[Dom Silverio]

Mac or PC?

[Dom Silverio]

You are correct. I was mistaken. I assumed that ISIS was needed for Interplay (which it does not seem to be).

[Dom Silverio]

FC Server is not ‘really, really new’
https://www.proximitygroup.com/page.php?pg=products_artbox

It was Proximity’s Artbox. It is one of the few asset management software for post product that is out there.
Unity is NOT an asset management software. It is a SAN. A SAN is basically a storage (hardware) sharing (networked) system.

Unity allows not only drive sharing (the most basic SAN feature) but also dynamic project sharing.

Because the way Avid structures its project files (an Avid project is actually a folder that consist of separate files each bin and settings), it is possible to share the same project among several editors.

FCP’s project is one file. Thus true project sharing is not allowed (at least currently?). Thus XSAN is your typical SAN, sharing through read/write permission at virtual volume sharing. Drives appears as network storage to the G5 FCP station. Your read and write permission is governed by XSAN server.

Now this brings us to FC Server and its Avid counterpart – ISIS.

These media management softwares allow you to track your assets across multiple networks (multiple SANs possibe) and is not limited to audio/video. This can be text, pictures and music. Etc.

Artbox supposedly had limited timecode based media management feature (while it tracked TC, what you can do with it was limited). It supported other metadata well (dates, comments, formats, etc). Maybe Apple has changed this. Report from NAB, it seems most of the change is superficial (aka skin).

We will see. Avid ISIS is a much bigger beast that is targeted for much bigger enterprise (like Olympics, Holywood Studios, CBS News Network – not just local affiliate). It was smart of Apple to show FC Server is viable for CBS LA affiliate since the target audience is probably smaller setups (boutiques and such) – thus the pricing.

[Dom Silverio]

Unfortunately, with bundled products and actual practice by editors you are unlikely will be able to ‘bill’ that much. Many of us already use Soundtrack, Motion, and Photoshop to our daily workflow – yet we do not bill the client. The perception has become that it is part of the entire service. It is only the high-end that still compartmentalizes each phase of the workflow consistently. This is rare in my experience at low to mid-level. An editor could spend a day on Photoshop and AE and yet not bill seperately (or allowed to).

DVD SP authoring is maybe the only exception at this level. Then again, that can take several days.

.02

[Dom Silverio]

FC Server is an asset management software that was called ‘Artbox’ which Apple bought.

Unity is a SAN like XSAN with XServe.
FC Server is like Avid’s Interplay – which is basically a management software for multiple assets such as text, video, audio, stills, etc.

Artbox was a good software however the problem was it has limited support for timecode based media. Hopefully, Apple addressed that issue.

Also, Artbox is not going to give you, AFAIK, project sharing like you can with Unity. Maybe I am wrong, but there is no indication with it. FCP still interfaces with SANs like any typical software – virtual volume sharing with basica R/W permissions.

The best part of Artbox, like any of the Apple creative apps, is the price. I still need to see the PC support and the extent of it.

[Dom Silverio]

You can install the client software as long as you follow certain guide lines (correct version of OS, proper R/W permissions, etc).

As long as you have dongle license for more clients and you have proper configuration – I don’t see why not.

Unity is just a SAN with extra features for Avid based NLEs.

[Dom Silverio]

What is the error?

You know you can’t assembly cut with firewire with Avid right?

Project type? I don’t think the deck can take 720/23.976p via firewire.

[Dom Silverio]

You are incorrect.

Avid Symphony, Adrenaline and Xpress Pro can all remove standard pulldown off a 720/59.94 stream.

Symphony can do this via HD-SDI off from 1200 or 1400 deck. Use 720/23.976p project type.
Adrenaline can do this the same way. Use 720/23.976p project type.
Xpress Pro can do it via firewire or any other standard SD interface (SDI, CV, etc). You can do it in 720/23.976p as long as you capture via firewire. Just activate the VFR in the Capture tool
https://24p.com/VFR.htm

Also, Xpress Pro and Adrenaline are the only NLE apps in the market that can remova standard pulldown off 30i stream during capture. All others, including FCP, must add an aditional step post capture.

[Dom Silverio]

A standalone QT movie.
QT Animation is also an option (at 100% it is lossless, but the files are huge)

[Dom Silverio]

It has been released.

XPro 5.7 and MC 2.7 are compatible with Intel Macs.

5.5+ -> 5.7 is $50
5.2 -> 5.7 is $150

MC 2.6 -> 2.7 is $200 AND YOU GET A FREE COPY OF Boris CC 4.2 ($2K value!!!)
MC 2.6 -> 2.7 + 1 year assurance is $995 and copy of the 3rd party apps (Boris, Sorenson, etc).