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Express Card Reader for Power Mac Towers?
Hello,
A client of mine owns the HVX200. They want to upgrade their edit bays and I’m consulting them on what they should buy. They’ve been producing projects in SD, but I’m trying to suit them for HD. Their HVX did not come with any P2 cards and I understand that the only way to record HD is via P2 cards so I’m suggesting the new 32GB card.
My question is what is the best workflow to go from the P2 card to a new Mac Pro? I’ve read the posts here about the use of laptops and found an incomplete post for desktop solutions, but still don’t have the answer I’m looking for.
So far I’ve found the following options:
1. P2 Store, but too expensive for them.
2. I’m considering a PCI-Express to ExpressCard Adapter (https://www.startech.com/item/PEX2EC-PCI-Express-to-ExpressCard-Adapter.aspx) as suggested in a previous post but it doesn’t look compatible for Mac. Then all I’d need is the DuelAdapter.
3. Buying a PC laptop compatible for P2 cards
4. The other option is firewire from cam to desktop
Please share your experiences. Any insight would be much appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
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2 Replies
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Panasonic also makes the P2 drive. It’s not much cheaper than a Store but it has Firewire 800 and multiple bays for P2 cards- hence a much more streamlined workflow.
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/sales_o/p2/p2drive/index.html
Noah
My FCP Blog. Unlock the secrets of the DVX100, HVX200 and Apple Color. Now featuring the Sony EX1 Guidebook
https://www.callboxlive.com -
Hello Neal,
I’ve been on this P2 Card Reader quest for my New Macpro for some time, it’s a frustrating issue, If your client has many dollars go with the Panasonic 5 card reader.
If they are like the rest of us, then it’s a challenge, there are many posts about on many forums re finding a solution.
I have a Amtrom reader in my Old G4 Mac OS Tiger 10.4.8, it works great.
In my new Macpro running Leopard 10.5.2 it’s a whole new ball game. Leopard seems like Vista.
I have a SIIG P2 card reader in a PCIe to PCI expansion case connected to my Macpro, the case is recognized but the card isn’t, a firewire 800 card next to the SIIG in the case works flawlessly. I’m told Leopard can only see Firewire and USB, unless the manufacturer provides a “driver”.
The cheapest way to input into the Macpro is just install the Pana P2 card driver in to the Macpro, and Log and transfer your files straight from the camera, USB or Firewire, Mine ingests at about 4 times real time to two striped WD750’s.
This at times is most inconvienient and it puts extra hours on the camera, Plus the camera cannot be used while this is happening.
Panasonic have announced a new 5 card reader, but they are confused if it’s a PCIe or an Expresscard connection or both. and it will not be cost effective for the casual user.
https://eww.pavc.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/sales_o/p2/p2drive/index.html
Cheers
Tom K
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