Bj Ahlen
Forum Replies Created
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[Alan Lacey] “Don’t for get usb3’s just around the corner.”
USB3 will have more improvements than just a higher bit rate, but I’d like someone to verify that it is actually suitable for high performance video editing.
Today, USB 2 runs at 480 Mbps, while FW400 chugs along at 400 Mbps.
So 480 is faster than 400, right?
No. Not for a computer that is already running at high CPU utilization, such as with rendering.
USB transfers are handled by the main CPU, while FW uses a separate controller that offloads the CPU so it can focus on keeping for example FCP running at the best speed possible,
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Amen to that, and add that you can get the 17″ with a matte screen, it is incredible (and the 1920×1200 resolution is the bee’s knees for getting work done).
eSATA is the only interface for serious use, FW & USB are OK only for backing up.
It’s not just about speed, but also trouble-free operation.
I like FirmTek’s 2-port eSATA Express/34 card (and their multiple drive enclosures), rockin’ reliable and good drivers.
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Oh, and spend $19.00 on the FCP Killer Secrets PDF download.
Overall, best $19.00 I ever spent on FCP education. great workflow description, tips and tricks.
FCP and Vegas are VERY different, you need help!
(Vegas was my main axe for many years, but it has a lot of limitations compared to FCP. Fastest NLE when it can be used though.)
If you get complex projects, be sure to get also Shane Ross’s “Getting Organized in FCP” (see link in his post above). I also learned some very helpful things from his LFHD blog, also linked above.
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I’ll second Michael’s recommendation of Diana Weynand’s APTS book.
Why?
Because it doesn’t just teach you how to do things, but it teaches you the BEST way to do all the basics.
That alone can save you hundreds of hours of work per year.
I have seen many self-taught old foxes who had no idea that so many things could be done in half the time or less…
There are some good DVDs too, but the book is self-pausing and takes up less room than a second screen.
Seriously, Diana Weynand’s book is very well organized and won’t waste your time in any way.
It has a Media DVD in the back with recent TV show footage for you to practice on, and the exercises are very good.
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ProRes works for capture to FCP, not to iMovie.
PC users can download a free ProRes decoder from Apple that works for editing in major NLEs. They won’t be able to render to ProRes though.
Avid offers a limited set of free DNxHD full codecs (read and write) for both PC and Mac.
Whatever you do, test the workflow to make sure gamma is handled properly.
Snow Leopard with FCP7 defaults to 2.2, the same as the default for Windows, but there are lots of ways to screw up.
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Signs?
Are you thinking to use a “240 Hz” HDTV?
If so, I don’t think they can take a 240 fps input (I wish they did, because then we could fast forward in editing with a quality like a flatbed, gotta say I miss that sometimes…).
What they do is take 30 or 60 fps and create intermediate frames to create a smoother motion.
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A graphics card problem can definitely cause these symptoms.
Do you still have your old card?
Can you borrow someone else’s card?