Newbie Hardware ???????.

[mgproductions]

Greetings,

I’m a newbie to Digital Video and NLE and would appreciate any advice regarding my PC setup for use with Vegas v4 + dvd. My present box has served me well for multi-track audio recording, but I would like to know what kind of upgrades would be advisable for video work. My set-up is:

MSI 845g w/ 2.4 P4 533FSB
1 gig ddr233 RAM
Win XP Pro
1-IBM 30gig ata/100 7200rpm system HD
2-Seagate 60 gig ata/100 7200rpm storage HD’s
Nvida 128mb Video card with multi-monitor support
MOTU 2408 recording system

As stated above, I’m just starting out. Short film’s (Video’s) and documentary authored to DVD and VHS. I don’t plan on having any clients standing over me while I work (not yet at least), so I’m not to concerned about how long a particular command takes to complete, as long as the end result is clean.

My primary questions are:
Will moving up to an 800FSB make a considerable difference in performance and rendering speed?
Will upgrading to an ata/133 HD controller also help considerably? What about a RAID or SCSI controller?
I realize that I’ll probably need more storage space. Any suggestions on HD brands? I’ll stay away from the IBM’s, they run way too hot.
Any suggestions on Firewire cards for importing? Do I really need to pay top dollar or will a $50 card work as well as a $200 one?
What is the best way to export a project to VHS?
Any suggestions on internal DVD writers?

Thanks in advance for any input.

[Flintstone]

Your setup seems fine. You could always upgrade your CPU as you'll get faster results with Vegas, but it's optional, and you can do that anytime you feel you computer isn't fast enough!

Will moving up to an 800FSB make a considerable difference in performance and rendering speed?
Sure it will help, but in all honesty, save your money for other things. Unless you feel the necessity for hyper speed... but then you say you won't have any clients breathing down you neck.

Will upgrading to an ata/133 HD controller also help considerably?
It will help when stacking multiple video layers. It depends on the amount streams you'll be working with at one time, but a general rule of thumb is 2 simultaneous streams; and your setup will be fine as is for dual stream real-time previews. If you do want to drop the on-board ATA100 controller, get a serial ATA card with a serial ATA drive. The price difference is negligible, and the performance gain is interesting.

What about a RAID or SCSI controller?
You'll definitely get faster results when RAIDing IDE disks. Again, that depends on your requirements. SCSI 320 with 15K RPM drives really kick ass, but comes with a hefty price tag. But do you really need it?

I realize that I’ll probably need more storage space. Any suggestions on HD brands?
My personal favorite brand is Maxtor. They offer good price/performance/capacity ratio, and are very reliable. Most video system integrators favor these drives.

Any suggestions on Firewire cards for importing? Do I really need to pay top dollar or will a $50 card work as well as a $200 one?
Just make sure it's OHCI compliant.

What is the best way to export a project to VHS?
You can use your DVX100 as a pass through device. But if you intend on going back and fourth with analog sources, get yourself the Canopus ADVC100 DV-converter. Its codec is excellent.

Any suggestions on internal DVD writers?
My personal favorite is the Pioneer A06. It is very popular, affordable, and reliable.

All in all, your system is fine as is. Work with Vegas, and see if the performance it good enough for you. Upgrade as you see fit. I have no idea what your budget is, and since your system is more then adequate for Vegas, my suggestion is that you save your money for the much needed accessories… tripods, matte box, filters, anamorphic lens, lights, microphones, etc… Any computer can edit video (well, almost), but shooting it right requires good tools… not to mention skill and talent! ;)

[mgproductions]

Thanks so much for the advice. Forums like this really help with the learning curve. :)

[Flintstone]

Is that all? ::)



















Show off!!! :P ;D

[Zoomforce]

maybe we should have a system posting photo thread :) check out all the crazy rigs we all edit on. might be interesting.

[Flintstone]

My animation box is much better equippedI can only answer this: :P

[Flintstone]

maybe we should have a system posting photo thread check out all the crazy rigs we all edit on. might be interesting.Sure, why not?