LexMan,

Yours will go out tomorrow.

Richard

I will be getting an update on Tiko out soon too.

Richard

Great, cant wait to see this intro!!

Craig

Thank You, I figured the post office screwed up

Dr. Novak

Hello Richard, still waiting. :)

To all:

Custom Intros is pleased to announce that any customer who orders an intro at www.customintros.com between now and Jan 1st will receive a coupon for $5 towards their next intro purchase. This "thank you" also applies to previous customers as well. We wouldn't leave you out in the cold! Certificates will soon be mailed out.

Also, one customer will be chosen at random to receive a free intro. In addition, our very first customer, Richard Linton will be receiving our next intro as a special gift.

New intros will be coming the first half of 2005. Thanks to all of you and have a great Holiday season!

Richard

__________________
Richard Fairbrother
CEO Bitstream Animation, Inc. [/COLOR]

PM sent, RIT :)

Thanks,
Todd

Mine came and looks great
Dr Novak

LexMan,

Yours will go out tomorrow.

Richard

Just wanted to let you know I came home to find it in my mailbox today. Quick turn around!

Gotta go so I can fire the HT up and check it out!!

Richard, the disc arrived last night. I did get it to play in my computer, and that looked very good. I'll PM you to take things offline.

Just curious if Tiko is going to make it out in time for Christmas?

I second that question about by Christmas, when are the customized versions of Tiko likely to get shipped?

Just curious if Tiko is going to make it out in time for Christmas?


Yes, I think many of us would like to know. ;)

Craig

To all: We are feverishly working to get Tiko out for the Holidays. It's my dream and goal. Along the way we've been testing new compression codecs and figuring out codecs for MPG2 to ensure you have the finest SD DVD available. And of course HD.

We are also doing a bit of post production work to fix some errors in animation and a little more. Small changes but they require working with sets of single frames.

Audio is almost done. We're working on the last piece. I don't know how many DVDs I've gone through burning to test on our audio and then getting notes back to Skywalker Sound. It's a fun process but it has to be right. Although they don't understand why a few people said there wasn't enough bass in CeRT, Tiko should come with a warning label.

We're working on it every day and I hope to have it in your hands for Christmas but no promises yet.

Attached is a picture of the audio progress. Just thought it was cool to see the audio being worked on.

http://www.bitstreamanimation.com/tikoaudio.jpg

Richard

Fair enough. Thx for the update.

To all: We are feverishly working to get Tiko out for the Holidays. It's my dream and goal. Along the way we've been testing new compression codecs and figuring out codecs for MPG2 to ensure you have the finest SD DVD available. And of course HD.

We are also doing a bit of post production work to fix some errors in animation and a little more. Small changes but they require working with sets of single frames.

Audio is almost done. We're working on the last piece. I don't know how many DVDs I've gone through burning to test on our audio and then getting notes back to Skywalker Sound. It's a fun process but it has to be right. Although they don't understand why a few people said there wasn't enough bass in CeRT, Tiko should come with a warning label.

We're working on it every day and I hope to have it in your hands for Christmas but no promises yet.

Attached is a picture of the audio progress. Just thought it was cool to see the audio being worked on.

http://www.bitstreamanimation.com/tikoaudio.jpg

Richard

Cool picture, Richard!

Yes, very cool indeed.
I will be watching this thread in hopes that you will release Tiko by Christmas!!!

Craig

Hi Richard,

I've no doubt you're working very hard to get Tiko into our hands by Christmas; thank you for all of your effort. It is appreciated.

Hi Richard,

I've no doubt you're working very hard to get Tiko into our hands by Christmas; thank you for all of your effort. It is appreciated.


But unfortunately it is Christmas Eve and no Tiko. :(
Oh well, the gift is for me anyway. :D

Craig

I think they must have closed way before the holidays because my order is just sitting there. I wounder if they will be back before the new year? I was hoping to get my Cert before people came over for the new year.

Greg

But unfortunately it is Christmas Eve and no Tiko.
Oh well, the gift is for me anyway. Think of it as a delayed Christmas gift to yourself! Something to look forward to in the upcoming weeks (that's the way I'm looking at it).

It would be nice if they would answer their emails. I placed an order for Tiko on their site back in October and they've been silent to all my emails since. Only in this thread did I find some info...

Vantorax, did you send a follow-up email? I'm just wondering if they ever received your initial one. Every time I've initiated contact with this company, I've gotten prompt follow-up. Maybe your first email got lost in cyberspace?

I sent an email 2 weeks ago inquiring about my order. Never got a reply so I sent another one today. In the meantime, my credit card was processed back in October. They never answered my first email so it really got me worried...

I know! You can't get an e-mail to work from there site either. Really it seems that a lot of there site does not work. I ordered the standard Cert from there site. At least there should be some contact from them. I'll give a few more days and go from there. If they were going to be closed for an extended holiday they should have that on there site.....

Greg

Well, got a reply from them today to confirm what they're already saying here. However, apparently my previous email was sent to the spam folder along with other business related emails and so they never got to see it.

If it wasn't for this thread and their reputation on this forum, I'd be really worried.

Went to their website. Tried to order the Tiko but seemed as if had to use paypal. No place to provide cc info. Is that correct?

Vantorax: I emailed you as you stated. We're working on it.

ifixsharp: You should have yours by Saturday at the latest.

krfuquamd: There is one screen with a scroll down that says Paypal, but if you hot continue, a few screens later you will be able to use your credit card.

To all: It has been disappointing not to meet the expected ship date for Tiko. We are working to make sure it gets out (there is no question it will come out) the final elements are not in our hands. When I put up the pre-order, it was with the intent it would be out in weeks (namely two) not months.

Rest assured you will all receive your Tiko discs, wether custom or standard. Since it has taken much longer, anyone with a pre-order as well, will also receive a bonus disc with a special animation on it. This will not be made available to the general public until much later.

This Christmas season has been a busy one for us, and we look to continue adding members to our family of enthusiasts.

In terms of the website, if you need anything answered, you can always call 585.355.9583, email me personally at richard@bitstreamanimation.com or PM me (though that isn't checked every day).

Anyone who feels uncomfortable about your order can email me for a refund, though I stand behind our product and company as do many of you.

Hang in there. It'll be worth it.

Richard

Hope everyone had a nice Christmas.

I've seen some of the Tiko "work in progress" and know that it's well on its way and can understand the delays- especially when they are out of your control. From what I've seen and heard it'll be well worth the wait. I can't wait to get the finished product when it's ready.

Well, Richard. Thanks for your post here and your email to me. Now I'm feeling much better about my purchase. :)

I'll be waiting for the disc with great anticipation!

Rest assured, the extra animation is quite fun. It's something I think we all wish we could do to those people who talk during our movies.

Richard

Richard,
I'll admit to being a little frustrated about the delay but anyone that puts his personal Ph# out there to reassure his clients at a trying time is alright by me. You bought yourself another few days (just kidding). Keep up the good work. As long as you come up with a good product (which by all accounts you have) and stand behind as you have (see above) you are going to be a favorite around here!

It's something I think we all wish we could do to those people who talk during our movies.

As far as my feelings goes, I seriously doubt it's something that can be put in an animation and keep it family friendly... but I'll be waiting. :p

Hmm.
I'm glad the disc is running behind in this case.
I can't wait to see the bonus disc and of course Tiko!

Thanks for that note Richard; I'm glad I pre-ordered and can't wait to receive the bonus disc with the special animation!

Any idea on the Tiko release?
Just wondering.

All,
We placed our pre-order for Tiko a while ago and as a previous Bitstream Customer (like many here) who has also spoken with Richard personally, there is no reason why anyone should worry about their purchase. The man has stated clearly that the delay is out of their hands, he has offered a full refund for those who don't want to wait, and is includind a free disc as a thank you. How many companies out there provide a custom service such as this, at this quality, and still stand behind their products like Bitstream? Not many, and those that do have lifetime customers.

For those that have CERT, we all have a taste for what's in store. Bitstream, continue doing what you do and take your time if it means doing it right.

Just chiming in from the web side...

If you find anything on the site that does not work, PLEASE send me a PM or email me at toddjkelly@verizon.net. We are working on adding additional Credit Card options for future releases, but at the current time PayPal is simply the easiest (and cheapest!) for us.

Though PayPal is a service, you don't have to be registered to use a credit card with them. That's one of the reasons we chose to keep using it.

Thanks!
Todd

Richard,

Anymore sneak peek pictures of Tiko or the other disc?
Show us just a little tease please!

Okay, this is from the bonus animation. This is a composition test for lighting and color. You may very well ask yourself what a shark has to do with home theater. All will be revealed.

http://www.bitstreamanimation.com/Shark.jpg

Richard

I'm going to guess that our friendly little shark here somehow preys upon the person that left their cell phone on during the movie. Maybe the obnoxious guy in the theater gets ejected from his seat and catapulted into a tank with this shark?

I think you should have a contest with a give-away to the person that comes closest to what actually happens or to the person with the most creative guess. I'll donate a prize if you're up for it. (and no, I haven't seen any of this one!)

Can't wait to see the new intro and this animation.

I'm sure the music and sounds that comes with the shark bonus will have a lot of bass. As far as I'm concerned, I'm all for it!
I can only think about the bass you are going to have.

All,
We placed our pre-order for Tiko a while ago and as a previous Bitstream Customer (like many here) who has also spoken with Richard personally, there is no reason why anyone should worry about their purchase. The man has stated clearly that the delay is out of their hands, he has offered a full refund for those who don't want to wait, and is includind a free disc as a thank you. How many companies out there provide a custom service such as this, at this quality, and still stand behind their products like Bitstream? Not many, and those that do have lifetime customers.

For those that have CERT, we all have a taste for what's in store. Bitstream, continue doing what you do and take your time if it means doing it right. Well said! I feel the same way. This is a quality company and not for a moment do I have any uneasiness here. I would rather wait and have a superior product than receive one that was rushed with inferior quality. In addition to pretty regular communication about Tiko's status (in this thread) from Richard, the bonus animation disc he is offering is very generous.

That bonus animation of the shark looks pretty cool, by the way. I can't wait to see it. KenLerch , your guess is a good one, and I think that would make for an awesome HT short clip!

Man, I can't wait for this release. Everything looks awesome.

I've been looking at the Bitstream intros for a while and really like the Tiko intro. I build intros as well, but ours are more video/fx based. I can appreciate the time it takes to put something like this together and am sure this is going to be a quality product when it's out.

I'll be eagerly waiting for the release as it's not as exciting seeing your own work over and over again. I plan on purchasing the Tiko intro for myself.


Rboster: In catching up with this thread you made mention of the Matrix intro. That's one that I had done for you a while back. I took it down from our site and will be refining it a bit with some different music. Here's a link to the old site where the intro was located. http://www.inflixht_com/intro3/


Jeff

Any updates?

We're still working with Skywalker Sound. In the meantime, we figured why waste an opportunity. So we're working on 10 minutes of slides and trivia instead of just 5.

Stay tuned.

Richard

Richard, what's the status on that retro sci-fi intro?

Richard,
I simply can't wait any longer, How do I get a refund for the custom TIKO I ordered?

Richard,
I simply can't wait any longer, How do I get a refund for the custom TIKO I ordered?

Were you charged for it already?

McCall,

I'll issue a refund to you. Sorry the timing wasn't right for you.

Richard

Were you charged for it already?

Yes Josh I was charged $66.54 back on November 3.

and thanks Richard, I will be watching for the refund to my credit card account.

Richard,

My Dad ordered Cert a while ago. He was supposed to receive an extra disk because his order was shipped late. Is there any way my Dad can get this special "Shark" disc sent to him once it's finished? If you need his mailing info I can send it privately. You spoke with my Dad on the phone by the way.

Thx

pcdoctor,

Yeah actually he will get the Shark disc. But there is something I will talk to you abotu offline.

Richard

Yeah, I know I have had Cert since it came out....but....

I just installed the HD-DVD drive and Cyberlink's PowerDVD Ultra. I then tried playing the .TS file you included in the DVD.

All I can say is WOW! :eek: Perfectly clear image! I never really put much effort into getting my machine to play a .TS file, but this is worth the effort! :D

So, anybody have a link to instructions on setting up Zoomplayer to play the .TS file?

Richard,

Just ordered the Tiko and looking forward to when it comes out. I have Cert now and it is awesome....I can wait for it to come out since I know it will be great as well. It will be like a tax refund check coming in that I forgot about...A great surprise in the mail instead of junk.

Hi Richard,

Would you mind posting an update on the status of the "Tiko" intro in this thread for the benefit of all of us? I was curious, and I'm sure others may be as well. I hope all is going well with the intro - should be amazing (and the bonus disc looks great, too).

Thanks!

Has anyone heard from Bitstream Animation lately? It's unusual for Richard not to respond promptly. I was just wondering if everything is OK; I hope he's alright.

Rich is OK, but recently suffered a death in his immediate family and has been out.

To answer the question of Tiko, it is still being assembled. Rich and I have talked about this a lot lately, and we are certainly NOT happy for the delay. However, the sound studio that is doing the final mix has bumped our project while they complete a larger project. I can't give the details, as we're contractually not allowed to do so. Just keep in mind that Bitstream (and Rich) has no control over the schedule, and we must sit on our hands and wait.

Trust me, I'm DYING to see the final DVD. Heck, I'm IN it (voiceover!). Nothing would please us more than to ship tomorrow, but it is out of our hands.

Please accept our sincere apologies for the extended delay. We promise to make it up to each and every one of you!

Regards,
Todd Kelly

Todd,

Thanks for the update. I was worried something unfortunate may have happened. Please extend my sincerest condolences to Richard.

I understand that sometimes these things are out of your control, and I know it'll be worth the wait, too.

Rich is OK, but recently suffered a death in his immediate family and has been out.

To answer the question of Tiko, it is still being assembled. Rich and I have talked about this a lot lately, and we are certainly NOT happy for the delay. However, the sound studio that is doing the final mix has bumped our project while they complete a larger project. I can't give the details, as we're contractually not allowed to do so. Just keep in mind that Bitstream (and Rich) has no control over the schedule, and we must sit on our hands and wait.

Trust me, I'm DYING to see the final DVD. Heck, I'm IN it (voiceover!). Nothing would please us more than to ship tomorrow, but it is out of our hands.

Please accept our sincere apologies for the extended delay. We promise to make it up to each and every one of you!

Regards,
Todd Kelly

Hey, family is more important than work anyday. Our thoughts and prayers go to Richard and his family. Let us know if there is anything we can do as a community.

Has anyone heard anything from them yet? any response to emails at all? Phone calls? anything?
I know there was a death and I understand that causes problems but I would think there would be some response or way to contact etc.

McCall,

Are you calling and not getting an answer? If so, PM me the ways that you are trying to contact Rich. I'm on the team and see him (virtually, via IM and phone) almost every day.

Todd

Hey, family is more important than work anyday. Our thoughts and prayers go to Richard and his family. Let us know if there is anything we can do as a community. I agree, and hope you are doing well Richard.

No answers on my email sent 3 days ago. I ordered way back in oct.

No answers on my email sent 3 days ago. I ordered way back in oct.

You might want to read the posts several up from yours. One of the principles had a death in the family. I'm sure you'll hear from them soon enough....but let's face it....family is more important then getting a quick turnaround on an email.

When someone has an opportunity (no rush), could we be updated as to whether or not the sound company still has this project on the back burner or has it moved on to the Great Tiko? It might help people relax if they know the current status...just like when you check the UPS tracking every hour to see where your package is now :)

just like when you check the UPS tracking every hour to see where your package is now :)

Hey, how'd you know I do that :D

I also ordered Tiko a couple of months ago. No rush or anything, just wanted to see if everythings alright.

Ya no doubt. I understand delays and such BUT updates
should be more frequent.

Definitely won't be pre-ordering again from these guys.

Well, hopefully I can get Tiko before my next theater party.

Well, hopefully I can get Tiko before my next theater party.


I dunno... something seems peculiar here.....for all that pre-paid....good luck.

Hey guys,

The current status is that we are still waiting on the 7.1 mix room. I've been told that things are wrapping up and within a few weeks Tiko should be done.

If you'd like more updates, I can post weekly if you like.

As for the suggestion of something peculiar, well, i've already offered to send refunds if you are uncomfortable about the wait time. I'm not happy with the production delays on this. In fact it's costing me thousands of dollars.

More updates soon then!

Richard

Richard,

Thank you for the update. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to check on and keep us appraised. I do not need weekly updates myself but I can not speak for anyone. When you start to send them out, an update for that would be appreciated.

Once again, thank you for all the hard work.

I'm still patiently waiting for mine like everyone else. I'm sure it's worth the wait. CeRT has been fantastic for me so far.

Richard-

Thanks for the update. I know you offered refunds and your cell phone number which is all we can ask for from a company. My only feedback is to fix your website. Your guys don't respond to emails. I am not sure if there just no getting them or something but this has been a known problem for months.

Again can't wait for tiko

Fasi22mob,

What are you using to contact us, an email or a contact us form?

Thanks!
Todd

Fasi22mob,

What are you using to contact us, an email or a contact us form?

Thanks!
Todd

Hey Todd,

I honestly can't remember as it has been a month or two. I went to the site to change the order. I would assume it was the contact form but that is just a guess. Hope that helps you.

Howdy folks,

It's Wednesday so it's update day! I spoke with Skysound about things and it looks like we're two weeks out on the project to have finished audio. That's not firm, but they understand my position and they want this done too. I'll know more next week, but if that happens, here's the breakdown:

2 Weeks - Audio delivered
3 Weeks - Audio testing and menu builds
4 Weeks - Final testing and shipping.

Bear in mind, once the audio is delivered we need to check the flags for ES and EX and make sure all menu options for changing on the fly are proper. Then we need to build the discs and test animations and then make sure everything works. Once viewed on mulitple sources we'll make sure we have the best encode possible for MPG2 settings and then shipping commences.

Then the reviews - the fires, the looting, the hysteria over how good it is. Er, at least we hope nothing but the last part.

And the bonus discs are being mixed as well.

More updates next week,

Richard

Great update Richard - thanks!

Appreciate the update!!

So how are we coming along? Need to get my looting plans in order.

sounds like if everything goes okay, this will be everyone's tax refund!!!

Should be here in time for my brothers birthday in August! He's still
nagging me about his 'missing' Christmas gift... lol

Yeah if it's not there by August, I'll have hung myself. Just kidding.

The mix room is finally going to be open and we're now penciled in. It's the third week of this month. I can't wait. I may fly there to oversee the mix but I just want it penned in.

I don't want to get too excited but this product needs to be in all of your hands. It's fun and it's cool and I love it.

More soon.

Lumpy69, I'll PM you.

Richard

That's good news Richard. Once they begin the mixing process, how long does it typically take? Can you estimate a timeline from "mix room" to the customer's hands at this point, or is it still to early to tell?

Thanks,

Scott

Any updates?

I'm on standby for a flight to California to make this happen finally. I hope to have a final update regarding audio within the next few days.

Richard

I don't have a customized intro for my home theater, but am thinking about getting one. But how do these work? Is this a DVD you put into your DVD Player and then when it is completed, put your movie DVD in and wait for the movie to start, or is there something I don't know/understand.

I don't have a customized intro for my home theater, but am thinking about getting one. But how do these work? Is this a DVD you put into your DVD Player and then when it is completed, put your movie DVD in and wait for the movie to start, or is there something I don't know/understand.

You got it.

Some people also rip the file to their computer harddrive and program it to transition directly to the movie afterwards.

Some people also use more than one DVD player and have the movie set up to go on one and the intro on the other and simply play the intro then trigger the other DVD player.

My order # is 1042. I am still awaiting Tiko but want to change my order from DD 5.1EX to DTS 6.1. How can I do that? Do I need to call?

Updates on the status of our orders occur on Wed. I'd say this is the best way to get your order changed. I'd also send him a private email via this forum.

Nice to see this thing is finally reaching the final stages. I am anxious to see how it is reviewed by forum members.
Richard, any chance you could tease us with a couple more screen shots??? :D

Craig

Well I ordered the Cert dvd and love it, cant wait for the new one, this time I will get a custom version.

I tried calling the custom intro Phone: 585-355-9583 only to find out it is no longer working.
What happened to bitstream? What is the ship date for tiko?

I tried calling the custom intro Phone: 585-355-9583 only to find out it is no longer working.

$!@#
Maybe Richard will respond this Wed. via this thread.
I'm having a movie party in June maybe the disc will be ready.

If you need me, please call 585.865.0078, I'm in the process of getting a new phone.

Don't panic.

It's being worked on as we speak.

Richard

Updated the website with the new number - sorry gang!

Any updates on the audio?

It's Wed.
Any updates on the audio?

We got a first round of audio back finally and went over it with our changes, marking the frames and times for cues and such. It's in the works!

Richard

We got a first round of audio back finally and went over it with our changes, marking the frames and times for cues and such. It's in the works!

Richard


Great!!

Craig

Richard,

How is the audio coming along...any updates for us eager beavers?

It's been a while since I last posted in this forum. I ordered this DVD back in October 2006 when I received their announcement email. There were promised of an extra cool DVD for those willing to wait some more, but that was months ago.

What's going on now? I read a few of the past posts, but it's all the same "we're still working on it" type of thing. This is several months later...

I'm having a party tomorrow so I won't be able to show my guests the intro. I was kinda hoping. I hope it's finished by this Nov. so I can show it during another party. I figured I wasn't going to ask for updates on Wed. anymore. :(

We got a first round of audio back finally and went over it with our changes, marking the frames and times for cues and such. It's in the works!

Richard

I don't see how this can be a winning strategy for a company. Make the announcements, take orders, but make no mention that it's going to take more than half a year to actually have a product. But that's not all.. Promise to give regular updates on the work and then stay silent for almost a month. I felt good about my purchase in the beginning, but now I'm starting to really get worried.

I am afraid I concur. While I know the people that are offering this product are standup people (personal phone numbers are listed on this very thread) and I am sure this will show up eventually, you have really lost me on the length of time this project has taken. Back when I ordered this in late Oct/early Nov 06 I was certain I was going to get it well before Christmas. Since I have ordered my viewing habits have migrated from SD to HD DVD; I now possess the ability to make my own pre-show entertainment, etc. I don't want to get nasty but the few weeks has turned into 8 months. My biggest issue is that while the ETA was once listed at a month or less, it is 8 months later and we are given no such assurances now.

I'm just very disappointed by the direction this project has taken.

I am frankly quite surprised that everyone has left their money tied up in this all this time. It would be one thing if people were not charged until the product shipped but that was not the case.
I really think Richard should have returned everyone's money before now. I got mine back some time ago now.

Their reputation is sure taking a beating. I will definitely think twice before
ordering from them next time around. If they are still in business.

still can't get a reponse to my emails via ask a question feature on their website. In fact I never have been able to get a response. I am calling next week to get a refund. Doesn't anybody know these guys personally?

This thread was started in Feb of 2006. 2006, not 2007!! Wow. Preorders were begun, what, 8-9 months ago. Double wow. I remember people asking and being told it would be out by Xmas for sure. I had no idea they meant Xmas 2007.

I placed a preorder and frankly I have no intention of cancelling it. I figure the money is gone, I don't miss it. I'm resigned to the possibility that there will be no Tiko and I may or may not get my money back. However, I also think this might be a case of a small company producing a cutting edge product that requires the use of technolgies provided by bigger companies who don't really care when Tiko was supposed to have been finished. Just a guess.

No matter the reason, I think Bitstream needs to come clean with what is going on, why there has been such a delay, and when we can reasonably expect this product to reach us. There hasn't been any communication in 3 weeks from them. We ought to be hearing from them daily.

Grab the pitchfork and the torches.

krfuquamd has it somewhat correct in terms of timing and being at the mercy of both technology and other companies who see my company as a small one. It is. It's very small. But I am also limited as to what I can say online or to our customers which could affect the completion of this project. In other words, I can't always say what is going on or why things are delayed or point fingers.

It's a situation I have to accept and I have.

First off, I have offered refunds. Two people have asked for them. McCall and one other person to which theirs is being processed. Just two people. If your'e really that worried about it, ask for your refund and it will be processed.

Yes it has taken much longer than originally anticipated. Much longer. too long. And I wouldn't release the next one the same way as this one. But it's out there. And yes there will be a product. And yes Tiko will be released. And actually it's much better than CeRT, not to say CeRT is a bad product.

I understand my rep and my company's has taken a beating.

Audio is being completed and I got another update yesterday with changes so it's progressing. Those of you who are waiting and don't mind waiting, it'll be worth it in the end.

No one is more disappointed in the length of time it's taken more than me. Lack of communication? Yeah my fault. Next week should see more audio updates. And then a day of the mix. Once the mix is done, we're live.

So we're in the studio creating it. Which is far from waiting the last few months for the studio to open up. And yes it is partly because we are future proofing what we are doing in 7.1 discrete.

To those of you who can hang on and want to, go ahead. For those of you who don't want to, please email me for a refuned and you'll get it.

As for a release date, ask JVC. They'll ship with the RS2s. Okay okay bad joke.

When I can get you one that we won't miss, I'll do it.

Richard

Richard how about this for the intro after Tiko (the robot man)? For people that want the standard intro, how about having a 7 or 14 day sale in which the physical disc is ready. Basically the standard disc is ready and you tell people that anyone who purchases the disc during the 7 or 14 day sale will get a special price. This way you don't have to worry about a pre-order price and people will know that the disc has already been prepped instead of waiting for several months. Kinda of like a weekly sale that Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. has once a week. I'm not sure how this would work for a custom disc. Here is another example, Stargate Cinema has a special sale on all of their poppers during a certain time period for a few weeks. They don't take preorders. (I dont think they do)

Richard,

You make it sound like there are state secrets involved:

"I am also limited as to what I can say online or to our customers which could affect the completion of this project. In other words, I can't always say what is going on or why things are delayed or point fingers."


The sound sure sounds like it is a lot of trouble:

11/3/06
"Tiko is coming, fear not! We are currently working with our sound staff to have all of the additional elements mixed and added to the disc"

11/18/06
"Tiko is on pace and the audio mix is being worked on. It's the last piece of the puzzle, look for an update email soon."

This one is my favorite:
12/11/06
"To all: We are feverishly working to get Tiko out for the Holidays"
"Audio is almost done. We're working on the last piece."

3/6/07
"The current status is that we are still waiting on the 7.1 mix room. I've been told that things are wrapping up and within a few weeks Tiko should be done."

3/14/07
I spoke with Skysound about things and it looks like we're two weeks out on the project to have finished audio."

6/9/07
"Audio is being completed and I got another update yesterday with changes so it's progressing"

I guess maybe state secrets are involved. Outside of involvement in a terrorism plot I can't think of another reason why on Dec 11th you were efforting getting them out within a week or so and 7 months later we can't get a timetable.

I have afforded you more lee-way than I have ever given to a business I haven't worked with. I'm not worried that it isn't going to happen and that you will run off with a small amount of my money; I am upset that everytime you gave an update you gave us a rosy picture of the process and how close we are to getting the product. And now, 8 months after I paid for this product I feel like I am farther from receiving it than I was 8 months ago and that is maddening. People around here have a lot of faith in you and your business. Just keep us updated and give us an honest appraisal of the progress and you won't have to deal with pitchforks and torches. But don't be glib either; This is as poor a customer service blunder as I have seen a company make.

I think AVSForum should take ownership of this about a company advertising on their forums and acting suspiciously. Or at least come on this thread to say if they still approve of this company. Richard, your credibility is falling apart.

This sure seems like a lot of crap over a DVD.
Yes I ordered and paid for a custom one. No it isn't a tiny amount of $$. But it's still just a DVD.

It'll get here when it gets here.
If it's a big deal to some of you, get your $$ back and ignore this thread.

Has there been some info that could have been better communicated, yea. But it's still just a DVD.

I think you get my point, but if not, it's just a DVD.

Scott

scottyb and everyone else,

Let me say a few words based on the last posts. First off, yes it's "just' a DVD. Though in my eyes it's much more. It's a product of hard work by many people within my company and many companies outside. It's entertainment, and it's personal. It's custom for a reason! I understand why people are upset.

When I first announced it would be ready within a few weeks way back when, it was based upon a schedule given to me. A huge monkey wrench was thrown into that schedule. Abd you're right, it's not national security that I can't point fingers, but it is reasonable to assume I do not wish to give any reason to any other company to decide they no longer want to be a partner in the production of this DVD based on blame here or elsewhere. Yes it is in the hands of someone else, yes I have mentioned that I'm on someone else's time table, but it's my product in the end and I'm accepting responsibility for it.

It literally has been a roller coaster ride. You're on this week, you've been bumped. You're on, you've been bumped.

I have gotten some wonderful emails of encouragement and support from many of you and I sincerely appreciate them.

Let me re-iterate. If you do not wish to keep your pre-order, you will be refunded your money. But let me also state, it's worth waiting for. (As if you haven't waited long enough already).

I relase many of you have taken interest in the home-spun projects here and now are getting into HD-DVD. Well, I'd like to comment on that.

The reason we're waiting and using other companies is that sometimes, you cannot beat the best in the world at something. I am not knocking anyone's blender projects or anything else, but what we are producing is professional quality and there's a reason we're outsourcing certain parts of it. It's our philosophy. Now yes, I did not wish to stand here 8 months after a release date and be saying this. But it's where I am. And for those of you who have waited, I say thank you. For those of you done waiting, thank you as well, you'll be surprised in the end when it comes out.

I've said what I can. A realistic time frame? I'll see what this week brings. You're right on one thing, I need to post every Wednesday.

Richard

A lot of the people on the forum are audio/video holics and look forward to this type of stuff. Even though it's just a DVD, people still want it. For instance if my DVD arrives damaged, I would request a replacement even though it's just a DVD. Think of it this way, this is something us buyers really want.

Thanks Richard for providing some insight into the delay. It is much as I suspected.
I'm sure you rue the day you ever mentioned a completion date and took a preorder. Oh well, a good learning experience and one you'll survive if the end product is as good as you suggest and we hope.

I haven't chimed into this thread in a while because I have been, and still am, convinced and sold on the products that come out of the Bitstream Animation studio. I just read a few of the most recent posts and I can't help but wonder: with all the worried people here, I am surprised that only two of you have asked for their dough back.

I'll say it for everyone: the reason essentially no one has canceled their order is because you know this is a great deal and deep down inside...you don't want to miss out whenever this thing finally does get released. This stuff does not compare to home-brew, no matter how neat it is to create something yourself.

Richard, you're making a good choice to keep the regular updates going. That's the least you can do with your hands tied. Don't be discouraged. This thread will turn 180 once Tiko launches in home theaters everywhere.

I haven't chimed into this thread in a while because I have been, and still am, convinced and sold on the products that come out of the Bitstream Animation studio. I just read a few of the most recent posts and I can't help but wonder: with all the worried people here, I am surprised that only two of you have asked for their dough back.

I'll say it for everyone: the reason essentially no one has canceled their order is because you know this is a great deal and deep down inside...you don't want to miss out whenever this thing finally does get released. This stuff does not compare to home-brew, no matter how neat it is to create something yourself.

Richard, you're making a good choice to keep the regular updates going. That's the least you can do with your hands tied. Don't be discouraged. This thread will turn 180 once Tiko launches in home theaters everywhere.

I summed it up a few posts back.
"Think of it this way, this is something us buyers really want. "

Thanks guys. Waiting for an update today from them. We're now adding music to one of the animations, though the sound effects are done. That's what's going on today.

Richard

Richard,
Sent you email a month or so ago but it appears to have gotten lost in the shuffle...

Question I had for you was if you folks would be doing any special deals on CeRT while we wait for Tiko?

-t

I also sent an email and all I received was an automated form reply.

I also sent an email and all I received was an automated form reply.

You got more than I did !

-t

Update: I've gotten two more updates of audio over the last week. It's been going well and we are almost done. The audio is still progressing and the rest of the DVD is ready.

For the HD discs, when they come out, perhaps by then there will be a format winner!

teknoguy and bike potato,

Email me at richard@bitstreamanimation.com

I'll get those.

Richard

Update: I've gotten two more updates of audio over the last week. It's been going well and we are almost done. The audio is still progressing and the rest of the DVD is ready.

For the HD discs, when they come out, perhaps by then there will be a format winner!

teknoguy and bike potato,

Email me at richard@bitstreamanimation.com

I'll get those.

Richard

Guys-

I was in the same boat as you in regards to emails. I emailed richard at the above address and got almost instant replies. He really is a stand up guy.

Okay I never saw emails to my address I gave out. So we'll hold tight on those.

Work has progressed to the point where I will be on a plane in July for final mix. That's the big update!

Richard

Okay I never saw emails to my address I gave out. So we'll hold tight on those.

Work has progressed to the point where I will be on a plane in July for final mix. That's the big update!

Richard

Richard,
I put the question I had in the email that got lost, in post 371 above.
The question was were you doing any AVS powerbuys/sales on previous version CeRT since Tiko is held up.

-t

I nice big discount on CeRT may help boost funding for Tiko. :)

Custom Intro's website seems to be down. How/where can I find out ordering info about this and more about it?

n/m It's back.

Howdy folks,

No new news today other than July is still a go for the trip. I'll keep everyone posted.

Hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July.

Richard

So I'm a little late but we're still on target.

CeRT sales are actually through the roof and we're working on those so thanks to everyone for that. Hope all is well, everyone's projectors are bright, flat panels are hung and the show is good for everyone.

Richard

WOW.. it's been a while since I checked on this post. I was eager about the TIKO intro back around Christmas.

Richard I hope the wait your sound company has put you through is worth it. In any event, I'm excited that is almost ready.

Jeff

Okay, another update, we're getting close now. It'll be a good thing when it is, but a little more work is yet to be done.

Richard

I'll be happy if I have it in 2007.:) :)

Okay, another update, we're getting close now. It'll be a good thing when it is, but a little more work is yet to be done.

Richard


Good to hear. I hate to even ask, and it may have already been answered somewhere back, but what is involved in taking this DVD release and getting it ready for a Blu Ray or HD-DVD release? Is there work to then get it into a TrueHD/DTS-HD format, etc? I thought I had read that you have encoded it already in 7.1 which is fantastic, just wondering if it is going to be more hoops to move it to a next gen format. I look forward to the DVD release, but then again, I just sold most of my DVDs in favor of the two new formats.

Hello! So I have been reading this thread for a long time now without ever posting anything. I ordered the Tiko Intro way back on Oct. 22 the day that pre-order was opened. I actually purchased it about hour after release of pre-order. After time of waiting, I called Richard a few times and he has always been very professional and lets me know where he was at with Tiko. Like many of you, I can not wait to see this intro. I think it is going to be well worth the wait. Hope all keeps going well with Tiko and I can not wait to finally see Tiko in action.

Anymore updates? It's Thu.

Richard is California right now. I spoke to him yesterday, and he mentioned that he was expecting the final files for review upon his return home. I'm as excited as anyone!

Todd

So what is going to be the final price of Tiko?
Is there still any kind of pre-order pricing available or is that all but past now that the release is imminent.

Craig

Uh... IS the release imminent?

Richard, I sent you a PM maybe a month ago... haven't heard back yet. Thanks!

Hello all,

I'm weary form the time difference but finally back. And all I can say is I'm ecstatic, no, I mean ECSTATIC, that every piece of audio has finally been created. We are tweaking a few things with the mix and now we have to make sure that in home theaters, it sounds like what it did in the audio rooms, but every piece of audio has been created. There is a small to do list in terms of adding a few things, like music to Tiko Trash, it just doesn't sit right without it, and monitoring the bass levels on The Bassimator, but all in all, what I needed has been done finally.

Everything we have done with Tiko, and even with CeRT has been done with Blu-ray and HD-DVD in mind. That is to say we have 1080p/24fps masters of them both and the audio for Tiko will be in 7.1 when it's finally out on either one of those formats. What we are waiting for on that front, (damn you Apple!) is software that will allow us to have fully functioning menus with animation and audio for said discs. It's not out yet, but all the pieces parts have been done.

We had an offer from a certain studio for CeRT to be on Blu-ray but as play once only (no option then for customized) and without menus.

When the software is available to us, we will certainly have Tiko in HD on disc. And even CeRT. But right now Tiko is obviously our focus. And it will be in 7.1.

Right now as I said, things are being put together and tested so that flags work properly, and the encodes are proper. Shouldn't be too much longer! Oh and we may actually also offer the stuff for the iPod and iPhone. They are easily enough mixed once everything is done. Not with menus obviously, but for the major pieces of animation.

Okay I'm going back into the theater and do some testing on The Bassimator. How I wish what I had mirrored what mix rooms have. I'm just a few hundred thousand dollars short, ha ha.

Thanks again for everyone's patience and we'll be getting another update out soon.

As for final pricing, most likely $109, $119 and $129 depending on how many customized screens you want. The pre-order pricing will be valid until the day we go live. And then I'm retiring. No just kidding. Then a vacation. No just kidding. Then we'll be working on all the pre-orders.

Oh and don't forget the shark discs will come along as well.

Richard

Hello all,

I'm weary form the time difference but finally back. And all I can say is I'm ecstatic, no, I mean ECSTATIC, that every piece of audio has finally been created. We are tweaking a few things with the mix and now we have to make sure that in home theaters, it sounds like what it did in the audio rooms, but every piece of audio has been created. There is a small to do list in terms of adding a few things, like music to Tiko Trash, it just doesn't sit right without it, and monitoring the bass levels on The Bassimator, but all in all, what I needed has been done finally.

Everything we have done with Tiko, and even with CeRT has been done with Blu-ray and HD-DVD in mind. That is to say we have 1080p/24fps masters of them both and the audio for Tiko will be in 7.1 when it's finally out on either one of those formats. What we are waiting for on that front, (damn you Apple!) is software that will allow us to have fully functioning menus with animation and audio for said discs. It's not out yet, but all the pieces parts have been done.

We had an offer from a certain studio for CeRT to be on Blu-ray but as play once only (no option then for customized) and without menus.

When the software is available to us, we will certainly have Tiko in HD on disc. And even CeRT. But right now Tiko is obviously our focus. And it will be in 7.1.

Right now as I said, things are being put together and tested so that flags work properly, and the encodes are proper. Shouldn't be too much longer! Oh and we may actually also offer the stuff for the iPod and iPhone. They are easily enough mixed once everything is done. Not with menus obviously, but for the major pieces of animation.

Okay I'm going back into the theater and do some testing on The Bassimator. How I wish what I had mirrored what mix rooms have. I'm just a few hundred thousand dollars short, ha ha.

Thanks again for everyone's patience and we'll be getting another update out soon.

As for final pricing, most likely $109, $119 and $129 depending on how many customized screens you want. The pre-order pricing will be valid until the day we go live. And then I'm retiring. No just kidding. Then a vacation. No just kidding. Then we'll be working on all the pre-orders.

Oh and don't forget the shark discs will come along as well.

Richard

Fantastic to hear Richard! :D Thanks for offering us the insider updates. I really look forward to the debut. I am sure there will be movie parties everywhere showing this off when it is ready!

As for final pricing, most likely $109, $119 and $129 depending on how many customized screens you want.


$100+!!!!

Ouch, did the price go up!?!

Craig

$100+!!!!

Ouch, did the price go up!?!

Craig

He must be talking about the custom intro that will be 100+.
This is what the website says for the custom and standard intros:

Tiko Intro - Custom Message
Our Price: $99.99
Pre-Order Sale! $69.99


Tiko Intro - Standard Message
Our Price: $14.99
Pre-Order Sale! $12.99

Richard,

I missed out (by about 1 week) on the power buy for Cert last May. I've been following this thread ever since waiting to order the latest and greatest.

A couple of questions:

1. Will you be having another power buy on Cert?
2. Will you be having a power buy on Tiko (or is that what the pre-order price is considered)?
3. Will there be an option to have Cert and Tiko on the same disc?

I almost bought Cert a year ago, but decided to wait on the latest and greatest. I would probably enjoy both, but can't see myself spending $140 or so on the 2 of them. A couple of power buys would certainly make that easier.

The option of having both on one disc for a cheaper rate (then the 2 seperately) and without doubling up on anything would also certainly be attractive.

Richard,

1. Will you be having another power buy on Cert?
2. Will you be having a power buy on Tiko (or is that what the pre-order price is considered)?
3. Will there be an option to have Cert and Tiko on the same disc?



"The pre-order pricing will be valid until the day we go live."

"The pre-order pricing will be valid until the day we go live."

Yes, saw that, but it doesn't answer any of my questions.

It's Wed.

Hey guys,

Yes it's Wednesday and here's the update. The mixing is going on and we're pleased with the testing so far in the home theaters. The Bassimator is getting a little more punch on the low end as it's the whole point of it and we're working hard.

To answer some of the questions from you all...

Yes, the price for Tiko may be going up. That does not affect anyone on the pre-order list and that pricing will be valid until the day we go live with Tiko. Now, what that may mean is since we have a log of orders, we're going to fullfill those before we open the flood gates. We want everyone to get theirs and even though it's by who ordered when, first come first done, we don't want to have hundreds of orders pile up.

We can only hope that a hi-def version is out by the end of the year but I don't know how likely that is, it's dependent upon software from other companies and I am not privy to their timetables. Every asset we have though (save for the classic Filmack animations) is in Hidef awaiting such a release.

AS for a CeRt power buy, there are no plans to have one any time soon. We've done at least two and there were plenty of opportunities to grab it when it was on sale. In fact, it was REALLY on sale April of last year and the powerbuy was up for quite some time. If you wait for the latest and greatest, you'll wait for the next best thing all the time.

Having CeRT and TIko on the same disc was something we have talked about, but there are no plans in the works as of yet. Honestly, our focus is Tiko. But I won't rule it out either.

As for a POwerbuy on Tiko, not anytime soon. Pre-order pricing is what you get. And in all honesty, there shouldn't have been one since it's taken so long. What I will say publicly (not trying to sound uppoty or more secret than needs be, I just want to make sure we do the right thing by those who have ordered from us) is that when Tiko is finally ready, there will be a post here with a warning about getting your pre-order in. I don't know how when that post will be made, or how long after it we will go live, but as everyone here seems to be following, you'll at least know on a Wednesday.

As for a personal note, I just celebrated my 12th wedding anniversary with my wife and even she is asking when Tiko will come out. I said maybe for your 13th wedding anniversary. She said if it wasn't out by then, it'd be a f1st wedding anniversary with someone else. She was kidding....I think.

Okay it's back to the lab.

See you all soon.

And thank you for your kind comments and continued patience.

Richard

Thanks for the update!

Dear Wednesday,

I'd be lying if I made anything up fancy and exciting. The truth is there isn't much to tell you. Please don't be mad. Things are status quo but that doesn't mean I don't like you.

Sincerely,

Ricardo

Okay well seriosuly there isn't much to say, everything is the same as last week but it is Wednesday so there's your update.

Or just date since nothing new is up.

Rich

Custom:
I sent you guys a PM on an order change for order #1042. Please let me know if you have received it. Thanks.

Yup. 7.1 Tiko will only be available on hi def either Blu-ray or HD-DVD. Standard DVD does not support more than 6.1 channels of audio.

Stay with your regular order as is for now.

Richard

Yup. 7.1 Tiko will only be available on hi def either Blu-ray or HD-DVD. Standard DVD does not support more than 6.1 channels of audio.

Stay with your regular order as is for now.

Richard
Gotcha!!!

Okay,

ANother update. Fixed some lip sync issues in the bassimator, added some more effects and encodes are being worked on.

Just a note, I'll be gone for the remainder of the week without access to phone or email pretty much so don't panic. I'll be back on Monday to return emails and calls.

Richard

Hello all,

Trivia is being fixed and we're adding some more slides so it may be more than 10 minutes of warmup triva and fun facts.

Should be some news soon on the audio encodes. I'll post it as soon as I can.

Richard

This is such a Joke!!

At this point; does anyone care about another minute of "FUN FACTS". Just release the thing!!

"Should be coming very soon"
"Just around the corner"
"Final testing"

Can you just give a firm date?!?!?!?

Richard,

Has this same testing been done on the "Shark" extra we are going to get or will that be done once "Tiko" has been completed? Basically, are both "Tiko" and the "Shark" extra being tested at the same time or separately?

We're in September now. Very soon, it'll be a year since pre-orders were taken and there's no product yet.

Ordered mine on 10/28 Order no 1008 Its been a long wait dont know if I will do it again?

Ordered mine on 10/28 Order no 1008 Its been a long wait dont know if I will do it again?

Ditto.

Ordered mine on Nov 2. Order # 1050

I can assure you, no one hear finds it funny nor are we taking a who cares, make them wait attitude in all of this. But if the final encodes aren't yet ready, we may as well do something in order to imrpove what we can while we wait.

The shark is being done at the same time, it will be mailed out as soon as it's finished, no wait for cusotmization once Tiko is available.

Copies of Tiko in HD will also be made available at no charge to all pre-orders once we're able to. I won't even specualte on when that might be, but that includes the 7.1 surround version of the main animations. Everyone we know is going Blu-ray or HD DVD so we would think most of you would as well.

And no, I won't just name a date because I've done that already and it's come back to bite me about 10 times. But the updates are every Wednesday.

Question though...how many of you have video iPods or iPhones? If you do, email me at richard@bitstreamanimation.com or sound off here.

Richard

Todd and Larry,

When the next disc comes after Tiko, there won't be a pre-order until it's actually ready and review copies customized and standard are finished. Not going to do another wait like this, trust me.

Richard

No iPod and no IPhone here. But after today's Apple announcement, now this is an iPod I want. So I will get an iPod when that baby is out. :)

Todd and Larry,

When the next disc comes after Tiko, there won't be a pre-order until it's actually ready and review copies customized and standard are finished. Not going to do another wait like this, trust me.

Richard

I made this suggestion a while ago in this thread. "there won't be a pre-order until it's actually ready"

Copies of Tiko in HD will also be made available at no charge to all pre-orders once we're able to. I won't even specualte on when that might be, but that includes the 7.1 surround version of the main animations. Everyone we know is going Blu-ray or HD DVD so we would think most of you would as well.Richard, just to clarify...do you know if the 7.1 HD version will be HD DVD or Blu-ray at this point, or are you planning to wait it out until there is a clear winner? I'm happy I pre-ordered, knowing you are offering this version at no charge.

Richard, just to clarify...do you know if the 7.1 HD version will be HD DVD or Blu-ray at this point, or are you planning to wait it out until there is a clear winner? I'm happy I pre-ordered, knowing you are offering this version at no charge.

So, that means that all of use who pre-ordered are getting the following, right?

1. Tiko standard DVD
2. Shark extra DVD
3. Tiko HD or BR 7.1

So, that means that all of use who pre-ordered are getting the following, right?

1. Tiko standard DVD
2. Shark extra DVD
3. Tiko HD or BR 7.1

Richard, I would wait another year for all this!!

As I have said in this very thread (a good long while ago), Richard is a class act and this is a sign of that.

Keep us updated!

pcdoctor,

That is correct. I made an error by not having this ready and I fully plan on making up for the fact it is so late. When I previsouly spoke about having people be part of the Bitstream family having purchased our products, I meant it. OKay so right now it's a dysfuntcional one from my end but when you're wrong, you make it right.

Yes I know most of you are saying well making it right would mean releasing the damn thing already, and it will be released. But I'm going to go take the steps that I can to say thank you and we're sorry.

Richard

So, that means that all of use who pre-ordered are getting the following, right?

1. Tiko standard DVD
2. Shark extra DVD
3. Tiko HD or BR 7.1

Can I pre-order now?

pcdoctor,

That is correct. I made an error by not having this ready and I fully plan on making up for the fact it is so late. When I previsouly spoke about having people be part of the Bitstream family having purchased our products, I meant it. OKay so right now it's a dysfuntcional one from my end but when you're wrong, you make it right.

Yes I know most of you are saying well making it right would mean releasing the damn thing already, and it will be released. But I'm going to go take the steps that I can to say thank you and we're sorry.Richard, thank you for your generosity. Do you know if the HD version will be HD DVD or Blu-ray? Is this being simultaneously produced/prepared alongside the SD version?

Richard,

Just an idea, but maybe if you get a chance, you can list some milestones needed before production and that way people can see the progression. It does not need to be specific, ideas like:

1) audio recored
2) animation completed
3) audio and video synced
4) extras
5) test run
6) sample production
7) test of production
9) mass production

I have no clue to what I am talking about ( I just sit there and go Wow at the final product) but when when people can see what is left, it might make things easier to understand how much really goes into a production of such and can get an idea how close things are to finally recieving their goods. Just an idea ( after being up over 24 hrs) and I can understand if you do not want to do anything like this. Just an idea to maybe help people see the progression.

Anyways, I am waiting patiently and appreciate all the hard work that goes into this and the problems that you have had in the past with this project. Thank You! :)

Richard, thank you for your generosity. Do you know if the HD version will be HD DVD or Blu-ray? Is this being simultaneously produced/prepared alongside the SD version?

I think Richard said when the HD version is available we will get it. I think this means it will be produced after the SD version.

Rich is at CEDIA, so I'm not sure when he'll get to this. But my understanding is that the content was prepared with HD in mind, so once the encoding software is in released(come on, Apple!), the discs will be produced. Not sure which version, but Rich and I have discussed Blu-Ray more than HD-DVD. Doesn't mean we can't or won't do both, but we'll have to see what Apple gives us.

Rich, feel free to tell me I'm completely wrong when you get back ;)

Todd

p.s. - I have an iPhone, what do I get? LOL

Rich But my understanding is that the content was prepared with HD in mind, so once the encoding software is in released(come on, Apple!), the discs will be produced.


So, I guess we will receive all three at the same time. Thx
1. Tiko standard DVD
2. Shark extra DVD
3. Tiko HD or BR 7.1

pcdoctor,

THat's not quite right. The Shark animation should be available at the same time as Tiko. I plan on them shipping together. (same package, not same case).

We've noted that when a workflow for Hd DVD or Blu-ray will allow us to have fully functional menus and HD with 7.1 surround, we'll do it. The kicker is it has to be one off. Right now, you cant' use menus and that's a big part of our disc.

Todd's comment of " the discs will be produced was in reference to the HD versions".

But yes, we have worked towards being available on the new format discs once one off customized burning with menus is available.

I won't speculate as to which format that will be right now if even both.

Todd, give me a bit and I'll show you what you or anyone with an iphone or video ipod can have.

Richard

We've noted that when a workflow for Hd DVD or Blu-ray will allow us to have fully functional menus and HD with 7.1 surround, we'll do it. The kicker is it has to be one off. Right now, you cant' use menus and that's a big part of our disc.

Todd's comment of " the discs will be produced was in reference to the HD versions".

But yes, we have worked towards being available on the new format discs once one off customized burning with menus is available.

I can see how that would be a problem for your product. Richard, have you spoken to any of the HD DVD insiders on this site? They seem to be very open to assisting independent productions with problems like this.

Josh,

No I have not. Could you point me to a link or person to speak with?

The site is down, will be back up soon. No worries. Working on a few things.

Richard

Josh,

No I have not. Could you point me to a link or person to speak with?

The site is down, will be back up soon. No worries. Working on a few things.

Richard

Seeing as you guys won't return your emails, maybe you could answer my question here. I ordered the original intro from you 2 weeks ago and still have not seen it. It doesn't show backordered on your site. How come it's taking so long?

Travis

I am in exactly the same position as Bass Addict I ordered CERT 27/8 and a pre-order of Tiko. Cert shows as pending, Tiko appears to have got lost from the order and no response to my emails. Steve

bass addict and Theendisnye, you two are all set, emails were sent and so were your packages.

No real update to tell you about. Slides are completed and now everything is in place save for audio. I may be going back out to California for a weekend but I doubt I'll have to.

Richard

Okay,

The Shark is getting worked on and audio for Tiko has been sent back for revision. Some problems with proper flagging but it happened with CeRT so we're getting it fixed.

Other than that everyone have a good weekend and we'll be testing audio.

Richard

I think they could create Finding Nemo 13 faster than this!!!

Makes me wonder which holiday this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=9142838&postcount=262) was really referring to...

Audio is almost done. We're working on the last piece.

One heck of a last piece... almost one year later, still no Tiko.

Seeing as you guys won't return your emails, maybe you could answer my question here. I ordered the original intro from you 2 weeks ago and still have not seen it. It doesn't show backordered on your site. How come it's taking so long?

Travis


Same situation here... numerous emails sent with no reply or just even some sort of confirmation. I ordered CErt Custom intro 2 weeks ago and i'm hoping it'll get to me before the 10th as i'm hosting a big event here in my house.

Which email are you all using? I know Rich is having SPAM filter issues, but he can usually be reached fairly easily. When I read these posts, I always give him a heads up via IM.

Todd

Which email are you all using? I know Rich is having SPAM filter issues, but he can usually be reached fairly easily. When I read these posts, I always give him a heads up via IM.

Todd

I tried "contact us" at your website and I had also pm'ed Richard here. Would you be able to check for me? I'll PM you my details. Thanks!

FACP,

Is spoke to Rich, and your intro is being shipped today. I hope it arrives in time for your party!

Todd

I have the CERT Intro DVD. My question is..Can the VS file on the disc be copied over to the PS3 or Xbox 360 and played ??

I too had ordered two discs back in early september, no responses to emails, I had to file a dispute with paypal on this to get my money back and bitstream hasn't even responded to paypal's requests for their side of the story:confused:

I too had ordered two discs back in early september, no responses to emails, I had to file a dispute with paypal on this to get my money back and bitstream hasn't even responded to paypal's requests for their side of the story:confused:

Their's no excuse for bad buisness practice's,Such as not returning emails ect.Really a shame.I have cert and really like it.But these practices make me run away.BOB:(

Is the adage "over promise and under deliver" or the other way? I've considered ordering this, but the 'spin' by these guys on the statusus is overwhelming.

Paul, I replied to your PM.

Sarge, Please keep in mind that this is Rich's company, I'm just a friend of his that built his websites. I will do what I can to relay any messages to Rich if he has not been responsive. I'm as anxious as anyone else to see the final product, and can't speak for Rich or his sound guy (who has been the major bottleneck, truth be known).

Todd

Is there anyone left who cares about Tiko?

Absolutely.

I still have faith.:D

I still care. I even tried to buy with credit card, but to no avail. Don't really want to use PayPal. but if push comes to shove, I guess I will.

Yes, I'm still subscribed to this thread. It was a small charge for the discs that I ordered, but I'm still waiting for a replacement CeRT disc that works, and still looking forward to the Tiko disc. Not willing to let this one just fade away!

I'm having something in Dec. and hope that Tiko will be ready.

I'm having something in Dec. and hope that Tiko will be ready.

That's what I said last year! LOL

Only 1 week until our ANNIVERSARY!!

Has this project fallen off the face of the earth? Almost a month with no updates.

I spoke to Rich the other day. Seems as though the sound is still the big issue. I told him that I don't care about this guy's talent (he works for a major studio that works on major film projects), we can't use him again. He simply hasn't put Tiko on his priority list, and Rich is getting screwed because of it. I suppose I really can't blame the sound guy, he's doing his best to schedule this project around others, but a year? Wow.

This is my opinion, and does not reflect Rich's or Bitstream's. I'm still eager to get this out there and SEEN by you folks, and the audio has been held up forever. The video was done AGES ago. So was all of the production art and extra goodies. Rich is a super-good guy, and will NOT take anyone's money. I've known him a long time, and he has a heart of gold. He's tortured by this, trust me, and will not rest until it is done.

A year is way too long to wait. I hope that you all find it worth some of the wait at least!

Todd

The video is impressive. Who does the video and what tool do they use?

In the future, maybe you can do your own audio production. I'm no expert but it seems like you could use something like "Final Cut Studio", "Adobe Premiere CS3" or some other program to do everything in house. What do the other companies use who create their own home theater intros? Hardware: window or mac, Software: final cut studio or premiere, etc.

He simply hasn't put Tiko on his priority list, and Rich is getting screwed because of it. I suppose I really can't blame the sound guy, he's doing his best to schedule this project around others, but a year?

Looks like you're unofficially approached a talented guy with an unofficial project and he has to give his employer's projects priority. This indicates that Tiko could very well take another year to complete... if ever. It sounds like this sound guy is under no obligation to comply.

This indicates that Tiko could very well take another year to complete... if ever. It sounds like this sound guy is under no obligation to comply.

Excuse my French but SH*T. I'll try to be patient.
If my memory serves correctly wasn't the work being done at Lucasfilm or something like that?

I believe it was Skywalker Sound

He's under an obligation - he's been paid. He's a nice guy, so I hear, but I'm over being nice about it all. That's why I said this is my opinion, not Rich's, as I'm not financially tied to this situation at all. I just want my friend to succeed with his dream project and stop getting bashed for being late. I know he's doing everything he can...

Todd

I believe it was Skywalker Sound

Darn it! So close!
LOL!

He's under an obligation - he's been paid. He's a nice guy, so I hear, but I'm over being nice about it all. That's why I said this is my opinion, not Rich's, as I'm not financially tied to this situation at all. I just want my friend to succeed with his dream project and stop getting bashed for being late. I know he's doing everything he can...

Todd

Lawsuit! You guys/gals sue for everything else down there.... :D

I don't think anyone intends to bash, BUT when things go south
like this project has, the best thing to do is communicate with
your customers.

At first the progress reports were good and gave us hope. Now
they have dwindled off and we are all left hanging and wondering
'What's going on?'.

I think some of us feel let down.

Communicate

and stop getting bashed for being late.

The intent is not to bash. However, there's a disconnect somewhere and since it's been a year now since I placed my pre-order, I'm starting to feel that this project could go on for another year if not more. If that guy has been paid and is not producing, turn on the pressure. From our end as customers, we can only put the pressure on you (Rich, that is). I really do want Tiko, but if this whole project is frozen by this one guy, time for serious action may be needed.

Let me jump in here as Todd has done a good job.

Things are progressing on the audio side and I may be flying out to California to oversee the FINAL friggin mix. It will not take another year to complete.

I personally, nor is Todd allowed to say much about anything on the audio side as to fault etc because certain avenues of recourse shut themselves off when you publically make written statements. There are things I would love to say but things I cannot. And some people have much larger legal departmens and pockets than I do. So it's best in the interests of everyone to just complete the DVD.

Communication to the people who is working on Tiko has been made, and it may very well be that we don't go the same route should another animation be done. We have 2 others in the pipeline but won't even say what they would be. (Robot and Futuristic Flight) but those are well on the backburner now.

Also, one thing you don't know about our production line is that we've had some turnover regarding custom intros for CeRT. In order to speed up production, we hired another individual who has animation experience

So as for an update I'll be in California most likely in the next two-three weeks and then home for rendering and shipping. But dear goodness don't quote me on that. The money invested into this isn't your problem (you as the readers and customers) but there may be a time I deem it lost and find another audio company suitable.

Originally we had thought of doing the audio, but there is simply SO much that goes into audio creation, the mix, volume levels, encodes, etc, that we wanted the very best. I still have hope that Tiko is going to be the same as CeRT in that regard, and it should be. Those who have seen it and even heard it to now, including the other pieces of animation are blown away. Poor CeRT.

I will continue to work to get this done with all means at my disposal short of anything unprofessional and there isn't much more to say other than you guys have been the best, even those who aren't happy and have voiced so.

My wife has come up with something fun that will ship with the Tiko orders, so there will be an extra surpise when they ship. Yes I know SHIP TIKO WHO CARES ABOUT THE EXTRA CRAP! But even my wife has an interest in this and is aware of what's going on.

All CeRT orders will be shipped as of tomorrow and Chris, I'll resend one for you as well.

In addition I will be adding a new email for you to get in touch with me for custom intros and it will NOT have a SPAM blocker on it at all. This should make communication much easier.

Thanks.

Richard

Ok. So everyone that ordered Tiko will receive four things? Is this still true? In an earlier post you said we would get the Shark extra. Are the people that ordered Tiko still going to get the four items listed below?

1. Tiko
2. Shark extra
3. HD version of Tiko
4. Something extra from your wife.

My wife has come up with something fun that will ship with the Tiko orders,

Potholders? A slinky? Happy Fun Ball? :)

Thanks Richard for the update.I know it must be hard 'so close but still so far in a way.Hope it gets done soon,I will want one for sure,The kids and I love Cert.

pcdoctor,

That is correct. Though it was a suggestion from my wife after seeing a commercial on TV. And I agree with it.

It'll go perfect for those of you with home theaters and even those of you who dont.

Chris, those are all good suggestions seeing as, unfortunately my local Porsche dealer didn't have the volume I needed.

Richard

Order no 1008 Thanks for the update. Hope it comes before Thanksgiveing. I am haveing a big party and want to show it off.:)

That's done it, not before Thanksgiving, not now.

I'm in - order 1160

My silly question is Tiko shipping or did I miss something as usual? :) If so my fingers wont type fast enough to order. :D

I don't believe it is shipping yet, they are still trying to wrap up development.

Tiko is actually going back into the mix room next week. It's scheduled and in pen. Pardon me while I reign in my optimism.

Richard

I thought we could take a stroll down memory lane......

10-16-06, 07:27 PM

Within days for pre-order. It's in the final stages but many people have put on here they wanted pre-orders and they wanted pre-order pricing. It's coming. I know we've been saying that but the end is near and you'll see a new website with more information and a new store.

As for the 2.35 intro, it's in the storyboarding stages but it will be getting done.

Richard

11-03-06, 07:03 AM

Tiko is coming, fear not! We are currently working with our sound staff to have all of the additional elements mixed and added to the disc (if you've seen the site's page with disc contents, you can see that you're getting a LOT more than just Tiko on the disc :))

We truly appreciate the response to our pre-sale. You are our audience, and we are working hard to make this the best intro EVER :)

Thanks again,
Todd

11-18-06, 08:20 PM


Tiko is on pace and the audio mix is being worked on. It's the last piece of the puzzle, look for an update email soon.

And thanks for all your orders!

Richard

****This is just the best of 2006 quotes.
**The 2007 quotes are being compiled and will be posted soon, they are in the final stages...(wow, just caught myself sounding like Richard ) :D

Just Kidding, but kinda serious :rolleyes:

I thought we could take a stroll down memory lane......

10-16-06, 07:27 PM



11-03-06, 07:03 AM



11-18-06, 08:20 PM



****This is just the best of 2006 quotes.
**The 2007 quotes are being compiled and will be posted soon, they are in the final stages...(wow, just caught myself sounding like Richard ) :D

Just Kidding, but kinda serious :rolleyes:


I trust that once they re-open the HD-DVD and BD forums, you will be off this forum??

Craig

I trust that once they re-open the HD-DVD and BD forums, you will be off this forum??

Craig

ROFLMAO.....

Hopefully we will get Tiko by Xmas '07.

Hopefully we will get Tiko by Xmas '07.

Let me answer that with a post from last year:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=9142838&postcount=262
To all: We are feverishly working to get Tiko out for the Holidays. It's my dream and goal. Along the way we've been testing new compression codecs and figuring out codecs for MPG2 to ensure you have the finest SD DVD available. And of course HD.

We are also doing a bit of post production work to fix some errors in animation and a little more. Small changes but they require working with sets of single frames.

Audio is almost done. We're working on the last piece. I don't know how many DVDs I've gone through burning to test on our audio and then getting notes back to Skywalker Sound. It's a fun process but it has to be right. Although they don't understand why a few people said there wasn't enough bass in CeRT, Tiko should come with a warning label.

We're working on it every day and I hope to have it in your hands for Christmas but no promises yet.

Hello, Hello, anyone home??

I think they are going for the Guiness book of World records, keeping gulable customers hanging record.

All this wait for a 90 second-ish video.... lol

I hope this is in 3d, because by the time it comes out, 2d will be a thing of the past.

Update - Tiko was in the mix room last week and again next week. Time is booked and paid.

No one here at Bitstream is taking any enjoyment out of how late it is. Yes it's late, you can quote me all I want. Had I known it would have run into what it has I never would have said any of it. I can't say any more now to change what I said in the past.

It's being worked on. I'm paying out for services. I'll take what's coming to me here, but there is no intention to steal cheat or lie.

So if you make your jokes go ahead, for some it's in good humor and I appreciate patience and everything else. But if you're going to take potshots, at least spell them correctly :).

"Gullible".

Richard

Update - Tiko was in the mix room last week and again next week. Time is booked and paid.

No one here at Bitstream is taking any enjoyment out of how late it is. Yes it's late, you can quote me all I want. Had I known it would have run into what it has I never would have said any of it. I can't say any more now to change what I said in the past.

It's being worked on. I'm paying out for services. I'll take what's coming to me here, but there is no intention to steal cheat or lie.

So if you make your jokes go ahead, for some it's in good humor and I appreciate patience and everything else. But if you're going to take potshots, at least spell them correctly :).

"Gullible".

Richard

I might feel different if you were not sitting on all these people's money all this time as well. If they were just orders but not charged till the product was ready.
I was smart enough to get my money back from you months ago. When you gave me my money back you asked me to keep quiet about some thing that have made me uncomfortable ever since as I watch this thing drag on and on.
Why didn't you give everyone their money back and tell them you would let them know when the product was really ready to ship? It seems to me that would have been the thing to do to show good faith, not post infrequent "updates" that basically just say the same thing, "we are working on it, what can I say".

Edit: the something to keep quiet was nothing to do with his company or Tiko. It was just the idea of keeping anything quiet that bothered me.

I was smart enough to get my money back from you months ago. When you gave me my money back you asked me to keep quiet about some thing that have made me uncomfortable ever since as I watch this thing drag on and on.

ah, Richard?

McCall, you got a refund so why are you still complaining? Drop off the thread if you're that unhappy and just walk away.

Richard has stated several times he will refund any pre-order if that's what someone wants. I've monitored this thread and it's obvious he's a victim of circumstances beyond his control but IMHO he has done a reasonable job taking responsibility and doing the right thing.

Personally, I don't want my money automatically refunded because then I'll have to get involved again to re-order again when it comes out.

...
Why didn't you give everyone their money back and tell them you would let them know when the product was really ready to ship? ...

In hindsight, I bet Richard wishes he would have done that. Unfortunately, it seems like nobody could have predicted it would have gone on this long. Today, we look back at a long series of delays. A year ago, we looked forward to a release at any time - as I'm sure Richard did.

This reminds me of pilots in trouble who stay with a damaged plane all the way to the ground, all the while thinking they can get control. After the crash we wonder why they didn't eject - If they eject, we wonder why they didn't try to save the plane.

I placed my order early (October '06) to be first in line for a custom intro, as I'm sure many did. If Richard had refunded our money in December and Tiko had been released in January, we probably would have yelled because we lost our place in line.;)

I don't really want my money back. I'd like to get Tiko as soon as possible, but I'm "gullible" enough to not worry about it too much.

I try to keep it in perspective: I'm as eager as the next guy, but it's not like I'm missing a critical component that's vital to my movie viewing (no offense Richard:)) - My theater still performs fine, I can watch all the movies I want, and my family and friends still enjoy CeRT before the movie.

Hang on to my money, Richard. I like being near the top of the list :D

Just because I did get my money back almost a year ago now at least several months ago, does not mean I am not interested in how this all plays out. I almost tried to sell my husband's employer on this great product and company, I am very glad now that I didn't.
I don't think Richard is really dishonest or running a scam, but I think the way he has dealt with this and the general lack of communication and some of the ongoing messages when they did appear is most unfortunate. I don't believe I am the only one who thinks that.
Anyway I will continue to watch the saga without further comment.

McCall, I see you are a female. Interesting.

McCall, I see you are a female. Interesting.

I am not commenting on the thread but why is it interesting about the fact I am a woman, It has never exactly been a secret.:) And an old woman at that!

I hope this is in 3d, because by the time it comes out, 2d will be a thing of the past.

I don't know about this but I would say I am considerably less likely to use this unless it is an HD presentation. You mentioned a HD transfer (free even!). Not to get you in even more hot water here but have you decided on HD DVD or Blu-Ray? I would suggest HD DVD because with such a short feature you could probably put it on a single DVD and not even have to deal with expensive HDM (but I know there would be plenty that would disagree ;)). What would the time frame be on the HD? Same rollout time as the SD version or would it be longer?

I am not commenting on the thread but why is it interesting about the fact I am a woman, It has never exactly been a secret.:) And an old woman at that!

PC is a woman too. Don't take it to mean anything bad.

I am not commenting on the thread but why is it interesting about the fact I am a woman, It has never exactly been a secret.:) And an old woman at that!

I guess I thought you were a male. I guess I never really looked at the avatar that closely. I think it's cool that a grandmother loves home theater but then again you could be a young grandmother. It's an inside joke really. If you remember the thread about candy and my grandmother you would understand. I'm impressed with you being a grandmother and loving home theater. I'll see if I can locate the thread about my grandmother. If I find it, I'll post it. It's really good for a laugh.

McCall,

I'm going to send you a PM. Be on the look out for it. Thx

I don't know about this but I would say I am considerably less likely to use this unless it is an HD presentation. You mentioned a HD transfer (free even!). Not to get you in even more hot water here but have you decided on HD DVD or Blu-Ray? I would suggest HD DVD because with such a short feature you could probably put it on a single DVD and not even have to deal with expensive HDM (but I know there would be plenty that would disagree ;)). What would the time frame be on the HD? Same rollout time as the SD version or would it be longer?



Funny you should bring this up... 13 months ago I couldn't wait for my SD version. (I was so sure my "upscaling" DVD player would make it look so good!!!) As many of you know, 13 months is a lot of time to upgrade. I saw the light and jumped on HD DVD bandwagon. SD is not as exciting anymore. Long story short, I hope they do it the HDDVD DTS-HD MA way!

I hope they finish SD and HD close to each other... and not 12-2007 for SD and 12-2008 HD

I don't know about this but I would say I am considerably less likely to use this unless it is an HD presentation. You mentioned a HD transfer (free even!). Not to get you in even more hot water here but have you decided on HD DVD or Blu-Ray? ...

I think the HD version is a file on the Standard DVD. Here's the bullets from the site:

Features


720 by 480p DVD
Anamorphic Widescreen
Dolby Digital 5.1 EX audio
DTS 6.1 audio
1920 by 1080i Hi-Definition transport stream file for Home Theater PCs

I thought they mentioned it would be BD HDM first?

Looking back through the thread, the question of "which format will the HD version delivered to all the pre-order folks be in," was never actually answered. Although it was asked 3 or 4 times.

It can't be answered yet. If you look at the responses to the question, you'll see that the issue with HD is in the authoring tools. When those tools support an HD disc solution, that's the direction Rich said he'd go in. I don't have more info, I'm just the web jockey :)

And Rich is NOT a bad guy. This is the same guy that has organized Make a Wish charity events for the past eeveral years, donating thousands of dollars. He's sick over this, and he will NEVER do business this way again. Lesson learned, trust me.

Todd

It can't be answered yet. If you look at the responses to the question, you'll see that the issue with HD is in the authoring tools. When those tools support an HD disc solution, that's the direction Rich said he'd go in. I don't have more info, I'm just the web jockey :)

And Rich is NOT a bad guy. This is the same guy that has organized Make a Wish charity events for the past eeveral years, donating thousands of dollars. He's sick over this, and he will NEVER do business this way again. Lesson learned, trust me.

Todd

So I guess that means not doing business with Skywalker Sound anymore.

It can't be answered yet. If you look at the responses to the question, you'll see that the issue with HD is in the authoring tools. When those tools support an HD disc solution, that's the direction Rich said he'd go in. I don't have more info, I'm just the web jockey :)

And Rich is NOT a bad guy. This is the same guy that has organized Make a Wish charity events for the past eeveral years, donating thousands of dollars. He's sick over this, and he will NEVER do business this way again. Lesson learned, trust me.

Todd

HD DVD authoring is actually really easy. Check out this 75 page AVS thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=705146

Like I said, you could just use DVD-Rs too.


No one is saying any of you guys are bad guys. There are just frustrations boiling over from the timing of this endeavor (obviously).