Xpress buy alreay set up vs. doing it yourself

[Melvin Cox]

Setting up the system should NOT be a problem. In fact, I would highly recommend it as a good first step towards mastery of your system.

Just be sure to follow the instructions that come with the software (read, then re-read “Avid: Setting Up Your Software-Only Avid Editing System”).

You will also wish to pay attention to the Avid Xpress Pro Support Center’s Document # 6999 – “Adjusting Virtual Memory Settings in Windows XP”.

A number of excellent third-party web resources are also available. I would recommend the AVID Xpress Pro HD Manual by Dave Kost. This very well written document is available through Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts at:

https://ftv.chapman.edu/media/docs/pdf%20files/VPO%20manuals/AVID%20MANUAL%208-27-05.pdf

Good Luck!

[Alex Alexzander]

Many have, and they are doing just fine. BUt if you require Avid’s own support, it could be a big problem. This topic actually gets kicked around teh Avid Xpress Pro PC forum at Avid.com somewhat often, and we have norrowed things down to two good motherboards, and what a good solid system config ought to be.

Here is a link of our recent conversation on this very topic:

https://www.avid.com/exchange/forums/26940/ShowPost.aspx

Hope that helps…

-Alex

[Timmyt]

Thanks for the tips. Looks like I’ll be saving some $$!

[Oakmozart]

Do you mean building your own computer? Are you going to be running software-only XPro/XDV? If so, then building your own computer will be fine. If planning on adding Mojo/Digi002/External Firewire Storage, you’re crazy to build your own system. I know of one (*ONE*) person who’s built their own homebuilt system and never run into trouble. I’m extremely competent at building my own computers and ran into extreme hell building my XPro system…using components from certified systems!

If adding Avid hardware, DIYing it is not worth it. You WILL have problems. Then you will be on your own, as Avid won’t help you (but will still charge you for the phone call to tech support). Your only hope will be other Avid users (largely on the various forums) and they may or may not be able to help you diagnose/fix your problem.

Take the advice of someone who’s been to hell and back. It’s not worth building it yourself.

[Joe Womble]

I think it really comes down to how much time and involvement you want to spend on the IT side versus the editing side.

True, every editor needs to know a great deal of the technical these days to be able to fine tune and troubleshoot issues that can leave you dead in the water otherwise.

But there is a peace of mind and time savings factor to purchasing an “Avid approved system.” If your workflow is all about deadlines and volume, you may not have time to learn everything there is to know about building your own system.

Avid does not try and squash the enthusiasm of the individual who chooses to go it alone. Just know that since “roll your own” versions have so many variables, these machines can’t be tested and therefore not supported.

If you choose to build, do yourself a favor and at least go by Avid’s requirements. You’ll save yourself tons of headaches and time.

Regards,

Cre8tive

[R Lague]

Oak,

Qualify that last sentence. It is not worth it if you are going to use Mojo. Home brew systems can work very well otherwise.

We have 3 systems running pro without Mojo that we built ourselves. They run 12 hours or more a day for 6 days or more a week and work very very well.

Won’t toiuch mojo until the next version.

[Oakmozart]

What next version? There’s NOT going to be a “Mojo 2,” if that’s what you’re referring to. If anything, Avid will create a new DNA unit to fit between Mojo and Adrenaline, or more likely, adapt some of their existing hardware to work with XPro, like Adrenaline or Liquid Chrome. One of the guys I know in Marketing at Avid has told me to forget about Mojo 2. He then hinted at Chrome or Adrenaline being adapted to run with XPro. I don’t know any other details, he didn’t say anything more (NDA), and we’ll all have to wait until NAB (or later) to see what’s brewing…if anything.

And agreed that homebuilt systems work fine if using XPro in software-only mode. Once you add the hardware, the grief begins.