Preparing For The HVX200(What we will need?)

[Staven]

I think this has been touched on before in prior posts, but I'd really like to know without question what:

Hardware/Software/Output devices etc. i and anyone else planning on purchasing this camera will need in order to get the most out of the camera.

Would like to know what the:
a) optimal equipment needed to use the camera to it's best abilities(ie. 1080p 24p HD)
b) minimal equipment needed to use the camera to it's best abilities.
c) no budget filmmakers "getting by" with equipment.

Would be nice to have an Apple and PC users seperate equipment list.(possibly the gurus could make a sticky so we can use the list for reference?)

Off the top of my head I'd guess for 1080p 24p HD I(an apple guy) will need:

- G5 with a schwack load of hard drive space and ram.
- HD monitor and/or HD tv to see what my image will actually look like.
- Powerbook laptop(not sure if the current ones are up to task or not) with a nice big external hd for storing either direct capture now's or P2 info.
- Final Cut 5 to edit and Dvd Studio Pro in order to make my own hd-dvd's.
- more?? alternatives??

Also a couple of questions:

1) Can an HD compatible tv without the hd converter box be used to view the footage as it should look or will it be downconverted to Sd without the box?

2) With an HD monitor, say the 23 inch Apple monitor - do you see exactly what the image really looks like or do HD monitors need to be calibrated just like normal monitors and ntsc tv's?

thanks for any imparative information on this topic, and if someone informed could make a sticky to help everyone prep for the camera it would be greatly appreciated.