[Mitchji]

[Walter Biscardi] “It’s digital information so I’m not sure how an SDI signal can be better on one machine over the other.

I’ve never had a project kicked back due to any issues with image quality from anything captured via the J3. Take that for what you will.”

Hi,

The way it could be worse is that the decompression from DigiBeta to SDI Uncompressed. The J series converts multiple formats to uncompressed SDI and so the Digibeta conversion might not be as good as a higher end deck with chips that only do Digibeta.

In terms of projects being kicked back that is a different issue. He didn’t say the quality was bad. Only that comparing the quality on different decks it was less.

Best Wishes,

Mitch

[Mitchji]

Hi,

Save some money and purchase the RAM from Crucial and the extra HD from another source.

Below is what Barefeats says about the card:
https://www.barefeats.com/quick.html

“October 26th, 2005 — FLASH! You can now order the GeForce 7800 GT with your new G5 Power Mac for only $350 extra! This PCI-Express graphics card is only slightly slower than the Quadro FX 4500 but costs $1300 less and takes one slot. Apple is quoting 6 to 8 weeks if you select this option, but I say it’s worth the wait. If you order your G5 with the other cards, you can’t be assured Apple will offer it as a kit at a later date. Support BareFeats by using Bare Feat’s links to the Apple Online Store. (It’s a painless way to support us since we get a small commission from each thing you buy.)”

Best Wishes,

Mitch

[Mitchji]

[Walter Biscardi] “Most folks who “warn off others” on the J series are those who run the full blown DigiBeta decks.”

Hi,

A friend compared it with a higher end Digibeta Deck and said the SDI Video quality was not as good on the J series. When he took the issue up with Sony they said something like “what do you expect for the price”.

Best Wishes,

Mitch

[Mitchji]

[Gunleik Groven] “An advantage with the PCI-E macs (apparently) is that some of (or all) the rendering – not only previewing – in Motion is done in the GPU.

If possible, I’d buy the quad. My experience is that buying the “top” machine gives a considerable longer lifespan that more than pays for the extra $$$.”

Hi,

There has been speculation that in the future with PCIe the GPU will be able to perform the rendering.

As fast as computers improve getting a longer lifespan is not necessarily the strategy. Another option is to purchase a less expensive model initially and upgrade more frequently.

Best Wishes,

Mitch

[Mitchji]

[Matthew giffin] “Yo, Jeff… That’s a really useful post! I’d like toget one of those G5 Quad dealies… I had been thinking and wondering if I should wait until the Intel macs come out… but then backtracking because I have a feeling there will be ‘issues’ for a good little while. Plus, there could be problems interfacing with clients that may have a either G4’s or current G5’s.

So I found your post helpful. I think I’ll go ahead and get one now, then get an Intel Mac in a few years when all the bugs have been cooked. In the meantime, I’ll have a rockin’ system that would put my current one to shame.”

Hi,

Another strategy would be to get a less expensive G5 (maybe discontinued or refurbed) and not wait as long to update to an Intel Mac.

Best Wishes,

Mitch

[Mitchji]

Hi,

I know this is a very generous offer but to help out fellow FCP users I would be willing to trade my Dual 1.8 with PCI-X for a Dual Core 2.0 or 2.3 to allow them to run the older version of FCP.

Best Wishes,

Mitch

[Mitchji]

Hi,

Nobody is forcing you to buy the latest PCIe powermac. Just buy a previous model Dual G5 (at a discounted price) if you don’t want to upgrade to Studio.

Best Wishes,

Mitch

[Mitchji]

[MataAtlantica] “can i do this 512MBx2 and 1gigx2 for a total of 3 gigs of RAM.”

Hi,

Yes but you use up more slots with the 512MBx2.

Get your RAM at Crucial.com.

Best Wishes,

Mitch

[Mitchji]

Hi,

[mus man] “Typically I upgrade every 3 years or so, so the fear is spending the extra for the Quad and then Apple leaving me high and dry well before then.”

Definitely get rid of the mini and get a Dual G5, a model with 8 RAM slots and PCI-X.

Another strategy for upgrades it to purchase a less expensive machine and upgrade more frequently. When I got my MDD DP867 it was the least expensive model. A couple of years later I sold it for $1,400 on Ebay and got a Dual G5 1.8 refurb (full waranty) for $1,800.

So I think you should consider a a refurb of a discontinued model now and upgrade sooner than three years. Here is a link to a possible choice:
https://www.expercom.com/product_detail.html?PRODUCT_ID=354618

Something else to consider is do you have or are you going to purchase PCI cards? Existing cards will not work with the new Dual Core Machines and right not there are less cards available. On the other hand any PCIe cards you purchase for the dual core will probably work on Intel Powermacs.

Best Wishes,

Mitch

[Mitchji]

Hi,

Also get the phone number and make a follow up call.

Best Wishes,

Mitch