720_30P HD on MacBook Pro

[Shane Ross]

Well, the only option you have with a MacBook is the Matrox MXO. But it will use your Express slot, so you can’t use SATA II connections at the same time.

But I have had great success with G-Raid FW800 drives. Unless your machine lacks the FW800 ports.

Shane

Littlefrog Post
http://www.lfhd.net

[Christopher Wright]

Actually, no, the MXO only uses a USB port, the Express slot is still fine for a Sata card and Raid.

[Shane Ross]

WHOOOP! Sorry…head up my…

It uses the DVI AND USB connections (and mini RCA for audio)…leaving the express port open.

Thanks Chris.

Shane

Littlefrog Post
http://www.lfhd.net

[Tony Manolikakis]

MXO does not use a slot. It connects to your DVI out and USB. gives you HD-SDI with embedded audio and analog (compononet or Y/C-composite.

Tony

[Robert Depalma]

Thank you all for the feedback!
I didn’t realize that the MXO was going to be such a high-ticket item. If I just want to be able to see a video output of what we’re editing-not necessarely an HD output, are there any other options or is it just the MXO?
Thanks again.

[Shane Ross]

On a MacBook? That’s it. On a G5…the only other options include Decklink HD or AJA Kona cards…no cheaper. At least with the Decklink you can capture as well as output…but again, only on a G5 or MacPro. On a MacBook, the only option you have for watching HDV on an external monitor is the MXO. You can attach an Apple Cinema Display to the DVI port and do a Digital Cinema Preview for full screen…but that isn’t good for color correction.

Shane

Littlefrog Post
http://www.lfhd.net

[Robert Depalma]

Thanks Shane. I hate to ask to ask again, but just to make sure I understand- you’re saying that there’s not even a device that will let me watch a composite out of my 720P video? If so, I guess I’m going to have to shell out the bucks. Just seems like a waste if I’m only using it for viewing and not to record the HD footage.
I took a look at your blog. Seems that you’re experimenting on thsame thing I’ve been researching-the Sata II enclosures. The 5 bay ICY DOCK seems interesting. I womder if there’s any difference in performance when compared to the Sonnet I found at OWC: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Sonnet%20Technology/ENCSATAD5P/
BIG price difference. Talking to the customer service there, he told me to go with the Sonnet card with port multipliers for my Macbook Pro. I hope that all of this is worth it. Seems like a new solution pops up every other day!
Any suggestions on where to research the difference between striping the drives Raid 0 or Raid 5?

Thanks again…and great blog!

[Shane Ross]

The only other way to monitor DVCPRO HD footage is thru a DVCPRO HD deck…just like you would with a DV camera. You need something to convert the signal into something that the monitor can see. HDV isn’t so lucky….can’t use the camera or deck for viewing, you NEED a capture card. Saying that the card is really the only way was untrue, but it is cheaper than a deck. $1000-$2500 for the card. $25,000 for the deck. So really, the BEST way is to get a capture card. Although you can route the signal thru the HVX too, to a monitor. Just for reference.

And yes, the Fusion 500P was high on my list of enclosures…still is. I’d need to get a port multiplying card, but I like the box. The thing is, I don’t need the hot swap capabilities. I only work on 2-3 shows a year, and not at the same time, so I use the same drives. If I was in a shop with 2-5 shows running, I might get this as I can swap drives out from one case. Interesting thing about the Quiet Case that I got is that the internal drive trays slide out VERY easily, and it comes with extra drive mounts…so essentially it is a swappable case. I just have to remove the panel first.

Shane

Littlefrog Post
http://www.lfhd.net

[Robert Depalma]

So it looks like I have to shell out the bucks for an MXO. Oh well-time to start saving-but not until I buy my Raid enclosure!

I checked out the cooldrive product while scrolling down the link on your blog:
https://www.cooldrives.com/cosapomubrso.html
Seems pretty interesting, but what’s funny is that the diagram shows 5 drives and it’s a 4 drive enclosure. Now I don’t need to remove these drives either, so here are a few more questions if you would be so kind as to share the knowledge:

I need about a Terabyte of storage. A little more or less won’t make a difference. So:

-What enclosure would be the most cost effective, yet reliable?
-Any preference on drives as far as reliability?
-Why do I need a port multiplier anyway? Is it because the card for my Macbook Pro requires it?
-What’s the deal with Raid 0 and Raid 5? Benefits? Disadvantages?

Soooooooo how’s the quiet drive working? heard you had to rework the wiring. All ok now. I can appreciate the savings, as long as it doesn’t cost me by failing in 2 months…too many horror stories when researching the forums!

Thanks man. I appreciate the time!