Hello there,

im tommy and i'm a video editor.

Can someone tell me, what exactly is DS ?

what is different from AE ? 

and why should i prefer DS on other software ?

thanks..

Hello, DS is a product Avid acquired when they bought Softimage.  DS or Digital Studio, is Avid's high end compositing workstation.  I would consider it a hybrid editor.  It is a superb compositor, a strong video editor and a powerful audio editor.  

The power of the DS comes from it's hardware.  While it does use the machine's capabilities, the hardware allows for a large range of function.  From working with Uncompressed HD easily, or more complex 2k high res workflows, DS is an amazing product.  I would say it is the most understated product in the Avid line.  

I would describe the DS interface as a cross between After effects, final cut pro and Avid.  It really works well and fast.  It is faster to render than after effects, and if you are doing effects heavy work, it is the product you should be looking at.

Truely an amazing product.

Everything AvidMedic wrote above:

Plus, the conform from Avid offline systems/Symphony is quite good. In my experience about 85% of the timeline is there. Lately we've been doing quite a bit of 2K fluidmotion. The film editors love it and it can't be done easily on any other system out there.

You don't have to jump back and forth between different software. No worries about gamma shifts, missing alpha channels, field order or the many issues when using multiple apps. Also there is the huge time savings in working with a single interface, and less metadata management headaches.

If you would like to give it a spin, here is the link to the DS Assist software: http://www.avid.com/products/tryout.html

Look for the link to DS Assist.

There is also a DS Training software here: http://www3.softimage.com/

Along the top, look for the download button, then along the left, look for the DS Training Software link.  Here: http://www3.softimage.com/avidds/default.asp?url=/DS/default.asp

you can find some old tutorial material to play with. Some new tutorials are being worked on and should be posted soon.

Michael

 thanks  a lot

i did actualy download the DS Assist software.

and it seem to be a monstersoft, but the interface a little bit confusing

and it is not simple, but very very interesting.

now i know more about  this software and this can help me.

thanks a lot

tommy

"... Plus, the conform from Avid offline systems/Symphony is quite good. In my experience about 85% of the timeline is there. ..."

Mike,

Is there any rhyme or resaon for the missing 15%? I'm wondering if there are things we working in MC or Xpress Pro should avoid to make that 15% even  lower.  Thanks much as always.

On the DS site

www3.softimage.com

dig around under Documentation / v7.5 and you will find the Conform Guide.

In here is a grading system of all effects in a MC and how well it comes across.

Jef

http://www3.softimage.com/ds2/right/document/v7.6/guides/ConformGuide.pdf

http://www3.softimage.com/ds2/right/document/v8.4/guides/DS_UserGuide.pdf or you can find info in here.

Of course with every release it keeps getting better.

Michael

BobbyMurcerFan:

things we working in MC or Xpress Pro should avoid

Hi Bobby,

Right now any AvidFX, umm.. effects.

Three reasons:
1. They're AVX2 effects and DS doesn't currently support AVX2. 
2. Even when DS does support AVX2 Boris will have to re-write them to work in 64 bit before DS can use them
3. (The contensious one) Effects are generally better done in Online with better image quality, a wider range of effects at their disposal, and an Online Editor's eye to match them in with the rest of the programme.

Regards,
Tone :)

After reading the "Conform Guide" and this thread, I'm left with the impression that while conform with DS is good, it's not where Symphony's is.

Which makes me think more about capturing in MC and then going over to the Assist Station sooner rather than later, if the plan is to finish with DS.

BobbyMurcerFan:

going over to the Assist Station sooner rather than later,

You're not wrong, Bobby.

MC is a great editor, so use it to edit.  DS is a great finisher, so use it to finish.

Ingest on MC, edit on MC, then when the edit is more or less complete and you want to look at FX, Titling, Compositing, Graphics etc, move over to DS.

Regards,
Tone :)