I guess at this point we can forget about a Christmas delivery... for a second year in a row.

By the way, I'm still very intrigued by this quote:

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.

Richard has yet to explain this...

I guess at this point we can forget about a Christmas delivery... for a second year in a row.

By the way, I'm still very intrigued by this quote:



Richard has yet to explain this...

If you are soooo concerned... you can always ask for your $$ back. ;)
Nobody has room to talk. Either get your $$ back or enjoy the ride and wait for the release.

Craig

Nobody has room to talk. Either get your $$ back or enjoy the ride and wait for the release.

Craig

I don't think too many of us here want our money back. I think most of us believe we will get a quality product when it is released and Are in it for the ride, enjoyable or otherwise. However, I also think that we, as investors, should be kept appraised of developments, technical, financial, anything related to the sale and delivery of the product. I see McCall has edited her post to say the something Richard wanted her to keep quiet about had nothing to do with Tiko or the company.....

Maybe the timing wasn't right when Richard shared addt'l info with McCall. And maybe the timing isn't right now for Richard to share this addt'l info with the group but curious minds want/need to know, Is the project still on track?

Richard hasn't posted in nearly two weeks. Maybe now is the time is give us an update and clear the air. All I need is an affirmation from Richard that his remark to McCall was unrelated, that everything is a go, and I'll put it out of my mind for ever. Oh and by the way, I am not about to ask for my money back, not now and not ever.

Is it reeeeeeeally that hard to complete a short in 2 years time? After all it is just a short computer animation and if the audio was/is a holdup to the product, then someone else should be contracted to do the work. Is this audio guy the only person in the entire universe which was capable of doing the audio mix. Geez.

I have come back here from time to time, but Richard needs to stop getting hung up over having the "perfect" audio mix as it has blemished his credibility and also his companies reputation and probably bottom line.

Get on with it and get the product out for gods sake-dont baby it until everyone writes it off as a lost cause.

I have the original intro and almost pre-ordered the tiko version but now have a pretty negative perception of Bitstream Animation with not being able to properly manage a project development while before I had an extremely favorable perception of them.

It is kinda sad.

It is sad. And yes we are moving in a different direction. I didn't want to and don't want to but it's time to cut my losses and get things done. A back up plan has now been put into affect and it's what I've been working on the last few weeks.

I won't let it affect the quality of the project, but there has been enogh delay without results.

As for McCall's comments, suffice to say it has NOTHING to do with Tiko or how fast I can or could have gotten it completed.

And to open Pandora's box, I said I would send her her order anyway when it was completed. There is one other person who I promised that too as well so it's not a reaction to keep her from spilling the comments publicly.

I just thought it was be a nice thing. I don't have any beef with her, but please, I'm focusing on Tiko and getting everyone their orders.

Richard

As for McCall's comments, suffice to say it has NOTHING to do with Tiko or how fast I can or could have gotten it completed.

Richard

That's good enough for me. Thanks Richard.

mark

Thanks for the update and good luck with the new audio unit.

I was hoping my edit would solve the problem my comment produced, Won't go into detail about why I made the comment other than that it had bothered me at the time, did not mean to imply anything more than that, I would have gone back and deleted it but then everything posted subsequent would have made no sense and I figure it might cause even more speculation.

I apologise for any misunderstanding or concern that post caused.
Richard was nice enought to offer to send it to me anyway when it was done which I did not and do not now expect.

This board has been through a lot of the past year...people upset that a project they want is not finished..a small company trying to put it's best project out there....bigger companies putting the smaller project on the back burner....I was very impressed with Cert and also the previews for Tiko...That is why I do not mind the wait. I have always tried to support ma and pa stores to the best I can....that is why I am still supporting this project..time to go, Fedex just drove by the house and it has my presesnts on it...gotta go chase them!!!! Happy Holidays to all and especially to Richard. Thanks for everything.

I'm not sure where to get into this thread, but I placed an order for CERT (non-customized) almost a month ago with no product show for it. I've both emailed and left voicemail, with no response. Details from the customintros.com website below:

Order date: November 16, 2007
Order#: 1162
Shipping to: Jason Patrick Items Ordered: Price: Status:
1 of : CeRT Intro - Standard Message [Audio Type:DTS 6.1][Disc Setup:Autoplay][Standard Messages:Enjoy the Show!]
$14.99 Pending

I've made every effort I can think of, but this is unacceptably customer service for a product that states 24-48hr shipping. Advice on how I get product or my money back???

I've made every effort I can think of, but this is unacceptably customer service for a product that states 24-48hr shipping. Advice on how I get product or my money back???

I know it sounds crazy but it seems like this thread is the best way to get a response. We are all trying to hang in there.

I'm not sure where to get into this thread, but I placed an order for CERT (non-customized) almost a month ago with no product show for it. I've both emailed and left voicemail, with no response. Details from the customintros.com website below:

Order date: November 16, 2007
Order#: 1162
Shipping to: Jason Patrick Items Ordered: Price: Status:
1 of : CeRT Intro - Standard Message [Audio Type:DTS 6.1][Disc Setup:Autoplay][Standard Messages:Enjoy the Show!]
$14.99 Pending

I've made every effort I can think of, but this is unacceptably customer service for a product that states 24-48hr shipping. Advice on how I get product or my money back???

You need to be patient! 1 month, Hah! Come back next November. :)

You know how some places say, "Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery" This place used to say "Please allow 8-10 weeks for delivery" but that seemed too long so the changed to "4-6 months".... still sounded too long so now it's just 1-2 years. The smaller the numbers, the better.

I supposed "expected" the delay for Tiko .... but not for CERT?!?!?

Dispute the charge with your credit card company, and I bet you will get a response or the item shipped ASAP.

BitStream Animations used to be such a good company. I was going to pre-order, as I have and love CERT, but noticed that nothing was getting resolved for 2-3 months and decided not to pre-order.

The HD version of CRET is really cool.

Good luck

I'm not sure where to get into this thread, but I placed an order for CERT (non-customized) almost a month ago with no product show for it. I've both emailed and left voicemail, with no response. Details from the customintros.com website below:

Order date: November 16, 2007
Order#: 1162
Shipping to: Jason Patrick Items Ordered: Price: Status:
1 of : CeRT Intro - Standard Message [Audio Type:DTS 6.1][Disc Setup:Autoplay][Standard Messages:Enjoy the Show!]
$14.99 Pending

I've made every effort I can think of, but this is unacceptably customer service for a product that states 24-48hr shipping. Advice on how I get product or my money back???

Update - I received email from Richard regarding my order and believe he's taking care of the issue.

I'm not sure where to get into this thread, but I placed an order for CERT (non-customized) almost a month ago with no product show for it. I've both emailed and left voicemail, with no response. Details from the customintros.com website below:

Order date: November 16, 2007
Order#: 1162
Shipping to: Jason Patrick Items Ordered: Price: Status:
1 of : CeRT Intro - Standard Message [Audio Type:DTS 6.1][Disc Setup:Autoplay][Standard Messages:Enjoy the Show!]
$14.99 Pending

I've made every effort I can think of, but this is unacceptably customer service for a product that states 24-48hr shipping. Advice on how I get product or my money back???


All,
We've hesitated posting something similar to this thread for some time, but since we see others like Patrija having the same problems - we felt the community should know that somethings going wrong here.

We are a dealer (CinemaBuilder.com) for the Cert product and for TWO months - we have been unable to get our Cert orders filled (which they still haven't been). Over these two months, we've sent literally dozens of regular e-mails, site-feedback e-mails, PM's, and phone calls (but phone is never answered and voicemail is not setup) - trying to get a hold of anyone at Bitstream - not a single response. So we don't know what's happening, but we wanted to let you all know.

I will surely keep an eye on this thread to see how this latest twist unfolds.

Not a good sign.
Sounds like a company closing its doors or trying to piss off its customers.
Too bad.

OR Maybe Richard and company are travelling to get the audio done and dont bother to phone home?

Maybe BitstreamWebGuy/Todd will give us an update if Richard cant.

Oh-oh, no Christmas in AVS Land. :( :(

Hello everyone,

Craig is set (though we'll be speaking this afternoon hopefully) as is Jason, if anyone else is owed CeRT, please let me know in this thread. Tiko is still in Plan B but even having to switch gears, it won't take as long as Plan A.

We are not closing our doors though it's been a difficult time throughout the lack of release of Tiko and internally at Bitstream. I guess the only thing I'm working towards is to get over this mountain of frustration and issues into the greener valley with the sunshine. Hey it worked in Disney's Dinosaur!

Thank you for the support here and thank you for the critical feedback. Things are still on course for Tiko and CeRT issues will be resolved shortly, though orders have been going out all week.

I'm in this for the long haul, and if we were closing, I would not continually post in this thread nor would I continue to work on Tiko. I understand things may seem like empty promises but the mindset, heart and financial risk are all with Tiko and are going forward.

As Christmas approaches, I hope everyone who celebrates any holiday, enjoys time with their friends and family.

Richard

Merry Christmas to you to rich.

I have been waiting for several months for a HD Cert with 6.1.
Should be under email of tish@... hope I see it soon have pretty much given up on Bitstream thinking it was all a scam. Still not sure it isn't. I guess I will give it a little longer before I try and reclaim my funds.

I didn't think they were doing anything in HD yet but I noticed that another poster said Cert looks awesome in HD.

tish - will make sure it ships. I'll emali you tomorrow.

pcdoctor - Every CeRT disc has a .ts file with CeRT intro itself in 1080i and Dolby 5.1. Always have.

No updates as people are on vacation and not working during the Holidays. Will be updating again soon.

Richard

I don't use a HTPC so when I think of HD, I'm thinking HD DVD or BR.
Gotcha.

Hello everyone,

Craig is set (though we'll be speaking this afternoon hopefully) as is Jason, if anyone else is owed CeRT, please let me know in this thread.

I also placed an order for CERT in October and have been unable to get any responses.

If you could help, I would greatly appreciate it.

Welcome 2008!

Any update on the new timeline?

Especially with the recent developments I would be more comfortable if we were getting updates with some frequency.

This has gotten out of hand Richard. I have zero confidence that this will be available in the next month. When I paid for it 16 months ago I was confident that it would be available in the next month. I urge you to keep us involved in the process.

Spurified, I PMed you.

coolhand and others, as I mentioned, I am working on PlanB. To be more specific I am getting time in another studio in order to finish the project. That means encodes and partly the mix. The studio was closed between Christmas and New Years and is back and audio files have been sent for preview and mixing and encoding.

I should have first encodes within a week or two.

Richard

Thanks for the update Richard. I understand factors outside of your control played a substantial part in all of this. Still, it has gotten out of hand at this point. If you can continue to keep us updated it will help alleviate the fears and frustrations of the forum members and will keep us sympathetic to your plight.

Any chance of a 4K ts sneaking in on the disc as an "easter egg"?

Yeah, the easter egg would be too big to fit on a DVD!

We did get a request from a film studio to see if we could render it in 4k once, but nothing since then.

SPEAKING OF!!! Does anyone know where and what the Easter Egg is on CeRT?

Richard

Yeah, the easter egg would be too big to fit on a DVD!

We did get a request from a film studio to see if we could render it in 4k once, but nothing since then.

SPEAKING OF!!! Does anyone know where and what the Easter Egg is on CeRT?

Richard

Great... Now I have to go watch CeRT to find the Easter egg - I LOVE these things!;)

Ok here's an update. Now working with PLan B fully, the studio is good and another payment for engineering time has been made. Hopefully the last payment will go out soon based on the final completion of it all.

Orders for CeRT have been shipping and are going out. A few people will be getting emails or PMs soon and we're pretty much caught up with everything.

Richard

Just curious, are we still going to get the "Shark" trailer and a HD version of Tiko at a later date? (free of course)

Yes.

Richard

A while back I was going to order (still am) Tiko, even with the wait that people have had do endure. My question is also when I first decided to buy tiko that the only accepted form of payment was Paypal. I am not very fond of Paypal, :( and asked if there were other methods of payment. I was told that you do except regular credit cards and to place the order and at check out it would ask for type of payment. I have kept checking and still paypal is the only method of payment. If that is the only way, I will still order, but I have reservations on Paypal. Thanks for your input.:confused:

You can use PayPal on our site with or without an account. Unfortunately, we have not found an inexpensive way to handle credit cards using a traditional card processing service (though I have a lot of experience in setting sites up with these, they are costly).

Contact Rich directly - I'm sure he can help you out (check, money order, etc.)

Todd

Any more info on the "HD" version?

I would hate to cancel at this point but I honestly haven't played a SD DVD in my theater in months. I would want any intro I use to be of equalivent quality to the feature, something this disk is quickly getting away from.

Even if someone could share how to transfer the .ts version to HD (or Blu, I'm dual format) I would continue to wait.

Thanks,
Chris

Would greatly appreciate if Richard could help. Placed an order for CERT on 16 December 2007. I've sent dozens of regular e-mails but have been unable to get any responses.

Very cool..love to see progress on this project.. maybe it's time to pony up some money..

Had a hiccup in software. We updated to Leopard and it broke a lot of programs. EMails and orders will be shipping today, tomorrow and get updates tonight.

Been working through that.

Tiko audio is still being worked on, paying for studio time sucks, but we have teh right engineers on the project and the right stuff.

I'll post some specific CeRT updates later tomorrow for people here and through email.

Richard

Evidently I am coming in at the right time, I put it off and put it off, but today I did order Tiko. I know that it will make a fine addition to my home cinema. With all the traffic on Tiko, I know the time is soon for release, and if the Quicktime sample that they have on the site is any indication, they will definitely have something to be proud of.

Okay folks,

Half the emails are done and all orders will be shipped out a of tomorrow (custom and otherwise).

Look for mail in your inbox later today and tomorrow even as we notify people.

Thanks,

Richard

All orders of Cert or Tiko?

All orders of Cert or Tiko?Yes, please do tell. Is Tiko shipping now?

All orders of Cert or Tiko?

Just a guess but most likely it's probably for Cert and not Tiko. I figured that we'd all receive emails by now if it was for Tiko.

Hi. Can you please give me an update on the progress of my order 1152. I have not received any emails so I would just like to know how long before my order will be filled. Thank you
Alan Scott

Me too. Order No. 1008

Hehehehe... this has been like watching a day-time soap opera. :D

All orders of Cert or Tiko?

Tune in next week... !!!

Any more info on the "HD" version?

I would hate to cancel at this point but I honestly haven't played a SD DVD in my theater in months. I would want any intro I use to be of equalivent quality to the feature, something this disk is quickly getting away from.

Even if someone could share how to transfer the .ts version to HD (or Blu, I'm dual format) I would continue to wait.

Thanks,
Chris

Still waiting for a few answers several weeks later (seems to be a theme here).

knock knock!?! Anyone home?

I know it's not Wednesday but come on. Quit leaving your PAID customers in the dark.

Hehehehe... this has been like watching a day-time soap opera. :D

Like sands through the hourglass these are the days of our lives.

*crickets chirping*

:)

Like sands through the hourglass these are the days of our lives.

Hahahahaha... :D

Hahahahaha... :D

I wanted to say that a couple of days ago.
If I only could put a video intro from one of the soaps on this thread.

Work is progressing on Tiko, but I've been dealing with some personal issues so have not had a lot of extra time to post regarding this. I expect the final payment for audio to be made in 2 weeks tops. And when it's in I'm going to eat a steak dinner because that means final audio is being finished, certified and shipped to me!

No, being caught up on all orders does not mean Tiko is done yet. If it were I'd be all smiles and posting it. Trust me you'll all know when it's done.

Coolhand, you can download your your .ts file to your harddrive and reburn the file only to a DVD. I know the Toshiba HD-DVD players can recognize it and play as is, not sure about Blu.

I can say we will be going Blu for the HD release of Tiko. And well, you can play or not play the SD version, but you will be getting the HD version when it's available.

Orders for CeRT are caught up and out.

Orders for Tiko are in queue and will be processed by order date. We are prepping staff so that when it's released, we will be able to get them out as soon as possible in large numbers of batches.

Todd, you're actually one of the first orders, some of the first orders 1001 and such were to test the ordering software.

Richard

Sweet! Now on blue ray that will be great now that I got my new Marantz 15s1 projector up and running.Its been a long wait since 10/22/06 its sounds like it will be worth the wait. Thanks for the update.

AWESOME!! Thanks for the update Richard.

The only problem is that you got me too excited and now I can't wait!

Sweet! Now on blue ray that will be great now that I got my new Marantz 15s1 projector up and running.Its been a long wait since 10/22/06 its sounds like it will be worth the wait. Thanks for the update.Agreed! I'm glad I placed my order in October of 2006 as well ; the Blu-Ray version of this intro should make it all worthwhile.

OKay new update.

Final payment is going out next week. Which means the next batch of files I get are final!

I will keep everyone updated.

Thank you for all your comments, good and bad throuhgout this whole process. It's on track to be finished and we're not going anywhere, folding, closing shop etc.

Oh, and I hope people like candy.

I've said too much.

Now as to the timeframe, it's not going to happen overnight but this is finally a lot closer than we have been and when I can give dates I will.

Richard

Awesome, Richard. Thanks for the update and I'm looking forward to seeing Tiko.

Actually,

One of my friends suggested I just do it as animation flip through with crayon and post it notes. Then just photocopy it and you can stand at the front of your theater and flip through it as guests.

The problem was we don't have 6 friends dumb enough to stand in each speaker location and make sounds discretely.

Richard

Actually,

One of my friends suggested I just do it as animation flip through with crayon and post it notes. Then just photocopy it and you can stand at the front of your theater and flip through it as guests.OK, but I won't pay any more than $79.99 for that "technology."

The problem was we don't have 6 friends dumb enough to stand in each speaker location and make sounds discretely.I would need to borrow a "friend" from someone who could accurately re-produce the ".1" channel. Anyone personally know James Earl Jones?

OKay new update.

Final payment is going out next week. Which means the next batch of files I get are final!

I will keep everyone updated.

Thank you for all your comments, good and bad throuhgout this whole process. It's on track to be finished and we're not going anywhere, folding, closing shop etc.

Oh, and I hope people like candy.

I've said too much.

Now as to the timeframe, it's not going to happen overnight but this is finally a lot closer than we have been and when I can give dates I will.

Richard

Richard, this is great to see.
I know this has been a long hard road for you and I give you credit for seeing it all the way through.
When you finalize things and get that first DVD in the mail, I can only imagine the satisfaction you will be feeling.
Regardless of the cheap shots you have received, I gotta say congratulations.

Hey folks, still working with the enineers, no concrete date yet but finally putting all the audio takes to the video has gotten me way excited again for what this represents as our soon to be finished product.

I'm also happy for all the stuff you haven't seen yet. Such as the Bassimator and TIko Trash. I forget there are a lot more parts to this that were custom done and animated than CeRT.

Just thought I'd chime in.

Richard

I'm order #1042 and can't wait!

Richard, I'm order #1118... ordered back on April 6th 2007 hope you havn't forgotten me :)

I wouldn't fret. My order # is 1010 (10/22/06) and I'm not worried :).

Sounds like we're getting close :D

Thanks for the update, Richard.

Sorry but I am before you. Order 1008

Work is progressing on Tiko, but I've been dealing with some personal issues so have not had a lot of extra time to post regarding this. I expect the final payment for audio to be made in 2 weeks tops. And when it's in I'm going to eat a steak dinner because that means final audio is being finished, certified and shipped to me!
Richard

Mine is 1174, but I can wait. I hope that Rich takes a deep breath and has that stake dinner (he didn't invite me :( ) and also a deep breath before he starts shipping Tiko. Sounds like he could use it, and is entitled to it. Go Rich Go :D

Well if we want to talk about number I have order number 1004 and 1005. 1004 although is one that I screwed up on and cancelled it.

Richard, I have tried contacting you via email and phone. Since the pre-order things have had time to changed. I have bought a new house with a bigger home theater room :) and now I need to change addresses with you to ensure my package will arrive at the correct place. So, I thought I would post on here hoping I could try every way to get a hold of you. So please contact me at tschmelz@gmail.com.

Thank you!
Trevor

Whatever order your number is, it is more important to know this...how many orders will be filled a day? If you are order 1000, and they are filling orders at 100 a time, you are about 10 days away verus 20 orders a day, then you are 50 days away....a big difference. I do not care how many orders get filled a day as long as the quality is there. I am paying for a quality show, not a fast shipped one..

I didn't place my order yet (though if I understood what this thread is all about, I will soon) - just wanted to comment that isn't it such a great thing people do things like this for our hobby?

We've got the excel ticket maker above, and this..along with all the signs/posters/popcorn machines/etc. We all have awesome home theaters because of these things!

-ELmO

Whatever order your number is, it is more important to know this...how many orders will be filled a day? If you are order 1000, and they are filling orders at 100 a time, you are about 10 days away verus 20 orders a day, then you are 50 days away....a big difference. I do not care how many orders get filled a day as long as the quality is there. I am paying for a quality show, not a fast shipped one..

I think the orders started around 1004. So at order 1160, I only have to wait for 160 to ship.

My order is #404.





































Just kidding.

Any news???

I paid via check but my post date was 12/22/2006

At this time last year, this was the news (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=10025152&postcount=326).

sorry, i don't want to be mean and laugh, but Vantorax, that's hilarious. i'll still place an order though.

I don't know if I would go so far as to say hilarious... :(

Update????

Update????

+1...
Hmmmmm

Given it is now April 2, can we get an update? Any update yesterday would rival Candid camera....

The last update was 3/3 so it's exactly one month today since we have heard anything.

The last update was 3/3 so it's exactly one month today since we have heard anything.

I thought there were to be updates every Wednesday??

-t

Every Wed. we were supposed to get updates but that was when Custom Intros was using Skywalker Sound. They are using some other company now.

knock knock-is anybody home or has customintros went the way of the dodo bird?

Patience. In a few more months he will come back and say its almost done. ;)

I'm concerned... Back in April 2007, Richard said: Yeah if it's not there by August, I'll have hung myself. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10208742#post10208742)

I hope his silence doesn't mean he did it... :(

I emailed them directly on their website. No response yet.

Very very unprofessional!!!

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


Great update Richard! I can't wait to see the final product. I also look forward to using my standard definition DVD player again. I was wondering if you still had some of the VHS master tapes of Tiko from when this project first got started. I just got a SVHS cable and would love to test it out.:D

I have not bought into this product yet for obvious reasons.
But I really don't think it would be to much ask if we could get a 15 - 30 second demo of what this thing will look like.
Richard... show me a demo and I am in...
Sorry, but I just have to see what I am buying. :)

As Jerry McGuire would say... "SHOW ME THE DEMO...!!!" :D

Richard,

I check in here every once in a while. I can only imagine the stress you have been under, with everyone wanting to know where their disc is, and it's clear to me you are a good guy going through a tough period. Hang in there, when it all comes together you should take a vacation :).

p.s. I know some people are not happy and rightly so, but for me, in the total scheme of things, there are worse things in life to worry about.

Personally I don't have anything invested as I have not dolled out any cash.
I personally am rooting for Richard to finally come through on this.
Hopefully Richard can tease us with a short clip of his intro. I don't think a short tease is to much to ask. ;)

He used to have a long Tiko clip on his website. Is that gone or are you looking for something different? I am not really up to date...

There's a Quicktime movie of Tiko on the customintros website.

Great guys... thanks.

Acutally,

I'm apologize for the lack of updates on this. It is still being fed back and forth to the audio guys. One of the reasons is I want to make sure ti's the best available. Another is the EX flags with Dolby. (Again).

I do like the idea of having more of it be available as a snippet. I'll look into getting some of the other animations online as snippets so you guys can see what I'm excited about. Specifiaclly The Bassimator and Tiko Trash

I'll get them up this week.

Richard

Acutally,

I'm apologize for the lack of updates on this. It is still being fed back and forth to the audio guys. One of the reasons is I want to make sure ti's the best available. Another is the EX flags with Dolby. (Again).

I do like the idea of having more of it be available as a snippet. I'll look into getting some of the other animations online as snippets so you guys can see what I'm excited about. Specifiaclly The Bassimator and Tiko Trash

I'll get them up this week.

Richard
You know...I just can't get my head around why it would take so long to edit audio into a 90 second animation.

I don't care if its Dolby EX or DTS-HD. What is it about this process that takes so long? This must be being done on the side by Audio folks when they have time to do it, right? It can't be a regular paid-for project with a schedule attached to it.

-t

I just requested a refund. I'm tired of waiting. Now I'll see if I get a response or not.

I just requested a refund. I'm tired of waiting. Now I'll see if I get a response or not.

I am sorry to here that.
Something tells me you may be getting out at the wrong time.
I am going to see what the demo clips that Richard puts up look like and then make a decision. :)

Something tells me you may be getting out at the wrong time.

I think you might be right. I've got two on order (one custom, one standard), but I'm thinking about getting a couple more. I bought extra CeRT's as gifts, and I probably should place another Tiko order to avoid the rush when it's released.

Refund came in quick. Have to thank them for that. I may reorder someday - after they start shipping!

Okay, we have a problem. This thread is no longer on page one. I guess it up to me to get it back. Sort feel like a story about the Prinicpal that was put on leaving for cheating (Page 1 of course) but then a couple of days later, it was found he was not. They put that back on page 12. Just trying to keep things light.

Not sure I understand the comparison there, Tony... is the disc finally out?

If the disc was out we probably would have gotten PMs. It's probably not ready yet.

I was just comparing how the news makes a big deal about something at first and then it fizzles out after a couple of days...I wish the disc was coming out and it was done quietly but we all know that the minute somone received their disc, they would be all over this board proclaiming from up high "I HAVE TIKO!!!"

OK, well I've been following the thread ever since I bought a custom CERT intro (which I love). However it's more of the same here (Richard posting about delays and people complaining about delays) so I thought I'd ask a practical question about CERT:

Is anyone using the 1080i version with your HTPC, and if so, how are you using it? I've ripped the VOB from the SD version and tacked it onto a couple DVD rips with DVD2One, but...I think it would look FAR better if I used the high-def file instead.

Thing is, when I tried to play the high-def .ts file, my Mac said "huh?"

Richard's using Leopard, same as me, so I'm sure it must play somehow. I didn't try VLC yet (I'm away from home for a month).

Questions: What do you use to play the high-def version, and if you wanted to tack it onto a DVD rip how would you do it? Re-encode?

However, in the spirit of this thread I still can't help asking which was raised by someone earlier about Tiko - why does it take so long to edit a 90 second clip? Is this an audio guy doing it on the side instead of a professional project with a schedule?

Still, love the CERT and will buy Tiko when he's out.

Eq

OK, well I've been following the thread ever since I bought a custom CERT intro (which I love). However it's more of the same here (Richard posting about delays and people complaining about delays) so I thought I'd ask a practical question about CERT:

Is anyone using the 1080i version with your HTPC, and if so, how are you using it? I've ripped the VOB from the SD version and tacked it onto a couple DVD rips with DVD2One, but...I think it would look FAR better if I used the high-def file instead.

Thing is, when I tried to play the high-def .ts file, my Mac said "huh?"

Richard's using Leopard, same as me, so I'm sure it must play somehow. I didn't try VLC yet (I'm away from home for a month).

Questions: What do you use to play the high-def version, and if you wanted to tack it onto a DVD rip how would you do it? Re-encode?

However, in the spirit of this thread I still can't help asking which was raised by someone earlier about Tiko - why does it take so long to edit a 90 second clip? Is this an audio guy doing it on the side instead of a professional project with a schedule?

Still, love the CERT and will buy Tiko when he's out.

Eq

The CERT.ts works for me. Theatertek automatically plays the file before the main movie shows.

Requested refund today as well. This is bullshit. Very unprofessional. Order
was placed 10/31/06.

The CERT.ts works for me. Theatertek automatically plays the file before the main movie shows.

That's Windows. I'm wondering what Mac users are doing. Pretty cool feature which I haven't seen in any of the mac media center apps so far.

Eq

I hope tiko will be finished by xmas this year.

The excitement is lost for me. I also had a CERT on order
for my brothers kids for Christmas 2007.

I figure I can spend my money with a more reputable vendor.

No reply back yet regarding my refund.


I hope tiko will be finished by xmas this year.

I'm trying to hang in there.

I'm trying to hang in there.

You know, I know you have been hanging in there for some time now.
Thankfully I have not placed an order yet, but it seems like Richard is doing everything he can to lose the trust of even his most loyal followers.

Considering the history of this thread I would think he would drop in here at least a few times per week and let us know the day to day happenings.

I know that is how I would handle it.

It is hard to believe this has been going on for over two years...

I'm trying to hang in there.

Keep the faith, Doc.:D

Ever the optimist, I just placed another order for two more Tiko's.

The alignment of the planets, Tarot cards, a Ouija board, and my trick knee all tell me a release is immanent. :)

Keep the faith, Doc.:D

Ever the optimist, I just placed another order for two more Tiko's.

The alignment of the planets, Tarot cards, a Ouija board, and my trick knee all tell me a release is immanent. :)

You are very optimistic.
I am losing faith.
Where is Richard?

Richard is in the Bahamas on a vacation paid for with the money from all the pre-orders.

Richard is in the Bahamas on a vacation paid for with the money from all the pre-orders.

Not my money... :D
This is just crazy...
What are some of the other nice intro DVD's out on the market?
Suggestions anyone?

This company used to frequent the forum.

http://www.cinemawise.com/

Whilst I can certainly understand loyalty to a company, surely this is just crazy. Would ANYof you cut this much slack with any other company that you deal with?

'Hello, is that Dell, yeah I was just wondering where that PC was I ordered two years ago!'

The excitement is lost for me. I also had a CERT on order
for my brothers kids for Christmas 2007.

I figure I can spend my money with a more reputable vendor.

No reply back yet regarding my refund.

Have you heard anything yet?
BitstreamWebGuy (Todd) would chime in from time to time.

Not a peep. :-(


Have you heard anything yet?
BitstreamWebGuy (Todd) would chime in from time to time.

Requested refund today as well. This is bullshit. Very unprofessional. Order
was placed 10/31/06.

If they charged your credit card they can get in a LOT of trouble for that. I work for Visa and Mastercard and they cannot charge you for anything that is not shipping out until 15 days before its ship date.

M.A.T.C.H. or T.M.F. (Terminated Merchant File) is a special place in hell for these scams. You can never ever get off this list.

It was done through PayPal. I'm pretty sure I have no recourse
after this long of time period.


If they charged your credit card they can get in a LOT of trouble for that. I work for Visa and Mastercard and they cannot charge you for anything that is not shipping out until 15 days before its ship date.

M.A.T.C.H. or T.M.F. (Terminated Merchant File) is a special place in hell for these scams. You can never ever get off this list.

Not a peep. :-(

I hope this is not a sign.

I hope this is not a sign.

When was our last true update from Richard?

Hello all,

Let me clear a few things up. Lumpy69 your refund was processed tonight.

I AM working on getting snippets of the other animations up on the site, and you'll see The Bassimator and Tiko Trash in action.

In the meantime you can see the bassimator here:

http://bitstreamanimation.com/bassimatorpreview1.mp4

Anyone else who wants a refund will get it. I'm very grateful that most people (all but three) have decided so far, to stick with us.

Lastly, it's been alluded to and some people realize this, but I do work at AV Science. Let me be specifically clear on this. AV Science has NOTHING to do with this, nor do we have anything to do with AV Science, there is a clear deliniation between the two.

That is what McCall was hinting at with her statements before. It's not something shameful, in fact it's a great job.

Tiko is also a great job but has been met with mind numbing delays. It's maddening to you most importantly, but also to me. It's a source of pride and ownership and although there are cracks in our cutomer service and a never ending supply.

I am speaking with my business council tonight and we're going to come up with a way to get this done once and for all. If I have to pull it into another local mix studio and take time off from work, I will.

I never went to the Bahamas, I never went on vacation, for tax purposes there are separate accounts between my personal life and this, though I can tell you a lot of personal money goes into this.

Aside from the delays and the issues, no one is going to get ripped off. Anyone who keeps their order will receive Tiko and the additional items mentioned.

If you have any questions or comments, PM me here or use my cell at 585.705.6024. At times I go to Canada and have to turn off the data plan to my cell rendering my voicemail null and void. I haven't changed phones, I jsut have to turn it back on when I've returned.

Richard

Thanks Richard.

Looking forward to this great product! I love, and still enjoy CeRT.

Richard,

As you may or may not know, I have not bought your intro yet. I know it must be frustrating for you.
But you have to realize that people have put forth money... a lot of money and considering the history of Tiko, I think there just needs to be some occasional reassurance once in a while. :)
I don't mean what I am saying as a jab against you.

As I have mentioned before (in between my rants) Richard is a standup guy and no one is going to lose out on any investment. They might have to wait a while... But there is no way anyone should be concerned about their $.

I have mentioned an interest in switching my order to a Blu-Ray disc (actually about a year ago I was interested in an HD-DVD but that didn't exactly work out). Is this something that could be done? You mentioned this earlier but then it sounded like this was a computer file. I don't use a HTPC so the HD file won't do a lot for me. And I watch as little SD as possible now. So any chance we can get these in all their HD splendor?

coolhand,

All Tiko pre-orders will automatically get the Blu-ray version when it becomes available. Until then you should be able to upscale.

Richard

Oh Joy!

coolhand,

All Tiko pre-orders will automatically get the Blu-ray version when it becomes available. Until then you should be able to upscale.

Richard

So, are you saying if I order Tiko now, when the Blu Ray Version becomes available you will automatically upgrade me to the BD version?
At what cost??

At no cost. It's one of the things I'm doing for pre-orders since you've waited too long.

Richard

We are still going to get the "Shark" bonus right?

Richard, what is the cost if someone wants to get in now on Tiko and get the Blu-Ray? I got CERT two years ago and love it. I remember getting an email about Tiko a year back or so but just now stumbled onto this thread. I understand the frustration everyone must be having, as I am sure I would be. But I thought depending on the price and knowing I may be waiting for a while, I might feel better about having money invested in Tiko.

Richard, what is the cost if someone wants to get in now on Tiko and get the Blu-Ray? I got CERT two years ago and love it. I remember getting an email about Tiko a year back or so but just now stumbled onto this thread. I understand the frustration everyone must be having, as I am sure I would be. But I thought depending on the price and knowing I may be waiting for a while, I might feel better about having money invested in Tiko.

Tiko with custom message: $69.99
Tiko with Standard message: $12.99

And the shark animation.

Richard

Nice...
I might just have ot make the purchace.
What is the link?

Custom Intros (http://www.customintros.com/)

So even if I just get the stand Tiko, since I might be moving in a few months and starting a new theater with a new name, I would still get the Blu-Ray disc when it is done????

So even if I just get the stand Tiko, since I might be moving in a few months and starting a new theater with a new name, I would still get the Blu-Ray disc when it is done????

I would also like to ask/add to the above question... just to be sure.
So if I buy the SD Tiko now...
Do I get the BD upgrade at no additional cost when it is completed?

Richard says the blu version will be given out at no cost.
Plus the free shark animation.

At no cost. It's one of the things I'm doing for pre-orders since you've waited too long.

Richard

That is correct. Since those on the pre-order list have had to put up with the lenght of time we're taking to produce Tiko, it's only fair to give you guys (and gals) a little more.

Anyone who orders Tiko standard will get a free blu-ray version of standard. Anyone who orders custom will get a custom version.

Free.

No additional cost.

Zip.

Nada.

Richard

That is correct. Since those on the pre-order list have had to put up with the lenght of time we're taking to produce Tiko, it's only fair to give you guys (and gals) a little more.

Anyone who orders Tiko standard will get a free blu-ray version of standard. Anyone who orders custom will get a custom version.

Free.

No additional cost.

Zip.

Nada.

Richard


Sweet...

Sweet...


I think it should be "tiered" freebies.... ie. people who have waited 2 years get the most... and people that are ordering within weeks of release should get nothing extra.

Well, I am pre-ordering. Tiko at $12.99 upscaled or in Blu-Ray is a good deal.

That is correct. Since those on the pre-order list have had to put up with the lenght of time we're taking to produce Tiko, it's only fair to give you guys (and gals) a little more.

Anyone who orders Tiko standard will get a free blu-ray version of standard. Anyone who orders custom will get a custom version.

Free.

No additional cost.

Zip.

Nada.

Richard


Can I use this as an excuse to the wife to get a Blu-ray player now?? ;)
LOL

Smokeymi30 - Sure thing, just don't blame me when she wants to redo the kitchen. Or just buy another pair of shoes.

UPDATE - I almost blew up my ub testing The Bassimator. I think I need a bigger sub. One that goes lower too.

The end of this month will tell me a LOT more about how close to production we are. There has been a lot of back and forth lately on the audio front which has been great.

Richard

I think it should be "tiered" freebies.... ie. people who have waited 2 years get the most... and people that are ordering within weeks of release should get nothing extra.

Or maybe we should put those with the most post towards the front of the line. :rolleyes:
Please!!!

Hey folks,

Just checking in. I would like to say thank you to everyone who has emailed me with their support and encouragement. Also, a few phone calls as well.

While CeRT will always be my sentimental favorite, Tiko is truly shaping up to be a great product and pushes what we had with CeRT.

Whats' more amazing to me is that more orders are coming in for CeRT and even Tiko.

Thank you all for your patience, constructive criticism and your belief.

More soon.

Richard

I'm going to be a happy camper soon.

Richard

And the shark animation.

Richard

And your wife's surprise item?

And your wife's surprise item?

I started to mention that but...

I'm going to be a happy camper soon.

Richard


Does this mean...?

Maybe we're ALL going to be happy campers soon? :)

Now look, if I told you about the surprise then it wouldn't really be a surprise now would it?

Yes the wife's surprise will be included.

I think it does mean we'll ALL be happy campers, soon.

Oh and by the way, remember these words:

***Don't blame me if your subwoofer blows up. I can't help if they decided to add 9db to the LFE track even before encoding!***

Richard

Don't blame me if your subwoofer blows up.

I have bass shakers in my sofa. Should I be worried about my teeth fillings falling off from the vibrations?

Now look, if I told you about the surprise then it wouldn't really be a surprise now would it?


Richard,
You need to use my line,

"Can you keep a secret?"















"So can I"

Thanks, he'll be here all week!

Well we'll see. I'm planning to blow up mine so I can upgrade. Crap my wife's on to me!

Richard

Thanks, he'll be here all week!

Well we'll see. I'm planning to blow up mine so I can upgrade. Crap my wife's on to me!

Richard

Have you been drinking???

Thanks, he'll be here all week!

Well we'll see. I'm planning to blow up mine so I can upgrade. Crap my wife's on to me!

Richard

No sir!

Here's what I meant:

"Well we'll see" - In response to whether or not one's fillings would get knocked out by the buttkickers.

"I'm planning to blow up mine so I can upgrade" - I want a new subwoofer.

"Crap my wife's on to me" - Not going to get the new subwoofer even if I blow mine up.

Richard

How long does this company normally take to send out their intros? I ordered one of the original dvds 10 days ago and have received no shipping confirmation and my emails go unanswered. I ordered one with a standard greeting, not a custom so I would have to imagine they stock these no? I filed a dispute with paypal, maybe they'll answer my emails now. :mad:

Its not that hard to send a msg, "hey, heres the status". Most other companies do it.

Jon,

Yours was mailed out in a batch last week. If it does not show up tomorrow, please let me know and I'll resend to you.

By the way I can find no email from you either in my inbox, or spam folder.

Richard

Jon,

Yours was mailed out in a batch last week. If it does not show up tomorrow, please let me know and I'll resend to you.

By the way I can find no email from you either in my inbox, or spam folder.

Richard
Richard, how about me??
I got this when I paid....."Thank you for your order. Your order number is 1189, placed 5/7/2008 at 11:46AM."

But nuthin' since....
Any Ideas?
Thanks,
Tom
Chinaclipper

Jon,

Since I have not heard from you, I'll assume you didn't get it. I'll send another one out tomorrow anyway.

Tom,

Yours is being worked on now, since it's custom. It's taken a bit longer than we normally like, but rest assured it's close and will soon be on it's way to you.

Richard

Sorry I didnt get back to you earlier. I got it last night. Thank you and sorry for venting. I've been dealing with another company about a return thats gone bad in eveyr way and I was just frustrated. If you already sent a 2nd one I'll return it to you when I get it.

Thanks again and Cert is awesome! Looking forward to the new one coming out as well!

Whats the latest on my order. No 1008 Placed Oct 24 2006 Thank You

UPDATE***

Tonight is the first time my wife has seen all the elements together. Video and Sound. Sound isn't done yet, there are a few last tweaks but we're a LOT closer than we were before.

When I said I was happy it's because everything was in place. A few timing erros but it's been awesome to finally see it all together.

I'll be posting another update soon as well as continuing to answer questions here.

But to stress some of the bass, my wife yelled at me today about how old our house was and it's not made to withstand such vibrations. Enough so we had to make this warning slide:

http://bitstreamanimation.com/lfebassimatorwarningslidesmall.jpg

Richard

UPDATE***

Tonight is the first time my wife has seen all the elements together. Video and Sound. Sound isn't done yet, there are a few last tweaks but we're a LOT closer than we were before.

When I said I was happy it's because everything was in place. A few timing erros but it's been awesome to finally see it all together.

I'll be posting another update soon as well as continuing to answer questions here.

But to stress some of the bass, my wife yelled at me today about how old our house was and it's not made to withstand such vibrations. Enough so we had to make this warning slide:

http://bitstreamanimation.com/lfebassimatorwarningslidesmall.jpg

RichardThis is great news Richard! I love the LFE warning message, too. Bring it on! I'm ready for Tiko.

Richard,

Hurry Hurry Hurry please. I feel like a kid on a birthday watching his cake being made through the bakery window. I want to hurry up and eat the cake so I can open my presents...hehehe...please make sure it is great thought. Love the warning sign.

Speaking of birthday... Mine is in 10 days. Pretty please, Richard!!

Richard,

Any estimated release dates?

Richard,

Any estimated release dates?

You must be new to this thread. :) :)

We have another date int he mix room on June 10th. I'll know more after that. If all goes well, then it's a build from there and a few weeks out until we start shipping.

Richard

How did the mixing go?

Mixing was done I should be getting the files today and play with them over the weekend. I'll give an update early next week.

Let's hope Friday the 13th is a good thing :).

Richard

Hey, anyone else notice the resembalence between CERT and WALL E by Pixar?

IMO, WALL E looks more like Johnny Five from Short Circuit.

CERT
http://bitstreamanimation.com/images/banner_graphics.jpg

WALL E
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1049/899778615_f37d3d0824.jpg

Johnny Five
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/2398003211_348cfa7204.jpg

I agree with pcdoctor. I don't really see anything resemblance between CERT and Wall-E. But Johnny 5, heck yes.

Hm, maybe not immediate family, perhaps he is a cousin. LOL

Johnny Five is Alive!

I sure wish Tiko was alive!

Tiko was alive in my home theater last night for a bit. ;). We're getting much closer.

Wall•E is going to blow the doors off crowds this summer. I have a few friends at Pixar and they can't wait for its release. It's actually a very poignant science fiction film with the usual universal moral truth from Pixar. Doesn't hurt it's wrapped up with cute robots. I will be there on opening day!

An estimated date for Tiko reminds me of another Science Fiction movie, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. "If you go by the book", days seem like hours and hours seems like minutes. I'd say we have about 3 months left until Tiko comes out. You can figure it out.

Richard

thanks for the update. hopefully, we'll see the final Tiko in 3 months.

... "If you go by the book", days seem like hours and hours seems like minutes. I'd say we have about 3 months left until Tiko comes out...


Y'know, using "By-the-book Spock-time", that COULD mean as little as 4 days.

:eek:

But if he is confusing Dr. Spock with Mr. Spock, it could mean 3 more months give or take a moth either way (his baby, you know). :)

But if he is confusing Dr. Spock with Mr. Spock, it could mean 3 more months give or take a moth either way (his baby, you know). :)

or it could be light years in the future.......:)

Richard said
"An estimated date for Tiko reminds me of another Science Fiction movie, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. "If you go by the book", days seem like hours and hours seems like minutes."

Richard also added to the above quote.
Actually what was said "Admiral, If we go by I the book as Lt. Savak, hours seem like days" to which Kirk response "I read you captain, lets have it" and Spock goes on to give the report.

Gotta love us Trekies, I like the movie also and was watching it again last night. :D

Using the old head if days are like hours than months are like weeks.

If Richard said "I'd say we have about 3 months left until Tiko comes out."

Maybe 3 months is actually 3 weeks from now - If you go by the book. :)

Correcting myself

Richard said
"An estimated date for Tiko reminds me of another Science Fiction movie, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. "If you go by the book", days seem like hours and hours seems like minutes."

Richard also added to the above quote.
Actually what was said "Admiral, If we go by I the book as Lt. Savak, hours seem like days" to which Kirk response "I read you captain, lets have it" and Spock goes on to give the report.

Gotta love us Trekies, I like the movie also and was watching it again last night.

Using the old head if hours are like days than months are like weeks.

If Richard said "I'd say we have about 3 months left until Tiko comes out."

Maybe 3 months is actually 3 weeks from now - If you go by the book

Well, I just picked the "hours/days" method and turned the 90 day estimate (3 months) into 90 hours... or 3.75 days. ;)

Of course, we could turn the hours into minutes and get somewhere around a day and a half? :D

But hey, I'd be happy with your 3 week figure, too.:)

With all this math going on, it feels like I am in an engineering school.....I thought we were talking about a free floating cat that makes cute sounds...like a cat, Tiko will show up when it is good and ready lol

... for my Intro.
I notice the fee was accepted, but I still do NOT have ANYTHING!!!
What is happening?
Please help me understand....
Chinaclipper

China clipper, you orderd both CeRT and Tiko. CeRt was shipped out to you after the payments were made. Since you have not gotten it, we'll gladly ship out another one. As for Tiko, it's release is upcoming.

To the rest of you having fun with my post, it was taken in the spirit of which it was intended.

In other words...

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/en/images/thumb/4/41/Saavik_TWoK.jpg/200px-Saavik_TWoK.jpg

You're all being logical!

Richard

http://www.bestweekever.tv/bwe/images/2008/02/kirstie_alley_fat_1.jpg

Gotta wonder what casting agency took a look at Rebecca Howe and thought "logical" lol

Richard,

I ordered CeRT with a standard message (I would think these CeRT disks are off the shelf and easily shipped?).

I ordered it over two weeks ago (order 1202), but have received nothing, not a disk or even an e-mail giving me status.

Please advise?

thanks

China clipper, you orderd both CeRT and Tiko. CeRt was shipped out to you after the payments were made. Since you have not gotten it, we'll gladly ship out another one. As for Tiko, it's release is upcoming.

To the rest of you having fun with my post, it was taken in the spirit of which it was intended.

In other words...

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/en/images/thumb/4/41/Saavik_TWoK.jpg/200px-Saavik_TWoK.jpg

You're all being logical!

Richard

OK Richard. I haven't got it, so if you could, please send one!
Thanks!
Chinaclipper

I'm hoping the Bassimator scares me as much as Kirstie Alley does!

Black Banshee and chinadog, you're all set.

We're working on the last encode (the DTS encoding software is messing up so I'll be on tech support with them today).

Kirstie Alley was a much better actress for the role, but she demanded too much money for The Search For Spock, ah well.

I will be getting a new subwoofer for my theater. It is showing its age after having been pounded on for the last few months.

Richard

Work is continuing on Tiko. We may need the extra "month" if you go "by the book", but I'm pleased.

We have a workaround for the DTS issue, but they are still trying to fix it.

Just thought I'd update everyone.

Have a great 4th of July.

Richard

Richard,

Just wanted to remind you of this. I've been following this since the beginning, but never put in a pre-order (for numerous reasons). I still haven't put one in because I can't decide between standard and custom (wife's been out of work, so leaning toward standard), but with a little warning, I'll have to pull the trigger.

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.

Richard,

Just wanted to remind you of this. I've been following this since the beginning, but never put in a pre-order (for numerous reasons). I still haven't put one in because I can't decide between standard and custom, but with a little warning, I'll have to pull the trigger.

I am thinking there are a lot of people in your shoes... myself included.

Well I bought the standard version of Cert for one simple reason. I havent come up with a good theater name yet. So I got the one that says "welcome to our home theater" and every time people say "wow thats great!" as soon as it says that. So you can still impress with the standard versions. If I ever come up with a decent name, then Ill get some custom jobs done.

I have a name for the theater, but one of the problems is that there's a chance we'll be moving and if that's the case and I need to build a new theater, I also might change the name of it. The longer I can wait, the more I'll know. I'm sure the standard one works fabulously, but I'd rather have it customized if possible.

Maybe I'll get one that says "Hi, my name is DrunkPenguin and my TV is bigger than yours!" :D

Anymore updates?

Anymore updates?


They are all finished with Tiko, just working out some minor sound issues. :D

I remember thinking how crazy it was to have Pixar saying that it took 2 1/2 years to make Toy Story. DOH!

They are all finished with Tiko, just working out some minor sound issues. :D
:D

Hey, the even funnier thing is going to be when Richard posts on a Wednesday that it is done and that all orders will be shipping out on the following Monday, everyone goes nuts with anticipation, and then on Monday he posts that he cannot ship because he got a cease and desist letter from Pixar warning him that it looks too much like Wall-E. :D Then he can announce that he needs to go back into the studio to make a few changes that Pixar agreed would make it different enough from Wall-E to be acceptable.

Richard, just having a little fun :).

They are all finished with Tiko, just working out some minor sound issues. :D

I remember thinking how crazy it was to have Pixar saying that it took 2 1/2 years to make Toy Story. DOH!

Ok .... but Toy Story was a full length feature film. Tiko is a 2 minute intro, and its been over 2 years since the animation was complete. The sound on this intro better blow my head right off my body.

:D

Hey, the even funnier thing is going to be when Richard posts on a Wednesday that it is done and that all orders will be shipping out on the following Monday, everyone goes nuts with anticipation, and then on Monday he posts that he cannot ship because he got a cease and desist letter from Pixar warning him that it looks too much like Wall-E. :D Then he can announce that he needs to go back into the studio to make a few changes that Pixar agreed would make it different enough from Wall-E to be acceptable.

Richard, just having a little fun :).

Actually, we will not hear from Richard but not becuase of a cease and desist letter but because Richard never left the theater where Wall-E is playing ;)

Oh I'm back, don't you worry. I loved Wall•E.

In fact we are beta building the first disc this upcoming week. Once those go well, out they go.

And who wouldn't want to be compared to Pixar?!

Also, I'm not splitting hairs, honest. But Tiko is actually 3 different animations times two different encodes because of each custom section and we offer both Dolby and DTS. Along with 2 other animations a minute and a half or longer. And there's just a few of us working on it, not hundreds. Let's see $180 million budget for Wall•E, at 97 minutes, that's about $18,800 per minute.

Nope we're not THAT good. Yet.

Though I do have two friends at Pixar and they both love the intros.

Richard

Hey Richard! It's been a loooong time since I've chimed in on this thread.

I had no doubt throughout this entire thread (have been here from the beginning) that this was going to be a quality product if Cert was any indication. My only concern is, how can those that put in their order way back when make sure that their order is still in and wasn't lost in all the delays?

.

I had no doubt throughout this entire thread (have been here from the beginning) that this was going to be a quality product if Cert was any indication. My only concern is, how can those that put in their order way back when make sure that their order is still in and wasn't lost in all the delays?

I share this concern. I have a custom Tiko on pre-order --- had to change the custom message once --- would like to make sure you have the right customization for my order before it's completed. I can't fully remember the message I requested .... it's been a year and a half since I ordered. Cert is pretty awesome --- but I'm really looking forward to a customized Tiko!

Hey Richard! It's been a loooong time since I've chimed in on this thread.

I had no doubt throughout this entire thread (have been here from the beginning) that this was going to be a quality product if Cert was any indication. My only concern is, how can those that put in their order way back when make sure that their order is still in and wasn't lost in all the delays?

Actually, I'm concerned about this, too. It's been so long, that I've moved and have a new address. My original Cert didn't work in my Denon 3910, and I was supposed to get a replacement, but haven't received that either. How do we confirm what we ordered?

Actually, I'm concerned about this, too. It's been so long, that I've moved and have a new address. My original Cert didn't work in my Denon 3910, and I was supposed to get a replacement, but haven't received that either. How do we confirm what we ordered?

Can anyone confirm as to whether CERT works in the XA2 HD-DVD player and the BD 30 Blu Ray player?
I will assume that if CERT works, then there should be no issues with Tiko... right?

Craig

I will be contacting everyone when their disc is ready in order to make sure their address is proper.

Also, I will cross reference emails with orders in case you emailed us later to change your order or address.

Richard

Soon...

Spent a lot of time on it this past weekend.

Richard

Well alright, here is a major update for everyone: Tiko will start shipping next week. Read below for important information.

Product Specs:

First off, as I mentioned, we've been having some issues with the audio channels especially the rears. Originally, Tiko was going to be a 6.1 production. Well I made the decision in the interests of time and looking into the landscape of just how many 6.1 releases there are and therefore, Tiko will be 5.1.

Consider this, many new DVD releases are still only 5.1 and most people I know are still waiting for 7.1 channel surround via Blu-ray. It will still be Dolby and DTS. anyone who pre-orders is getting a Blu-ray with 7.1 surround anyway. So in the end, it shouldn't matter much.

The website will be changed to reflect this, but I wanted to tell you first before someone noticed and said "Hey wait a minute?"

Triva and Fun Facts have been added and are random now. There is no music to it, so don't panic. Each time you play the disc, it should start with a different slide so when you show your friends each time, it's not the same.

Tiko in HD for HTPC and other playback systems:

For those who have pre-ordered, Tiko will have a TS file (in Dolby 5.1) as 1080 24fps. Since this file takes up a lot of disc space and has to be rerendered essentially as a new order, we are now making the inclusion optional on the order. ALL PRE-ORDERS WILL AUTOMATICALLY INCLUDE THE .ts FILE FOR TIKO IN HD.

Release Date:

Second and most importantly, orders will be shipping starting next week. Finally. It's all done.

The shark is included on this disc and it's an easter egg. To be fair, I don't want to publically announce where it is, since you guys all should known and those who don't, well they can wait for it. If you want to know, email me and I'll let you know.

I will be going through my list of orders and making sure everyone is set. Please note that based on custom orders, it will take longer for you to get yours, than those with standard discs. So if you ordered in the middle of the pack, and other people are popping up with comments, don't worry. We're getting yours done. We will also be doing them as quickly as possible without making errors.

If you want to change your mailing address, please let me know now at richard@bitstreamanimation.com.

What about Blu-ray?:

It has been my position all along we wanted these in HD and now that Blu-ray has won, when we can support the workflow on our infrastructure of true Blu-ray authoring, we will and you'll all be getting yours. I don't have a timeline yet but I can assure you, we cannot wait.

Pre-orders:

Changes are being made to the website tonight and pre-orders will be accepted until next Friday. It will be Saturday then, that pricing will resort to full price.

Thank you:

I would like to take this time to thank everyone who hung in there and who believed in the product and the process, no matter how long the delay or disheartening the message from us.

My wife is very happy with this release and she saw it for the very first time last night. She hates the bass, but loves all the shorts. In fact she thinks Tiko Trash should be at every cineplex. Wouldn't bother me.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I did and seeing them all finished, has made me a very happy campy. I expect you'll all feel the same once you finally have them in your hands.

In fact, the shark short, has become a quick favorite here at Bitstream. Who knew!?

Again, thanks to everyone.

Thanks,

Richard

Richard,

Thank You, Thank You. You have just finished completing my saga. I welcomed into the world a new son this summer, We are closing on a house tomorrow, My wife has a new job assignment in the fall, and finally the only other stress has been relieved and I get my Tiko. Perfect thing to watch first in the new house (And I can really turn it up loud without worrying about the other people in the apartment building).

And can someone email me about the Easter egg? I am completely lost about that. Thanks.

Oh wow! Almost two years of waiting finally coming to a close! Tiko is born!

It's been one rough ride...

This is great news. Order number 1093. Woo hoo!

Thanks Richard.

Order 1210.

Oh wow! Almost two years of waiting finally coming to a close! Tiko is born!

It's been one rough ride...

Sounds like the gestation of an Elephant! :)

Congrats Richard!

I'm sure this will be more than worth the wait and I appreciate all the extras you are tossing our way.

Now the wait begins for the Blu-ray! (just kidding Richard!)

Can't wait!

Thanks guys. Actually what we'll do for the Easter Egg is I'll include a little note in each order saying how to get to it. That way the pre-order customers know where it is!

Richard

I am in!!
Finally...
Been holding off for some time now.
Thanks for getting it right. In the process you had to endure a lot of pain.

I'll now be yet another one who is rewarding you with my pre order. :D

Now to just find that link again... :(

Craig

http://www.customintros.com/

http://www.customintros.com/

Thanks HeyNow!
I have more questions, though I suspect many others will have these questions as well.

What do all of you recommend for menu options when buying Tiko?
Auto play or menu?
How will it respond if I chose to have TIko default to menu vs. how will it respond if I chose to have it default to auto play?
Example: If I select auto play, will it start with Tiko, then scroll through all the extra’s or does it start with trivia and then move on to the Tiko intro?
If I select menu, will Tiko always go back to the menu screen once it has finished playing that selection. Example: if I press trivia, once the trivia is finished, does it always defer back to the menu or can I then chapter ahead to the Tiko intro?
How is the format laid out?


Thanks in advance...

Craig

Looking forward to it... I am sure it will be worth the wait...

Order #1095

Thanks guys. Actually what we'll do for the Easter Egg is I'll include a little note in each order saying how to get to it. That way the pre-order customers know where it is!

Richard

If you don't want to go to the trouble, you could also just post it here in spoiler tags (for those that want to hunt for it).

Just ordered Tiko.I have Cert and the kids love it.How long intill I get it.Thanks ROBERT HART

Thanks for all the hard work you have put into Tiko. My question is are you going to come out with the robot one and when will you start taking pre-orders? :rolleyes: In all honesty take a month off after all the orders are caught up and relax. Again Thanks. See it was weeks instead of months. :D


Bob

Thanks HeyNow!
I have more questions, though I suspect many others will have these questions as well.

What do all of you recommend for menu options when buying Tiko?
Auto play or menu?
How will it respond if I chose to have TIko default to menu vs. how will it respond if I chose to have it default to auto play?
Example: If I select auto play, will it start with Tiko, then scroll through all the extra’s or does it start with trivia and then move on to the Tiko intro?
If I select menu, will Tiko always go back to the menu screen once it has finished playing that selection. Example: if I press trivia, once the trivia is finished, does it always defer back to the menu or can I then chapter ahead to the Tiko intro?
How is the format laid out?


Thanks in advance...

Craig

Nobody has any idea how this is going to work?

I was waiting for a response myself suffolk. I ordered mine with menu, just because I was assuming that if I selected autoplay, it would start at the same place every time, and I didn't know if I'd want that.
But any thoughts would be appreciated.

Even if it's autoplay, you could always hit the menu button on the player and get the menu? I think?

Well, I was about half way into my order and I thought about this.
I don't want to have to toggle through a menu every time I go from say, Trivia to Tiko, so I guess I'll just choose auto play. If the menu kept poping up, it would take away from the experience.
I tried getting a hold of Richard via his phone number, but he didn't return my message.
If anyone has any feedback as to how this works and in what sequence does the disc run in, that would be great.
In other words, does the disc start out with the Tiko intro or does it start with Trivia or does it start with something else?

I don't want to have to toggle through a menu every time I go from say, Trivia to Tiko, so I guess I'll just choose auto play. If the menu kept poping up, it would take away from the experience.


I was assuming that one of the options in the menu would be to "play all", so you wouldn't have to go back to the menu if you didn't want to, but I have no idea if that's true or not.

I'm just curious: are most people ordering their DVD with the "autoplay" or "menu" option? I'm leaning towards the "menu" option with the idea that I can build a macro into my remote to control the order of the different chapters.


Well, I just did a search on this thread for "menu" and besides the recent activity about this subject over the last few hours this poster was enquiring about the Menu way back in 2006.
He never got a response... :(
Of course Tiko was still in development back then.


Craig

Yep, I searched and found the same thing yesterday Suffolk.

What we've done for Tiko is add a splash page which asks you to Play Intro or Go to Menu. If you choose PLay Tiko it will play the Tiko short alone. From the menu, you can select Play All which will play everything in a row starting with trivia through to Tiko.

Gosh, if you people had bought CeRT, you'd know all of this ;).

As for the Robot Intro, that will be another time and no there won't be pre-orders.

Richard

What we've done for Tiko is add a splash page which asks you to Play Intro or Go to Menu.


So it doesn't matter if you select "auto play" or "menu" when ordering?

Richard, I asked a question a while back on my order #1220 but the loss of some of the forum posts and issues with bigfoot.com may mean that either you haven't seen my post or I haven't seen the response. Basically because I am UK based your ordering system would not allow me to pay for delivery. so I need to know how much and how to get the monies to you. Previously when I ordered Cert P&P cost me $11. Can you let me know either via PM or Email. Many thanks Stev e

Has anyone gotten their disc yet? Just curious on lead times from order to door and how much people are enjoying it.

Has Tiko shipped yet?

I have no doubt that as soon as discs start arriving in the mail, we'll see all kinds of reviews.

Have not recived my copy yet 'Order 1216.Can't wait
ROBERT HART

Anyone get a e mail saying its been sent. Order No 1008