I can't see why Kalypso would be at an end; there is and will always be improvement to do. I love the switcher but I think it should be a work in progress since it is a computer. The "keyer status hold" should be something that we would not even have to ask for. The still store also needs many improvement: why the still store loader cannot load batch files? why does it only load .tif files? Should not the still store read files other than .gva? I would also like a simple way to edit macros; and like many of us, I still have a wish list of things that I would like to see implemented on the switcher. 14 is too young. And to Mr Bob Ennis, who I don't know, but from whom I appreciate the commentaries, thank you for the help that you give to us; I'm sure that you have been our TD voices to GVG. But more than that, I also apprecaite your general commentaries on the 'state of TV'. I remember having read your 'editorial' post on Ignite system. I work in a market smaller than you guys work in (still the biggest in my region though...) but we live with the same problems: always do more with less, and a system controlled by accountants where TV is second. JP

I would not define this as partial keyframing, but it is a viable method of controlling a keyer /keyers and transitions, without using a timeline. I build several macros that change the source assigned to a specific keyer. For example, I build a macro that assigns non keyable Black to the keyer. I also build a macro that assigns the DDR to that same keyer (or the Telestrator or the Elvis). I recall effects on the DDR via emems that are only set to recall the P-bus device (misc 6 for me)and the level I have assigned to control macros(misc 3 for me). I also have macros that press the Auto Trans Button or the Cut button. With a combination of macros I can control a DDR effect and transition on an ME regardless of keyer states. I simply leave the keyer I have assigned to the DDR/TELE/Elvis/BLACK combination in the ON state. If for example I have a font keyed in Keyer 1 and the director asks for a transition to another source clean, I simply select that combination as the NEXT TRANSITION, press the appropriate Macro and the effect runs. I have macros set to recall the Misc 3 & 6 levels, wait 6 fields and press the RUN button. I only have to build the timeline once. I copy it wherever I need a similar effect. I simply have to adjust the length of the Misc 3 timeline to control the transition occurence. By the way, Bob, Thanks! Scott

Bob, I'm saddened to hear of your departure from GVG, but I'm sure that since you are still a user, that you will still have input into future GVG (& other) projects. It's interesting that the Kayak keeps coming up in posts a lot more recently. 2 places I work at are considering purchasing it. One is for low budget HD switching; the other, a station, wants 2 for 2 matching control rooms (currently one CR has a 300, the other CR a 4000). I guess my question is, will the Kayak become the next switcher to have? I love the Kalypso, and have only seen a 1ME version of the Kayak, and was not impressed. Will the Kayak be powerful enough to rival the Kalypso, and not just an inexpesive alternative to the Kalypso? I would much rather see a Kalypso (just basing my opinion on my limited viewing of the small Kayak), but with SW version 14 being the final upgrade, I guess other switchers need to be looked at. I'm still on SW version 10.x at one station, and they tell me they won't upgrade it anymore, cause of other projects (aka Ignite) going on (just one of the many gripes I have about that place). How user friendly is the Kayak? I guess I'll have to get used to it soon. --- Dan

So are we to assume that the Kalypso will become a 'mature' product very soon? I have heard for over a year now that they have had 'meetings' about a new line, not sure if that idea is dead and the Kayak will just take over in the years to come? Obviously the Kalypso is very powerful but I would imagine this would hurt future sales if true. It would be nice if they could atleast get the ignore key state into the software some how. This is something I know I asked someone at GVG years ago when Kalypso was first released. Guess they didn't see the need. At the time they also didn't think they needed macros. Shame that you aren't going to be at GVG anymore Bob, it was always nice knowing that a current TD was still around to remind them of what we do and what we need to make it happen. Bill

John, unless you are talking about the Kayak, then the answer to both of your last two questions is (from what I know) "yes". GV has had others in doing software testing, so I'm sure that they won't miss a beat with that - the difference with me is that I still do what you guys do, and because of that, getting the software right was a higher priority for me (as I am just as affected by faulty software as you are), as was getting your input to the people who actually write the software. As to a macro doing the same as partial keyframing - on a Kalypso / Zodiak the answer is "no" - while it's true that a macro can affect only a keyer, macros don't know the state of the keyers...they only toggle them from their current state to the opposite state. Thus your 1st macro run will turn on a keyer, and that same macro run a second time will turn it off - not leave it alone (like it does on a SONY or a DD).

Bob, Sorry to hear about your departure, If they get anyone else in there I just hope they would be willing to help everyone as you have over the years. Also you accomplish the same process of partial keyframing with a macro?

Bob, Wow! I am sorry to hear that things have reached a point where you won't be working for GVG any longer. I, and many others on the board I'm sure, will miss hearing your updates. I hope we can cross paths again sometime. Sean Kelly

<<>> Wait a minute, Bob ... say what? I'm sorry if I missed this in another post, but you've resigned from GV? I have always enjoyed your insight and suggestions ... will you be working with another group? Any idea if GV will be bringing anyone onboard to continue the lab and field testing that you were performing? And when you say "last scheduled software release..." do you mean that they're currently working on, or that they will produce period? Regardless, best of luck to you! jh

What you're describing and what Partial Keyframing is are two different tnings. Yes, on the ExtenDD and on the SONY, you can "shut off" a parameter's response to keyframes. This is VERY helful to achieve that "key hold with status" that you need, along with a lot of other things that will keep the system from shooting you in the foot. Partial keyframing, on the other hand, would allow you to insert a key transition of 2 keyframes (dissolve off to on) while the rest of the M/E's timeline is doing a 5-keyframe effect. Each parameter (to an extent) could have its own unique timeline which is separate & different from other timelines within the same M/E. This system also has advantages for certain applications, and can also be used to simulate that "ignore keyframe" status mentioned above. Before I resigned from GV last week, the last word that I heard from the software folks was that partial keyframing would "be nice", but that the last scheduled software release is going to be version 14 (they're skipping version 13 because it's an "unlucky number"). It'll most likely have a rewrite of the still store system and a few other features, but Partial Keyframing (like Mark/Mark Block) OR "keyframe ignore" most likely won't be happening. Sorry.

Everyone talks about the holy grail of partial keyframing which, as I understand it, allows you to add (for example) ME3 key 1 to a timeline instead of the whole ME. But apparently that is a "HUGE" undertaking. And for me, it still doesn't solve a basic problem. I don't know if it would be easier to program, but I would rather see a "key status hold" implemented. In combination with a source hold function, it basically tells the switcher - I don't know what I'm going to be doing with that ME, but I need it as part of the timeline. Go ahead and take control of it, but FOR GODS SAKE DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING! (specifically, the on/off status of the keyers). Wouldn't that be a whole lot easier, and solve most of the problems partial keyframing would be used for? Wishful thinking I'm sure. mike

Yes, we have talked about partial keyframing to GV software engineers. It's a HUGE effort. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for it on Kalypso.

[quote="Bob Ennis"]Partial Keyframing would accomplish what you are asking about, but I don't know if & when that is scheduled to be implemented for Kalypso. As John states, you can adjust the interpolation path of keyframes on Kalypso, but while there are Linear, S-Linear, Curve, & Hold paths, there is no "Off" selection (like on the SONY). I have not heard about an "Off" choice, as the plan was for Partial Keyframing to hande this.[/quote] From what I hear, partial keyframing is coming. Has anyone talked to Grass Valley and figured out what the workflow of the new partial keyframe system is?

Partial Keyframing would accomplish what you are asking about, but I don't know if & when that is scheduled to be implemented for Kalypso. As John states, you can adjust the interpolation path of keyframes on Kalypso, but while there are Linear, S-Linear, Curve, & Hold paths, there is no "Off" selection (like on the SONY). I have not heard about an "Off" choice, as the plan was for Partial Keyframing to hande this.