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multiple systems with an X-serve
I am putting together my television ministry budget for next year, and already have permission to buy additional decks (DVCAM) to iso at least 2 of my cameras to correct mistakes and spruce up my line cut. I would also like to buy an additional FCP system to complement the current system I have. My question is this.
If instead of buying the decks, I bought another full blown FCP system with a Kona 2 (or Black Magic Design etc) and replaced the AJA IO on my current system with a Kona 2 and then bought an X-raid could I digitize to the X-raid uncomppressed SD from both systems concurrently?
Could I then connect the AJA IO to my brand new 17″ powerbook and capture a third stream with it?
Any variations on the above scenerios would be welcome.
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6 Replies
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Don,
Checkout Apple’s Xsan product. I think what you want to do requires a SAN (i.e. storage area network.
DRW
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You can easily use TWO FCP systems connected to a single raid. However, once you go above those two systems, you’re getting into a SAN (Storage Area Network) system. The complexity and cost increase signficantly. So, to answer your question, yes it will work for two. Your third stream (powerbook) would have to be transfered to the storage as a file transfer via firewire through one of the g-5’s.
You may want to consider digitizing at DV resolution rather than Uncompressed. If you’re already using DV as your aquisition format, you’re not gaining anything by using an uncompressed timeline (unless you have heavy grfx & other inserts). Do a test to see if DV is acceptable for your needs.
Mark
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Thanks, I knew that XSan would come into play at some point, but is the bandwidth there to support 2 or 3 simultanious streams?
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I am constantly questioning my desire to post uncompressed, due to the fact I deliver on DVCPro and DV. I have an SDI plant, and the capability to do a really clean edit that will be used both in broadcast and DVD production. So I’m shooting for the best possible end product.
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If you’re delivering on DV and shooting on DV, there’s no point in uncompressed….
Graeme
– http://www.nattress.com – Film Effects and Standards Conversion for FCP
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No arguement against trying to maintain the best quality… that’s good.
However, stepping down the bandwidth may open up some other possibilities for your workflow that would not be practical in 8 bit SD. For example, with DV, you’ll be able to keep many more episodes “on-line” concurrently. You would be able to digitize directly from the camera, no aja box or bm card needed. You can easily copy all the media from a multicam shoot to your power book and edit elsewhere. I could go on and on, but the point is, look beyond just the quality of your image, to analyze your entire workflow. One more thing… if you’re going to be webcasting, you REALLY will never see the difference.
Good luck.
Mark
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