[Glenn Fisher]

Additional cores only increase speed when the applications you are running can take advantage of them (or for multitasking, since you could run more programs at the same time).

I would investigate the applications that you use, and see if they are able to take advantage of multiple cores. If they are, then it is likely that you will see the speed boost, but if not, then there will be no increase in speed unless you are running multiple applications at the same time.

Are you rendering files and running a lot of compressions on your system? If so, then you will DEFINITELY see a fairly hefty improvement as long as those applications can take advantage of the extra cores. My guess is that your 3d application will be able to utilize the hardware, and an 8-core system would make your 3d renders much faster.

You might also want to look for comparison charts online. Several different blogs and websites compare the speed of different Apple computers using various software.

I hope that answers your question,
Glenn Fisher

[Glenn Fisher]

I don’t have any information to back this up with, but I would doubt it. Sure, there will be a little bit of a speed boost with the new processors, but I don’t think it would be that significant.

[Glenn Fisher]

I’m not sure if it has that feature, but you might want to check out an application called “Default Folder X.” It will allow you to greatly customize how Mac OS X handles Open, Save, and Save As windows.

Hope that helps,
Glenn Fisher

[Glenn Fisher]

Thank you David! I will be sure to investigate the 180 degree rule and keep it in mind when I go back to the middle school to film a similar video in the next month or so. Thanks again! 🙂

[Glenn Fisher]

Well, to be honest, I have a very wide-range of interests, and I’m not sure if video is the industry that I want to pursue. Regardless, I believe that my video work is a “hook” in applying to different colleges. It’s an interest that sets me apart from other students, which is important to admissions officers that are looking to diversify their university.

Whether or not I want to apply to film schools, the question remains the same. What can I do to show my standing and abilities in video, and prove my skills to a college?

[Glenn Fisher]

Thanks for the criticism! I always appreciate helpful advice on how to get better.

For the video, we recorded the audio and video separately, then synced them up later. We recorded the audio using two of the school’s wide-diaphragm condenser mics in the orchestra room (set up using an AB configuration). After that, the orchestra went into the auditorium where we played back the recording using a stereo (so that the conductor could sync the playing in the auditorium to the recording). I then recorded their performance from many different angles and edited them together in post.

As far as equipment, I used a pretty cheap Bogen/Manfrotto tripod with an old head (I’ve since gotten a 503HDV head which is soooo much nicer!). The camera was a Sony HDR-HC1, shooting in HDV.

For post-production, I used Final Cut Pro and Soundtrack Pro.

—-

I still don’t feel all that satisfied as far as my college admissions question goes. I would like to get into the most selective tier of colleges (I’m considering some ivy-league schools, MIT, UCLA, and the likes), and they really need to see proof of a high quality of work. My dad especially wants me to find some way to show what I learn from my independent study in audio (i.e. getting recognized somehow for a high-quality sound).

Analogously, athletes can join a varsity team, be named an MVP, or win regional and state titles. These awards show that they didn’t just spend a lot of time on a sports team, but they were good at it and accomplished.

I would like to find something similar, where I can show a highly selective college (whether a film school or not) that I don’t just spend a lot of time making videos, but that I’m good at it too (or at least I hope I’m good at it!!).

Based on the responses so far, it seems like a demo reel and internships might be the most viable way of being recognized. Are there any other ways that you guys can think of?

Again, thanks for all of the responses! I really appreciate it!

-Glenn Fisher

[Glenn Fisher]

As Tom already mentioned, it’s likely that your settings are mismatched between the camera and Final Cut Pro.

If everything is set correctly, but you’re still having issues, then a simple reboot may be the solution.

Best of Luck,
Glenn Fisher

[Glenn Fisher]

Here are some of my thoughts on that configuration:

1. Do you have enough storage? Standard DV/HDV takes up about 16 GB per hour. At that rate, 250 hours of footage would take up roughly 4TB of hard drive space. Other formats will take up more space. Also, don’t forget to account for things like project files, renders, exports, etc.

2. From the posts that I’ve seen on this forum, you might be able to save money by not getting the 8-core. Since the applications haven’t been properly written to take advantage of all 8 cores, you would probably only see a boost when you’re compressing (Compressor does use all 8 cores). If you want to future-proof the machine though, then 8 cores is probably the way to go.

3. In comparison to the rest of your rig, the 20″ monitor seems fairly small. I know that I love my 24″ Dell monitor (the Dell monitors also seem to be getting very good reviews, so that might be worth looking into).

4. Are you doing any color correction? If so, you don’t have a calibrated monitor included in your setup.

5. I would look for a single large device that you can plug into your Mac Pro through Firewire 800, or maybe even an eSata connection. Although I haven’t read anything about it, the new Lacie 4Big Quadro looks pretty cool (and if I remember correctly, it’s expandable up to 7.5TB). If you get a single device, then you probably wouldn’t need the additional PCIe Firewire card.

Anyway, I hope that helps you get started. Good luck with editing!

– Glenn Fisher

[Glenn Fisher]

Although I haven’t personally tried this, there is no reason why it shouldn’t work. I have a friend with one of the new Macbook Pros and I advised him to purchase the cable, and since then he hasn’t told me of any problems that he’s been having. Of course, you won’t get the benefit of Firewire 800 since the other end still only has the 4 data pins for Firewire 400.

[Glenn Fisher]

Thanks Tom! That did it for me.