#PC vs. MAC
9 messages in this thread
PC vs. MAC system? I am a new member and am eager to get into desktop video,
editing,etc. I now have a 486 DX 50 upgradeable to Pentium and 64 RAM. I see
that Adobe Premiere 4.0 is now available in Windows. My question is: Can PC
based video editing systems match the quality (Performance and output) of a MAC
sytem such as VideoVision Studio or Rastor Ops?
I want the best 30fps 60 field full screen output that I can get (up to
$15000). What Video capture card with output to video and hi8 setups would you
recommend on a PC system? Other important considerations? Any suggestions or
advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,
Hi Timothy,
Welcome to the DeskTop Video Forum. In my opinion IBM Compatibles are
certainly catching up fast in the DTV arena. A well configured IBM can do
a good job in non-linear video editing. A strong contender in the
non-linear editing arena is FAST electronics with their Digital Player
Recorder (DP/R) combined with their Video Machine for a switcher.
-John
Thanks for the reply. What a coincidence, I just recieved my requested fax
from FAST about 10 minutes ago! I'll look it over. My thinking now is, that I
want to "break-into" things on a low cost set up, just to make sure that I see
it as something I intent to pursue more seriously. By then, after NAB, etc, I
have a feeling there will be alot more features/options/flexibility for the $.
I was also looking into Razor Pro along with the Personal Animator Recorder
with a TBC…the claim is D2 quality, real time. Sounds too good to be true if
all I need to buy is a couple gigs of HD. I'll check into it though, and again,
any imput would be welcomed!
Timothy:
I'm the editor of Video Pro magazine. Our April issue will contain a
comprehensive, real world workout of the Fast DPR. You may want to check it
out. Meanwhile, staying active in this forum is a good idea since there are
many knowledgeable people contributing here.
Good luck.
Tim
I agree that IBM compatibles are catching up, but I think that Mac based
systems still have a significant lead in nonlinear systems and will maintain
that for some time, particularly in the high end area. One consideration is
what will you use your system for: type of end products and distribution
medium, who your clients are and what needs will they have, type of special
effects (if any) that are needed, your price performance needs and budget, and
what equipment you're starting with. All systems on both platforms have
something to offer and each is a little different. If you look at this
carefully, you may find your PC will do the job with add ons, or you may need a
Mac, or you may not need nonlinear at all and a switcher system works
perfectly.
Both full fledged nonlinear systems and Switcher/nonlinear composites (like
Fast Video system with nonlinear options) have pluses and minuses. For a full
fledged nonlinear system in your price range on PC compatibles make sure you
look at the Targa 2000 systems. On some level their company is connected with
RasterOps. From what I hear, the quality of this system is quite good and it
would fit your budget requirements. (I use a Mac based system-Media 100) If
possible look for a meeting, dealer demostration, convention, or any place
where you might be able to compare several systems SIDE BY SIDE. That is the
best way to decide for yourself what type and which system will meet your
needs. (I looked at reviews for a long time, but going to MacWorld last year
really helped point me in the right direction for our system.) And of course by
all means read any and all reviews, forums, SIG boards and ask questions. Get
all the info you can, its a lot of money and it will ALWAYS seem you could have
spend more, or gotten more for your money.
By the way just in case you decide to buy a Mac-The Rasterops cards are nice
but the Radius VVS has better video (I think). Radius just brought out a
"Telecast upgrade for their system which gives Pro ins and outs, component
video, hardward synced audio and full genlock capability. Targa just released
a Mac version of their 2000 which I've heard performs and looks better than the
windows version.(Newer?) All of these "systems" would fit your budget, but the
cost of the system is not the only cost: add in CPU costs, additional memory,
Larger moniter (hard to do anything nonlinear without at least a 17" or larger
moniter), big fast hard drives or arrays, backup storage, cost of video deck(s)
(if you don't have it (them) already, and the various software packages you may
need if not bundled. This extra costs will be true regardless of what your
platform is. Make sure you budget carefully and realistically.
Sorry for the long message. Good luck.
Reg Harris
Reg:
I saw your note posted to Timothy and wanted to comment. Your advice was very
sound, though I think youd did ignore one system that can "fly" with the others
you mentioned and that is the new Fast DPR which operates on a PC platform.
Also Radius just announced their Radius Edit to go with Telecast that looks
good, but is not yet shipping. I saw the Targa 2000 for the Mac and was
impressed with it though the video they were showing was the kind of video in
which it was difficult to discern compression artifacts so you couldn't get a
true evaluation.
Speaking of that, we will be evaluating the Targa in an upcoming issue of Video
Pro magazine. (By the way, Raster Ops owns Truevision). We also have reviews of
Avid's Media Suite Pro and the latest version of the M100.
Good Luck,
Tim
Thanks for the additional info. I recently received an issue of VideoPro Mag
but now I can't find it to save my life. I can't remember if I filled out a
card for a trial subscription or not (prior to receiving it). If I'm on the
mailing list I hope I get another chance to look over an issue.