HVX200 editing. Performance vs.Cost. Mac or PC?

Barry_Green said:
Regarding file reliability -- let me stress that not all mac users are encountering it. The vast majority of HVX users are using the Mac. The vast majority of HVX users also appear to have no problem using their footage. It is only a small minority that are having problems. Whether you would fall into that minority or not is, of course, impossible to tell, but you can probably increase your odds of success by keeping your system as "clean" as possible (not using it for internet surfing, no virus checker or firewall software, no TSR programs, etc).

Did the FCP 5.1.3 update released yesterday do anything for the bug effecting that minority?
 
I don't know, I don't use FCP so I'd have to defer to one of our members here. I believe the consensus is saying that there were no changes to the P2 side of the equation with the 5.1.3 update.
 
BUY BOTH...BUY BOTH...! I have both, I use Avid on the PC and FCP on the Mac. The nice thing about the mac is, with fcp installed, and once you import the P2 files with FCP, you can view them without even opening up FCP.
 
Aron Peterson said:
Did the FCP 5.1.3 update released yesterday do anything for the bug effecting that minority?

It did NOT ADDRESS this issue, which I believe, as does Barry and BenB, to be an OS X issue in some areas.

However, interestingly 5.1.1 does not have the problem

Luckily neither do I.
 
Last edited:
David S. said:
It did NOT ADDRESS this issue, which I believe, as does Barry and BenB, to be an OS X issue in some areas.

However, interestingly 5.1.1 does not have the problem

Doesn't make sense to blame OS X. As I showed earlier the P2 drivers v.1.01 are from Panasonic/Matsushita.

If 5.1.1 doesn't have the intermittent bug then it's a Final Cut bug. Someone in this thread http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=87850 seems to have a P2 import bug solved by 5.1.3. Just need to read about more experiences now and then wait for FCP6 for native MXF support.
 
Barry_Green said:
You don't need any other software or hardware. You could use the HVX itself as a card reader, through its 1394 port.

Since you would currently only have the one card, this would be a cheap/easy/free way to do it with no drawbacks.

Very clear thanks. :)

Does anyone know if the HVX is being upgraded in the near future? Should I wait until after NAB to purchase my HVX?
 
Al McGibbon said:
Does anyone know if the HVX is being upgraded in the near future? Should I wait until after NAB to purchase my HVX?

NAB is only a few months away. I haven't heard a single rumor of a revamped HVX so likely not. Personally I wouldn't film a thing until NAB in case some new wonder cam from another company comes out at the same time as new Mac Pros, Leopard and FCP6. I'm keeping all money safe until then and concentrating on scriptwriting and grouping a good team.
 
At what point do you decide NAB is sufficiently close to warrant holding off a purchase? Three months? Six months? And what about other shows, like Interbee? These things come every year, as do various announcements, so what time of year is the "safe" time to purchase? :huh:

Point is, something new is always on the horizon, and there are always rumors, founded or unfounded. No matter when you purchase, you'll hear something soon after which will make you think you should have waited. If something suits your purposes today, and it'll be useful today, go for it today -- or you'll spend your whole life waiting. Technological progress isn't going to stop (and if it does, you're not going to be worried about making movies), so you just need to get on board. :)
 
David Jimerson said:
At what point do you decide NAB is sufficiently close to warrant holding off a purchase? Three months? Six months? And what about other shows, like Interbee? These things come every year, as do various announcements, so what time of year is the "safe" time to purchase? :huh:

Point is, something new is always on the horizon, and there are always rumors, founded or unfounded. No matter when you purchase, you'll hear something soon after which will make you think you should have waited. If something suits your purposes today, and it'll be useful today, go for it today -- or you'll spend your whole life waiting. Technological progress isn't going to stop (and if it does, you're not going to be worried about making movies), so you just need to get on board. :)

Something like the HVX produces results that are almost film quality even when blown up to film. That makes it a safe purchase and it is pretty cheap too. Prices will come down and new models will always be cheaper. Now that I've finished stating the obvious, my opinion is that if you can keep your shooting on hold or don't have to shoot until after NAB then you don't have to buy yet. If you have to shoot now and are a regular camera using professional then buy now if you're happy with the new gear out now. I don't have to shoot for a few months yet because I'm waiting to film the summer/autumn season to get the right look I want so I can wait.
 
Should I wait until after NAB to purchase my HVX?[/quote]

If you wait until after NAB, the 8 gig card rebate offer will have expired. Purchase before March 31 and get free 8 gig card and HVX book. I think I read in another thread that the rebate is good for Australia as well as USA.
 
I love my mac and by the way it treats me I won't be leaving her anytime soon. Until PC'S get there act together on certain very important issues like quality support and dedicated virus protection. I'm not going anywhere. I am sick and tired of having to lease virus protection year in and year out. Who needs that?
 
THoff said:
I like trouble-free P2/MXF handling, so I use a PC.

So, will you move to FCP if the next version provides this, and the added benefit of no viruses?

Seriously, if it weren't for the malware, viruses, and spyware, I would use a broom to edit.

I can't even get a decent display of internet explorer on a PC.

It's just "not there" if you understand what I mean, at least from a Mac users perspective who has owned a half a dozen PCs as well.
 
I hate losing P2 files so I'm staying PC!
Just kidding guys, I TOTALLY respect your right to use whatever you want no matter how wrong you may be. :beer:
Still PC for me though.
 
David S. said:
So, will you move to FCP if the next version provides this, and the added benefit of no viruses?
No, I'm not moving to a Mac. I've been working with PCs for over 24 years (I was the co-author of the BIOS for one of the first IBM-PC compatible computers), and in all that time I have never had one virus on any of my systems.

Macs are not free of viruses and other threats, otherwise Apple would not have to release security updates. Linux, Solaris, BSD etc. are also not immune, most intrusions into large databases happen on these platforms. I spent a number of years as a Principal Software Engineer at Symantec's Peter Norton Group here in Santa Monica, and I'm now employed in the financial sector by a company that processies online payments for merchants, non-profits, municipalities, colleges, cash advances etc. -- believe me when I say that I am aware of computer security issues.

PCs are simply more popular targets because they are, well, more popular. If you wanted to gain fame among a certain subculture by creating a virus or worm that makes the news, wouldn't you go after the biggest slice of the installed user base? Likewise for data theft -- use social engineering and prey on foolish users by getting them to install something they shouldn't, no security holes needed because the user lets you in. Idiot users exist on all computing platforms.

Everybody needs to make their own choices based on their needs and preferences, I'm just getting very tired of the nose-thumbing and superiority complex that Apple promotes. I stayed quiet on the subject until I saw that stereotypical post from craigjharris, but let it be known that outside of Apple's marketing department, things aren't as black and white as they seem to think they are.
 
If FCP6 delivers some native MXF editing and fault-free transfers, my next desktop will be a Mac Pro.

If it doesn't, I'll stick with the PC system as-is. It's interesting that both "camps" are saying basically the same thing: reliability is absolutely paramount. Mac users are saying that the MacOS is more reliable than Windows, PC users are saying the P2 workflow is more reliable on Windows. But both are offering "more reliable" as their reason... fascinating.
 
Reliabilty is number 1 for me too. And especially for my HVX200 workflow investment.

A close second is software selection.

Ease-of-use and customability is right up there too.

So for me, PC is the clear choice.
 
DC said:
Reliabilty is number 1 for me too. And especially for my HVX200 workflow investment.

A close second is software selection.

Ease-of-use and customability is right up there too.

So for me, PC is the clear choice.

Have you ever used a Macintosh?

How many NLEs do you use?

How many DVD authoring packages?

If you haven't used an Intel Mac, how can you assess ease of use?

Just wondering?

I have both for years, and use one NLE and one DVD authoring package.

I don't need three word processors.

But I was just wondering if you would share your thoughts on your experiences with a G5 quad or a Mac Pro.
 
Hi David,

Sure, I'll elaborate a bit.


David S. said:
Have you ever used a Macintosh?
Yes. And I've owned one a few years ago. Not really a fan of the interface. It's a little counter-intuituitve to how I personally interact with computers (PC, Amiga). I've always had a hard time modifying Macs to do what I want them to do. For me, owning a Mac would sort of be like owning a Corvette with the hood welded shut. I like to tinker and the MacOS has always seemed very closed for doing that sort of stuff.


David S. said:
How many NLEs do you use?
I currently use one main NLE - Avid Xpress Pro HD.


David S. said:
How many DVD authoring packages?
I think I have about 3 that I use for different reasons. But beyond video/film production, there is an enormous wealth of software available and being released everyday. It's very comforting and super convenient when I'm looking for a certain program to do whatever. If it exists, it's usually out there and on the PC.


David S. said:
If you haven't used an Intel Mac, how can you assess ease of use?
In my previous post, I wasn't assessing ease-of-use on an Intel Mac or any other Mac. I'm just explaining why I use a PC and as of yet have no compelling reason to own/use a Mac. My PC does everything I need - realiably and without malware problems or instability.


David S. said:
But I was just wondering if you would share your thoughts on your experiences with a G5 quad or a Mac Pro.
I have very little experience with them. I have nothing against Macs, really. They're fantastic machines and especially for people who like to use them. Subjectively speaking, they're not for me. At least not right now.

I'd consider someday getting a Mac with Bootcamp for Windows comptatibility. But that's a substantial investment and again, I really have no need to invest in a Mac.

So my point is this:

I know why I use a PC and why I stick with it. It works for me - it suits my needs. I have no problem with people who feel the same way about a Mac. Whatever tools work best for you, use them.
 
Back
Top