ImPerfect names at this time.

John Young

[TimKennelly]

John,

I do not pretend to know the inner workings of the minds at Macrosystem, but I do know that Twixtor was a software specifically sought after as a good slow motion software for the BogartSE operation software as the creators of MotionPerfect are no longer in business and so were not available to write that program over for BogartSE use.

While it would certainly be possible to create a Twixtor version that would work with the SmartEdit operating system that would require a completely separate software development as Smart Edit (VXWorks) and Bogart (Linux) are distinctly and incompatibly different and I think it unlikely that there will be enough demand for it to support the cost involved.

[JohnYoung]

Tim,

I would hope that the company would deliver and not leave SmartEdit OS in the dark. If not, maybe I will have to go the PC route and purchase Twixtor as an 3rd party software. I really would hate to do that but if Macrosystem leaves me no choice I will go that route. I am just getting into promoting video teasers for local bands and this would really be a nice piece of software to have. I am not ready to go with the S-4000. Still stand by my statements in another post dealing with Twixtor regarding the S-4000. Hey, my Renommee Plus is working fine and paid for. Just wished that Twixtor would be on my Christmas list from Macrosystems. I promise, I promise to be good.

Thanks again Tim for your insight. Better get back to editing.

John Young

[TimKennelly]

The problem will be there already is a slow motion software available with Smart Edit John.

Still, who knows.

I realize from your initial comment you are not a fan of it.

I personally loved Motion Perfect.

It certainly has some limitations, but most of them can be worked around be mixing Fast and High modes and in some instances shooting with the weaknesses in mind.

[MikeMattke]

If you purchased the Full Software bundle [like I did] expecting that ALL software [minus CB Paint] would work or eventually work on the new 4KPro, will Twixtor be something I will have to pay extra for? I hope since I was expecting Motion Perfect to be made adaptable as well as the others [Candy Factory, etc.] that are still having the bugs worked out that Twixtor is included as part of the bundle.

[JohnYoung]

Tim,

Yes, I have Motion Perfect and have used it extensively with the work arounds. It has done the job for what I needed in the past and continues to be, but it has it's limitations. As with all things, something better has been produced and I hope that Macrosystems will at least give an answer to the Twixtor question for the customers who run the SmartEdit OS.

I am looking forward the S-4000 (OS included) and it's capabilities. As it becomes rock solid like the SE 7 (yes I am running OS 6.2c until all projects completed) and the bugs worked out I will eventually upgrade to the Bogart SE OS or the S-4000. Still debating. What would you do?

Again, I always appreciate everyone's insights and thoughts.

John Young

[chetdavis]

Mike,

Since you purchased the All Software Bundle with your new S-4000, we will include that forthcoming product as part of your package with no additional cost to you.


John,

I certainly appreciate your interest in utilizing Twixtor software on your Renommee Plus/Smart Edit unit but I do not have a solid answer for you on this at this time. As Tim pointed out, this product was sought out for the new Bogart SE OS units as the older DP Slow Motion will not function in this new OS.

Also, as Tim pointed out - retooling software in the VXWorks environment (Smart Edit) takes a substantial amount of development whereas in the new Bogart OS (Linux environment) there is significantly more efficient development. I hasten to point out that we all can expect some mutual benefits from further development on both platforms, for example the newly released version of QuadCam (V1.2) is applicable to both Smart Edit and the Bogart SE OS platforms. And it is my understanding that MS DE will be previewing some further OS developments next week at the IFA show in Berlin, Germany that will offer new benefits to both Smart Edit (Smart Edit V8) and Bogart SE OS customers (Bogart SE OS V2).

I will endeavor to keep you apprised of any information that I am able to share on this topic.

Regards,
Chet

[TimKennelly]

John,

Well, I bought an S4P, so that answers that questioned. 1

I purchased it earlier to take advantage of the special price offering earlier this spring, but I also acknowledge there can always be unexpected and unwanted surprises when you "pioneer" a piece of new hardware so I am not ready to sell the Solitaire quite yet as I have a lot of work left this summer/fall to do and cannot afford to run into bug stumping issues with the new machine.

Regarding moving to BogartSE on a Solitaire or RenPlus, it is not available yet so it's hard to make a call on that until you can talk turkey of actualities.

I personally moved to HDV acquisition two years ago and do not believe the Solitaire/Smart Edit format was up to editing in HDV for a living (Ok perhaps as a hobby where you have plenty of time, but not when there are deadlines), so I am committed to the new format as I want to start editing in HDV as well as shooting in HDV.