[Krzysztof Kalukin]

Hi Jeremy,

It seems, we’re moving somewhere. So, couple of next questions.

It is clear for me that I should move from XDCAM to ProRes as soon as possible in my workflow. First doubt – will I loose anything in terms of quality, if so, is that significant in any way? Secondly – is there any difference in terms of quality if I:

a. Transfer footage from my camcorder using SDI and Kona?
b. Use XDCAM Transfer tool and move clip on the timeline saying no to conform?
c. Convert to ProRes using Compressor?

Now output – analog outputting to Beta is an option, but what if I had to stay with DVCAM format? Use Compressor or FCP to make proper Quicktime movie? What about quality in such solution – I thought that Kona would perform better downconversion.

Anyway, in my current situation, Kona is only used in some RT acceleration if input and output is done on files and HD preview on external monitor. Have to say, that we expected quite more, but maybe it is time to acquire recording equipment that supports SDI.

Krzysztof

[Krzysztof Kalukin]

Hi Jeremy,

Thanks for your detailed answer. One general remark – we are rather newbies at FCP – we’ve just moved from Windows based system (Matrox RT.X2 with Adobe Premiere Pro CS4) and we are exploring new environment. Unfortunately manuals for FCP is so massive and detailed so it is very difficult to go through it and Kona’s documentation is not very good. Anyway, let’s move forward:

1. Kona’s hardware support.

Well, I’m a bit confused now – I did not expect that Kona will make whole rendering real time, but on their webpage in features section it is written:

– DVCPRO HD hardware acceleration
– HDV hardware acceleration
– Dynamic RT hardware acceleration

So, does that mean that they posted information which is not true?

2. Kona’s conversion.

You are saying that Kona is able to make professional hardware based up/down and cross conversion both on input and output. Now, how can I make down conversion from 1080i to SD using Kona but using file as an output? Currently I do not have any recorder which would have SDI or HDMI input, does that mean that I cannot use Kona to make HD/SD conversion? I planned to acquire footage either from XDCAM files or SDI connection, edit it in HD and then use Kona to make down conversion to file and tape it on DVCAM. Is that possible?

3. XDCAM

Currently I’m using XDCAM transfer tool to acquire clip. I make easy setup to AJA Kona LHI – Apple ProRes 422 HQ and then bring the clip on the timeline saying Yes when asked to conform. Perhaps it would be better to acquire footage by SDI to ProRes? My project do not require to use Color right now – FCP color filters are sufficient for me now.

4. Configuration

Slot number – the first one beneath graphic card – number 2 I suppose – according to AJA reqs.
MAC OS – I am up to date according to update tool
FCP – 6.0.5
Kona firmware and drivers – 1.1

Thanks in advance for further suggestions.

Krzysztof

[Krzysztof Kalukin]

That’s iiiyama Pro Lite e2208hds. I conntected that monitor do DVD player using the same HDMI cable – everything is OK. When I connected other LCD monitor to Kona – situation the same – colors are not correct.

The card is Kona LHi of course.

Krzysztof

[Krzysztof Kalukin]

Thanks for the reply.

Regarding Premiere – well, we are not happy with its stability and reliability. Besides, after switching to HD problems appeared. In my opinion Mac offers better OS.

Regarding AJA – so, you think AJA LHi would be better than Blackmagic Decklink HD? If so, I will consider that.

For Mac – we’ll add 2 more Gigs of RAM to make it 8, but – first of all, I’ve heard that FCP can utilize not more than 2,5 Gigs, if so, why need so much reserve? And CPU… will I really feel the difference between 2.26 and 2.66 in dual quad config?

And storage – that is temporary solution to have 3 drive RAID 5. In the future, we’ll add separate storage. The question is – is Apple RAID card good enough? I’m considering to buy CalDigit RAID card, but I’ve heard that is does not support internal arrays on latest Mac Pros.

Krzysztof