Which one? Aja, Blackmagic, Bluefish444, Matrox, Cineform

Phil H.

Phil H.

Active member
Hi Everyone,

Recently picked up a big client who wants tons of HD shot and edited. I'm shooting with the HVX200 and recording direct to disk using OnLocation which wraps the files in an AVI wrapper with the DVCPRO-HD codec. I use P2 cards also from time to time.

That's my acquisition. Now for post:

I have a speedy windows machine with Adobe Production Premium CS3. This package needs a 3rd party to help work with HD in any real capacity. That said, I've been to Adobe's website to review their "capture partners":

http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere/capturecard_partners/

I'm still wading through all the information on their individual websites.

Here's what I need:

To edit DVCPRO-HD (AVI and MXF files) in realtime. Multliple layers would be nice. I don't want to encode files first. I'm shooting way to much content with a quick turn around and don't have time for this additional step.

This client is flipping the bill for this HD post-production solution. They want to have it in their office and want me to have it in my home office. So, what to get?

Do I go with hardware from Aja, Matrox, Blackmagic, Bluefish444, or maybe the Cineform software solution? The software solution sounds good to me because I can use this on my laptop as well. But, Cineform's website is very unorganized and confusing. I'm not exactly sure how it all works. Maybe someone who has it can explain it better than they can on their website and let me know if it's the solution I'm looking for.

If anyone can offer their experience with any of these using CS3, I'd appreciate it. Any links to reviews, blogs, forums, or other discussion would be great.

Thanks all.
 
Since your only using DVCproHD MXF stuff you really won't need any additional hardware to edit, as far as decklinks and capture card are concerned. You will either need to wait for the MXF CS3 patch to come out or get cineform or raylight. Haven't used Raylight but heard of no complaints, as for Cineform I dont have very many either. To sustain multiple streams youll need a fast internal RAID0 array, 4 drives is good. Thats really what you need to get it done given you have plenty of memory and a good performing system.


Now since your not paying for it might as well:
-External RAID rated at high read/write (fibre channel connected) Anything over 3 drives takes up a ton of space and consumes a lot of your systems power.
-Xena to output HD in SDI w/ accurate colors.
-Calibrated HD monitor.
 
Thanks hiempel. With Cineform, I have to encode all the files to the Cineform codec before editing correct? With a hardware solution like Xena I can skip this encoding step and edit the original files directly in real time with multiple layers, correct?
 
I just went through the same search after moving from Sony PD170's to the HPX 500's.

I finally settled on the Matrox Axio LE.

It ain't cheap but it works well and should support all of my HD needs for the foreseeable future.

Heimpel's recommendations on the raid setup are a MUST!

Best,
-Brad
 
Phil H. said:
Thanks hiempel. With Cineform, I have to encode all the files to the Cineform codec before editing correct? With a hardware solution like Xena I can skip this encoding step and edit the original files directly in real time with multiple layers, correct?
Click to expand...
I'm afraid, if you read the Xena and Decklink specs, that the only compressed format either will output is DV25. They will work with 8 and 10-bit uncompressed SD and HD (if the Xena LH and above and the appropriate Decklink card) but do not output, capture to or preview DVCPRO HD.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top