[Jeff Bernstein]

There is a lot of focus on those ho already have FCP7. Just don’t upgrade. Fine. But happen to thbose folks that already have a couple of seats of FCP7, work on a SAN, need those features in FCP7 that are missing in FCPX AND need to add more licenses?

[Jeff Bernstein]

You will want to install an AJA HDP2. You would connect your Kona HD-SDI output to the HDP2. Then connect a DVI to DisplayPort or HDMI cable to the Dreamcolor.

If you want to take advantage of the color management of the Dreamcolor, you are required to give the monitor strictly an RGB and a Progressive, nor PSF. In addition, it does not have a good scaler.

By having the HDP2, it will do all the conversions and scaling for you. Since there is a delay with all the processing, there are also audio outputs so that everything stays in sync for monitoring.

https://www.aja.com/products/converters/converters-hd-hdp2.php

Jeff Bernstein

Digital Desktop Consulting
Apple Pro Video VAR
XSAN Certified
MetaSAN Master Reseller

323-653-7611

[Jeff Bernstein]

I’d like to put $100 on iMovie Pro.

[Jeff Bernstein]

Here is what is odd. I was at that conference and there was not a specific discussion about this as Rob alludes to. There were definitely discussions about it, however. The general consensus from those who regulalyr sell and install XServes was a whopping WTF!!!

The MacPro is not a replacement for multiple reasons, not the least of which are the lack of LOM and inefficient rackspace use. 2 boxes taking up 12RU is absurd.

One must really question where Apple is going here. If Apple is planning something better, great, but unlike the consumer space, people running businesses can not stomach Apple’s love of surprises. Businesses don’t like surprises. They like to plan. Then again, Apple has never really cared enough about the Enterprise or Pro space.

If Apple cared about the Pro space, for instance, don’t you think we would have current Nvidia-based graphics cards? A fully functional QuickTime X/QTkit? Final Cut Truly Pro? But I digress.

Apple, you are either in it to win or you are not. If you could only put the same amount of effort you put into the consumer space, then maybe, we wouldn’t be in this situation.

If Apple doesn’t do some damage control here, I think it will make a lot of people question not only Apple’s commitment to these markets, but these people will have to question whether their needs can be met by Apple. If actions speak louder than words, then there are way too many unanswered questions.

[Jeff Bernstein]

Let’s clear up a few facts here…

The transmission standard for 720P is 60fps (actually 59.97). The problem will be how to turn Nikon’s 30fps to 60fps. Even if you are making DVDs or BluRay, you will have the same issue.

I have a Nikon D70 and I would like to upgrade to the D7000, but Nikon’s understanding, and their lack of, of video standards is KILLING ME.

While I already have 3 Nikon lenses and a Speedlight, I might need to convert to Canon after being a Nikon guy for the past 30 years.

[Jeff Bernstein]

Incidentally, one of the hold ups, I have to imagine, is that QuickTime X is feature incomplete since all those resources have gone into iCrap. Perhaps that’s why we don’t have USB 3 or an eSATA port or two like the rest of the world.

[Jeff Bernstein]

So let’s talk about some of the features that need to be in Final Cut Studio X to meet our expectations…

• Fix ALL gamma problems in QuickTime and FCS once and for all.
• ProRes 4:2:2:4
• Ability to use almost any codec with RT Extreme
• Real Time compositing and effects with 4:x:x:4 material
• RGB workflow @ >8bits, including 10 and 12 bit linear and log with RT Extreme
• More extreme RT Extreme
• Real Media Manager including a SAN integration piece. FCServer… not feeling it.
• Native support for MXF, as in no rewrapping to QT. If you can’t do it, license mxf4mac.
• Return the favor with RT support of DNxHD. It’s got 4:2:2:4
• Make all effects at least 10-bit capable and label those that are not.
• Fix the scaling artifacts
• True mixing of codecs and resolutions in the same timeline and keep it real time with high quality.
• Active frame rate conversion
• Since there will be bugs, it’s inevitable, how about a quicker turnaround for bug fixes and more tech notes for known issues. The head in the sand routine is getting old.
• Tiny chocolates for my pillow

[Jeff Bernstein]

The motherboard between the Mac Pro 4,1 and 5,1 are essentially the same. The pin count between Westmere and Nehelem is exactly the same. Thus, the daughtercard that houses the processor and memory controller and slots are the only things that changed. Oh, the Power Supply is a little beefier.

Jeff Bernstein

Digital Desktop Consulting
Apple Pro Video VAR
XSAN Certified
MetaSAN Master Reseller

323-653-7611

[Jeff Bernstein]

I would opine that there is one more option. Backing up and restoring can be labor intensive, especially when something goes wrong.

You could also use a Defrag utility such as the one that is now in Drive Genius 3 or iDefrag for HFS formatted volumes. One of the keys in dealing with fragmentation is not only defragging your files, but also defragging the free space. These utilities do this.

In an XSAN environment, your only choice for proper defrag is the backup and restore process.

Jeff Bernstein

Digital Desktop Consulting
Apple Pro Video VAR
XSAN Certified
MetaSAN Master Reseller

323-653-7611

[Jeff Bernstein]

I need to amend my announcement. It is, in fact, LaCie who will have the USB 3.0 card.

Jeff Bernstein

Digital Desktop Consulting
Apple Pro Video VAR
XSAN Certified
MetaSAN Master Reseller

323-653-7611