[Rich Rubasch]

Another option that would cost a bit more but give you more bang is to buy a PC laptop with a PMCIA slot. The P2 fits right in there and Panasonic makes the software to transfer to an external drive. Get a firewire 800 drive, transfer, plug the drive into your Mac Pro and away you go.

I think this is a better solution because you are lookng for a simple transfer appliance, but with this approach you also get a useful PC laptop for many other things….maybe teleprompter software? Encoding? Wireless surfing on the shoot and more.

Rich Rubasch
Tilt Media

[Rich Rubasch]

Where did you find this “deal”?

Rich Rubasch
Tilt Media

[Rich Rubasch]

IN THE FCP AV SETTINGS make sure you have the video output to 525 29.97. If you want to monitor SD component then FCP’s output must be set to standard def, not 1080i.

You’ll get it…it is a matter of having the control panel and FCP settings just right and it will click in!

Rich Rubasch
Tilt Media

[Rich Rubasch]

One more thing you might do is to simply add the version number to the end of the FCP app file. So the application file called “Final Cut Pro” becomes “Final Cut Pro 5.1.2”. Do the same with Motion, DVD SP, Soundtrack, and Compressor. This will “preserve” your old versions. I run 5.0.4, 5.1.2 and 6.0 on the same G5. I can open a project in whatever version I need at the time. I was also able to ease into version 6 before committing all my projects to the new version, but I was able to install it without losing anything else.

Worked perfectly.

Rich Rubasch
Tilt Media

[Rich Rubasch]

If budget is your concern there are a few decent G5s out there and they can run the latest. I just bought a Dual 2.7 gig G5 and we are editing HD on it just fine….Final Cut Studio 2 and Adobe CS3. I had a dual 800 do a similar thing last year….really hurt because it was a workhorse for so long. I still run a Dual 1 gig G4 as a print station for making DVD labels etc, and a G4 400 that is souped up with a 1.4 gigahertz processor upgrade that I use at home…I also have a MacBookPro, so I do have some new hardware!

I don’t think I would go the parts route however…if you have some experience with ebay, I would try to sell some of your parts, like RAM, and the power supply if you can verify it is working well. Even the case, if it is in good condition will fetch some money.

Good luck.

Rich Rubasch
Tilt Media

[Rich Rubasch]

This monitor will work perfectly. I have Dells on all our macs including an old Dual 1 gig G4 and three G5s as well as a media center PC. All Dells….I run the 20 inch widescreen and a 17″ 4×3 on all of them. This dual monitor setup is the best balance of desktop space and value….they have all the connectors and look great.

Get one!

Rich Rubasch
Tilt Media Inc

[Rich Rubasch]

–When will our “tightly integrated applications” actually use the same keyboard shortcuts, –related concepts, similar terminology and file save boxes?

I think Apple’s “suite” suffers from the same problem The Avid “suite” suffers from. Both companies bought a bunch of single app companies that had some software technology they though they could “fit” into their toolset. Since they weren’t written from the ground up, they only took on a percentage of the Apple look and feel. Also explains the dialog box issues. Apple’s integration is a bit better IMO.

–Why aren’t roundtrips between these “tightly integrated” apps total no-brainers like they –are in Adobe CS2 or CS3?

Honestly I think Adobe really has some crack programmers and really think about workflow…Apple really wants you to buy a new G5. And another one next year…and an iPod and a phone. Adobe sells software. They write better software. Not sure I would say that about Premier…but.

–Why didn’t LiveType become a real Macintosh application or get the merciful death it
–deserves?

I have actually wondered this myself…how DOES it fit in? Sure takes a ton of space to install if you load all the fonts. Who is using it in a professional setting? Why not roll some of the features into the text tool and call it a day?

–Phooey. This is a 5.6 rev, not a legitimate upgrade. It’s nothing but v5.5 with a sloppy, –thin coat of gloss.

Haven’t really jumped in yet, but I think most of the new stuff ended up in Motion and Color. Kind of agree that that might constitute “gloss” as he suggests. I have not heard of any new major revelations on basic workflow additions…things like the digitize window, bin sifting, better keyframing of effects, just some nice surprises in the basic interface. Not much that I have read here. But as I said, have yet to really give it a go.

I spent a couple thousand dollars getting three suites up and running with upgrades and a new package…So far I would agree that it is a pretty “gloss” upgrade…

Rich Rubasch
Tilt Media

[Rich Rubasch]

Are you burning DVD-R or DVD+R? I have seen compatibility issues with Panasonic, Samsung and Toshiba players with DVD-R media encoded with compressor and DVDSP. Depends on blank media brand, burn speed, and other factors.

What are you using.

Rich Rubasch
Tilt Media

[Rich Rubasch]

Wow….that seems not so productive when my simple solution has been working fine in a professional environment since FCP 3.0.

But I do have backups of previous discs….I just never have had to boot into them using my method for making an upgrade.

Now, for major OS upgrades, that is another story!

Rich Rubasch
Tilt Media

[Rich Rubasch]

Our office is all Dells. Dual monitors on 5 systems, plus a 24 inch backlit Dell for HD monitoring.

We get compliments all the time.

Rich Rubasch
Tilt Media