Running FCP 5 on iMac G5 desktop

[Jerry Hofmann]

It’s a dead end sort of for FCP. It’s sure a great computer though. You wouldn’t have problems with current FCP software at all (Motion isn’t going to run too well on it don’t think), it’s limited by it’s expandability… What sort of work do you want to do with your system?

Jerry

Apple Certified Trainer

Author: “Jerry Hofmann on Final Cut Pro 4” Click here

Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D

[Mitchji]

Hi,

A friend got an iMac G5 for location editing. This is what he had to say:
“I just got my iMac today – infinitely faster than any powerbook I could have bought at three times the cost. I got the cheapest I could find: a new 1.6gHz 17″ with a CDRW/DVD and 256 RAM on eBay. I upgraded to 1GB RAM and got the iLugger bag.”

and:
Can you capture DV with the G5 iMac to a drive other than the boot drive (one firewire bus)? If so are there any problems or tricks?
“Absolutely no problems. I upgraded the imac’s drive to a 320gb and could capture to that drive but I have a firewire drive workflow. I capture to a FWHD on the iMac. I use a Buslink 6 port FW hub on the imac. I really like the imac G5.

This is the bag he got for location use:
https://luggerbags.com/G5.htm

Best Wishes,

Mitch

[Kristel]

Dear Jerry,
Thanks for info. So, the main problem might be that I can’t increase the spec indefinitely in order to accomodate power hungry graphics software? But what about the physical design of the machine, will ii not overheat when worked hard? I want to use it for editing, but I would also like to run Motion and the audio software and teach myself how to use them. So it would not be for professional use, but I need it to function as a good platform for learning new software, without having to go on endless courses or embaress myself in front of clients.
I went to an Apple store today to enquire about new intel driven iMac G5 coming out after the weekend and the effect the new processor might have on the running of FCP5. Apparently, in order to tap into the speed increase and full power of the intel processor a new mediatory software will soon be made available – so you will have to buy extra software for each application in order to benefit from intel power on a G5. This all sounds abit expensive for the consumer and the staff at Apple today didn’t seem too on the ball. Do you understand the implications of the new intel processor on running existing software like FCP 5 studio?
Thanks again in advance.
Cheers Kristel

[Max Rule]

Hi Jerry, I am interested in using an IMac for running FCP as well.
Can you tell me if this is a wise choice for my application.
We run a network/cable channel.
I would like the IMac to run our info calendar 24/7.
We would then switch to it when needed.
I am currently using an older Teal G4 and FCP2 for this task, but it has a habit of crashing. Not very often, but once a week or so.
This setup has been running pretty much 24/7 (minus the downtime when crashed) for over 18months without much work.
Would the IMac be more stable/dependable for this task.
Max