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iMac Suite set up for review
Because we will be switching to Premiere Pro, I thought best to post in this forum. Our company intends to invest in a basic i-Mac suite and I’d like to field recommendations/advice based upon the flow chart I have created (link below).
I have concerns about whether the outlined design will function as intended, or if there is a roadblock in this design that I overlooked. And whether the I/O device selected is sufficient for this setup. Secondarily is finding a good storage option. Media for the edit suite will be stored local, no network-based storage as of yet. Overall, need to keep costs somewhat low ($500-600 for the storage, and a similar range for the IO device).
The core component is the IO. Looking at the Blackmagic UltraStudio Express as it appears to have all the connections needed to satisfy our needs outlined in flow chart and below:
Monitors x3:
–HDMI out to the wall TV for client viewing.
–SDI out to our Panasonic BT-LH 1700 for the editor.
–Tbolt passthrough to a 2nd computer display (pass through via the G-RAID).Storage:
–4 TB Tbolt storage, currently the G-RAID looks like a good fit.Audio:
Basic 8-channel mixer. Connect to IO through the breakout cable. Analog audio out to editor monitors and room monitors. Also, occasionally need audio input for scratch VO recording.And finally would like to have flexibility to use HDMI output from Canon 5D Mark 3 for studio shoots. Run through the Blackmagic UltraStudio Express into the iMac.
Ability to record uncompressed YCbCr 422 video—–
Guidance on the design of this iMac suite is appreciated.
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7 Replies
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I use that setup almost exactly. Except the audio comes from the audio out of the SDI monitor so that it won’t be out of sync. Otherwise tb analog audio I always ahead of te HDMI OR SDI output.
You’ll also want the i7 and 680 card. They’re not just minor speed bumps. I7 is hyper threaded and he 680 is much more powerful. The minor cost increase is well worth it.
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I wrote a blog detailing our new Imac suites.
https://www.biscardicreative.com/blog/2012/08/anatomy-of-an-imac-suite/
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author, Chef.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative MediaFoul Water Fiery Serpent, an original documentary featuring Sigourney Weaver. US & European distribution by American Public Television
MTWD Entertainment – Developing original content for all media.
“This American Land” – our new PBS Series.
“Science Nation” – Three years and counting of Science for the People. -
Hi Walter,
I have some really urgent questions considering the new system, I order for my shop and I would really love to ask you 3-4 questions considering the set up.
Is it possible I can write you in a private message? I’d really appreciate your input a lot.Thanx.
Greetings,
Sascha Engel
TIME BANDITZ Productions
http://www.youtube.com/taikang -
Bret W: “Except the audio comes from the audio out of the SDI monitor so that it won’t be out of sync. Otherwise tb analog audio I always ahead of te HDMI OR SDI output.”
You bring up a good concern about sync sound. So, if audio passes through the SDI monitor to the mixer and then to the speakers, all will be in sync? Even with the HDMI monitor?
And I forgot to mention that this diagram was based from Walter Biscardi’s very helpful iMac blog post, but wanted to modify for our budget and workflow.
Thanks much
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[Sascha Engel] ”
I have some really urgent questions considering the new system, I order for my shop and I would really love to ask you 3-4 questions considering the set up.
Is it possible I can write you in a private message? I’d really appreciate your input a lot.”Sure, I’m swamped today / tomorrow / Thursday but I’ll answer when I can.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author, Chef.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative MediaFoul Water Fiery Serpent, an original documentary featuring Sigourney Weaver. US & European distribution by American Public Television
MTWD Entertainment – Developing original content for all media.
“This American Land” – our new PBS Series.
“Science Nation” – Three years and counting of Science for the People. -
How can I write you in a private message?
Sascha Engel
TIME BANDITZ Productions
http://www.youtube.com/taikang -
Walter, this is awesome, as I’m leaning towards moving to iMac and ditching the Hackintosh, or maybe hold out for the new tower/non-tower looking canister thingy Apple just created. haha. But both of your anatomy of edit suite articles are a huge help.
Regarding your I/O, have you ever used the UltraStudio Express. Looks to be similar to the AJA IoExpress. I’m trying to keep costs down, and don’t really have a need for all the hardware conversions, as I’m mostly digital file workflow. How does the BM compare to the AJA IoXT or IoExpress? Looks like it’ll have everything I need.
And since we can’t afford a broadcast monitor, I’m looking to at least get a professional display like your Panasonic TH series, which I can’t find anywhere online and looks only 720p. Found this model, seems to compare nicely.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/886838-REG/Panasonic_th42pf50u_42_HD_Pro_Plasma.html
or how about the JVC:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/878342-REG/JVC_PS_420W_42_Digital_Signage.htmlNot doing broadcast work, would you think either of these monitors would suffice?
Like the KRK’s, BTW, might have to jump ship from the M-Audio’s I spec’d out and look at those deeper. Our audio friends in Pittsburgh, like the KRK too.
OSX 10.7.5 with a 3.39 Ghz Intel Core i7 on a built up Hackintosh
16 GB of RAM with OSX on SSD, (2) internal HDDs RAID’d 1 for project files and External RAID 5 for all project assets (media, GFX, stills, etc.)
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