Re: Hardware Recommendations

I apologize in advance if this is the wrong place to post. If so, please
redirect. Thanks!

Finally broke down and ordered a MacPro and a 23 monitor with FC 2
Studio. Yes, I know Mac's are way over-priced etc. But, all my friends
are Mac people and I have some experience with this system. So, that is
why I went that route.

Bought it at the spur of the moment and didn't consult with anyone in the
video business before making the purchase.

I'm basically an amateur in making videos, but would like to find out if
this is really for me.

Here is what I bought
Processor: Two 2.8 Quad Core Intel Xenon
4 GB memory
1 320 GB 7200 drive
1 500 GB 7200 drive
NVIDIA GeForce 8800 512 MB (Two Dual Link DVI)
1 Apple Cinema 23" Display
2 !6 x Superdrives
1 Airport extreme card (Wi-Fi)
Apple Mighty mouse
Apple keyboard + Mac OS X
Apple Care protection

I have three of these..


I probably wouldn't even be posting, but out of curiosity I did some web
browsing on Mac systems and came up with the site of a company that
pre-configures Macs for digital editing.
http://www.promax.com/Landing/Apple/good_better_best_macpro.html

Not necessary. Just add the software and fast drives.. depending on the
type of imageery you are working with you may only need single SATA
drives..


A couple items stood out on their better systems that I most likely won't
have on mine. Would like to know if they would be useful or would be a
waste of money.

1. Firewire: On their better systems they had a. Firewire based DVCPRO
HD inputs/outputs or
b. Firewire based XDCAM inputs/outputs

firewire is already on the machines.. no need to deal with that at all

2. Compressed storage: a. 4 hours of 1080i Compressed HD storage or
27 hours of 35Mbit 1080i Compressed HD storage

What is your priority? How much do you need?

Not sure how much access I will have to a HD camera. Right now I use one of
the local cable company's GL2's or my old Sony Digital Handycam DCR-PC9.
Not sure how available their Canon HX A1 will be. I'm hoping to buy my own
HD camera in about 6 months. Right now compressed storage is not an issue.
It may be down the road or if they let me borrow the A1 on a regular basis.



3. Audio Mixer and Speakers for sound monitoring. (I know I didn't get
an audio mixer, I guess that is something I could buy later. I didn't
ask about the speakers. I imagine they come with either the display or
separately.)

Get some good monitors. There are tons of choices from companies like
m-audio.. etc.. for small form monitors.. try sweetwater.com for a large
range of these and mixers.



On a separate note:

4. I bought one 23 " display. Is there a real benefit to having two
monitors? If so, should they be the same size? If I call back now and
add it to the order, then it would come under the 3 year warrantee.

Anything else I might have missed?

Yes.. an explanation of what you are trying to do. I know someone else
here will ask the same thing..

Most likely items 1, 2, 3 and 8 are the ones I'll most likely be working on
in the near future. The others are things would have to wait until the
summer.

1. Editing sports video... breaking down football and basketball plays.
For instance: separating offensive plays from defensive plays, isolating
particular plays or players and recording entire games.
2. Editing home videos to put on DVD's.
3. Making documentaries and/or 30 minute to 1 hour shows of local interest
that might be shown on local cable company.
4. Local events such as plays, small scale concerts,
5. Promotional videos for small companies or non-profits.
6. Might shoot a couple weddings for the experience. Doesn't interest me
very much.
7. Possibly make educational type videos either explaining concepts or for
training purposes.
8. Collaborate with other to create short sitcom clips for youtube type
sites.
9. Ideally, work with others to make a short film. Realistically I don't
have the time for such a project, but you never know.

I didn't order any software like MS Office. I use a PC in the real
world.

Mac doesn't have Blueray yet. Probably would replace one with Blueray in
the future.


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