transition between 2 x 4 layers

[pieterhu]

For a project we're developing a video mixer which consists of 2 groups with 4 layers each.
One way to do transitions between these 2 sets of layers is to have them on separate sequences and controlling the opacity of the sequences. However, this gives us only the opportunity to do normal crossfade transitions. Having transition FX on each single layer leads to unwanted behavior.

Can anyone think of an option to render these 2 groups of 4 layers into 2 separate layers and use these for transitions? I've tried something with render history, but without any good result.

In addition to this, I would like to be able to have a preview of the layer groups which I can send to a separate output on the server, so you can prepare a look in preview before turning this into actual. Any suggestions on this?

regards,

Pieter