HOME VIDEO PRODUCER by Epyx

A Review by Bob Nunn

I have always had a mild interest in the computer to vcr connection and most of you have seen some of the demo tapes I have produces using some simple switches and two computers.  While spectacular they aren't they are instructional and interesting enough to keep people glued to themduring Shows. I have spent some time making up a few low res screens introducing them using PD or shareware programs like screen gems, or sequenzer.  You can do a fair job with these programs for free.

I have always wanted to do a bit more that just fair.  With a computer you ought to be able to do more.  Epyx has done just that.  Now you can make your own introductions for your own movies!  This program is almost the masterpiece for video that Print Shop was for printing.  It is a complex, sophisticated and powerful program and yet by using the templates I had screens done in a few minutes while just briefly scanning the instructions.

The package includes a disk and a 38 page manual.  The disk is unprotected so that you can install it on an 81 disk or on your hard drive!   The instructions include both IBM, and Apple along with your Commodore instruction which make them a bit visually confusing.  They are well written and straight to the point.  It starts off with diagrams on how to wire up your vcr and computer so that you may record your work.  I'm afraid that some people might get stuck here.  It is however very simple and a trip to radio shack will get you all the hardware you need to wire all your gear up.  

This program is by Epyx and it is well done.  It gives you audio prompts of when to start recording and when to stop.  They make it as easy as they can for you to get good results.  
  
I'm sure I'll be learning on this one for sometime.  It has enough features built in that you can do almost an unlimited amount of effects and each time you use it you should learn something new.  Impressive!

See this program demo'd in our July Meeting.  Some lucky member will win this one just for showing up and having the lucky ticket.