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New FCP System
Okay, so like many of us editors my computer was bought just as the new intel models were launched and so now, moving into newer systems, preparing for FCP7 and Snow Leopard, I sincerely hope this is not an Apple Snow Job, I am preparing to bite the cheque aka check book and have a new system set up for me. I have just invested in 10 TB’s of eSATA G-Tech storage so whatever I do I will not be changing that set up anytime soon. I am open to others thoughts on what constitutes a rock solid system. I edit indie films, short films and documentaries. I am not an effects driven editor, off line basically with the ability to sometime do all the stuff others talk about. Any ideas, suggestions, Tom, Walter et al . . .
I also want to aka need to upgrade my G4 PowerBook, 7 years and while it still rocks . . . 🙂 R.Richard Clark’s kiwicafe.com
Film Editor & . . .
https://kiwicafe.blogspot.com/
NY & LA & . . . Featherston? -
5 Replies
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I always say, buy the fastest Mac you can afford and that will definitely do you for the next two years at least, if not three. We have a G5 Quad 2.5 still running in our third suite because it’s a PCIe machine and all the latest gear can still go into it.
Put 8GB RAM minimum in it, 16 if you can afford it.
Put an ATI card in it for Color. I think the 4870 is the latest.
I would definitely recommend the Kona LHi since it does all the conversion features of the Kona 3 but for half the price. With everything going HD the ability to up-convert from SD to HD cleanly at that price is incredible.
If you need to do color grading, then a Flanders Scientific monitor is what I recommend. We run both their 1760W and 2450W’s in our shop having recently replaced all our CRTs. In fact Bob Zelin finally got a look at them yesterday and let’s just say he was rather impressed with them.
https://forums.creativecow.net/readpost/98/874036
Beyond that, I love the Dell 24″ monitors for computer monitors.
We use the Wacom Intuos series tablets in all our rooms instead of a mouse.
Panasonic Pro Plasma for the wall if you need a client monitor.
And last but not least, if you’re in the market for new desk / edit console, can’t recommend Anthro enough. We have the Fit System consoles in here and I’m just installing a set of these at a local broadcaster. They’re solid, clean and will last the lifetime of your edit suite.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.STOP STARING AND START GRADING WITH APPLE COLOR Apple Color Training DVD available now!
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many thanks Walter, i actually did look at your room but decided to ask anyhow 🙂 that is pretty much the way i will go, will report back, many thanks, Richard.
Richard Clark’s kiwicafe.com
Film Editor & . . .
https://kiwicafe.blogspot.com/
NY & LA & . . . Featherston? -
The Kona LHi is a great card, but I’d like to throw another option your way….or two. I’d like to mention the Matrox MXO2…mainly because you said you wanted to get a laptop too and the MXO2 works with the MacBook Pro laptops THAT HAVE THE EXPRESS34 SLOT. Not all of the new ones do…only the 17″ one does. But, this card works on the laptop and tower, so you have some flexability.
Also…look at the I/O Express and MXO2 mini…see if these might suit your needs too. No SDI on them, but they do a lot.
Just options.
OH, and I too recommend the Flanders Scientific. Great monitors for the price. They beat all the rest in that range.
Shane
GETTING ORGANIZED WITH FINAL CUT PRO DVD…don’t miss it.
Read my blog, Little Frog in High Def -
I’m a big fan of the MXO2 as well. Definitely check it out and compare it to the others. One of my favorite things about it is that it doesn’t lock you into using it on one system. You can easily use it on multiple systems as well as a MacBook Pro. If you do a lot of H.264 encoding you should get the version with MAX for faster then realtime encoding. You can read more about it here…
https://www.matrox.com/video/en/products/mxo2/
I really have been happy with mine.
Greg
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Many thanks guys, all the input helps. I already have a Kona card and i/o so that is a given. The monitor recommends sound good. Once I have a list I will post it for feedback. My existing system is only a couple of years old so that will be used by my editor while i, hopefully get projects to support my new set up, cheers, Richard.
ps, I am amazed to see that my G4 Power Book was made in 2004 and is working as good as it ever has.Richard Clark’s kiwicafe.com
Film Editor & . . .
https://kiwicafe.blogspot.com/
NY & LA & . . . Featherston?
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