AV News 182 - November 2010
DGFects Discovery
Brian Harvey ARPS
My feelings are that with any new piece of software designed for a specific
need, ie in this case for the construction of digital audio visual sequences, then
it must bring about some additional benefit, improved performance or new
direction when compared to existing software otherwise there is no attraction to
encourage purchase and use.
My experience has been with Globfx, Pro Show Gold and PTE. All have their
good points and all have areas that probably do not meet all requirements all
the time. All have brought about a tremendous leap forward in the production of
digital audio visual presentation.
My first serious software purchase for audio visual presentation was Globfx,
which, although never seemed to catch on as mainstream software in the UK
did give me control over dissolves with the use of multi picture tracks plus the
ability to pan, zoom and rotate. Whilst I am well aware of the furore in the av
world regarding pan, zoom and rotation my feelings are that it can be used and
it is up to each individual to decide whether or not he chooses to use these
effects to produce his/her sequence. Pan, zoom and rotation (PZR) should be
available if for no other reason than we cannot stand still, excuse the pun. Some
PZR can bring about a required effect within a sequence which clearly adds to
what an av sequence composer is trying to convey. Some of my sequences
may be a little controversial, with regard to movement/effects but primarily I
produce sequences for my own enjoyment, if others enjoy them and they
succeed in competition that is a bonus. Although I have not checked recently
when I upgraded my pc approx 4 years ago I decided not to reinstall Globfx as
it appeared not to have been developed further and still had niggles such as soft
images.
Pro Show Gold came along and appeared to tick most of the boxes and had
a reasonably friendly interface but PTE moved forward to the point where it
gives me most of what I need to produce my sequences and without doubt
produces sharp images.
I was then approached by Pieter van Gent to beta test DGFects Discovery
together with a handful of other AV enthusiasts and I wondered what DGFects
Discovery had to offer in addition to the software I am presently using, recently
almost exclusively PTE.
To my delight I was immediately aware that I had the multi image tracks back
(a la Globfx). After loading a few images I quickly found that I could again create
super dissolves using multi image overlays. I can change the rate of dissolve of
each image by moving node points along a dissolve/picture curve, I can change
the amount of time each image is displayed for by simply dragging the edges of
the image box. I can change the opacity of each slide. I can hold back the rate
of dissolve of a lighter image following a dark image and so create a much better
blend. I am not constrained by predetermined rates of dissolve/fade curve within
the software. It is possible to hold a background image through a series of
dissolves/effects. This is all visually displayed on the desktop and gives infinite
control over dissolve enabling creation of some very pleasing third image
displays.
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