Mixing FCP and Avid MC on one computer

thefilmaddict

thefilmaddict

Veteran
Mixing FCP and Avid MC on one computer

We just bought a new mac. We are looking to run the latest versions of Final Cut Pro and Avid Media Composer on it. We know the computer will handle both programs, but is their a capture/output card that will work with both programs? We want to be able to do more than firewire. We also need HD SDI, SD SDI, COmponent and composite IN and OUT. It would be great to just buy one card that will work with both programs. Any solutions?

Thanks!!!
 
Avid will only capture non-FW media from Avid hardware. It's been demonstrated that the Matrox MXO will work for monitoring, but nothing I've seen has worked for capturing.
 
If you want FCP and AVID on one machine, I HIGHLY recommend that you either partition the main drive into two, or install two hard drives. Install the OS on both, then Avid on one and FCP on the other. They both have differing requirements for the OS version and QT versions, and if you stray from those recommendations on the Avid side, you can have some serious issues.

And no, there is not one capture card that works for both FCP and Avid. Avid is VERY proprietary and you must use their hardware. Mojo DX or Nitris DX...Mojo being the cheapest at $4000...but does SDI only. No component or composite. FCP you have Matrox MXO2, AJA Kona series (LHi is a NICE card) or BlackMagic Design cards. None of these work with Avid, and the DX cards do not work with FCP.
 
Unfortunately Shane is 100% right.

The good news is that based on the things they were saying at NAB, I think Avid will be more open to 3rd party hardware support in the future, and perhaps even supporting other NLEs with their software.

But this is speculation on my part and not likely until next NAB at the best.

Gary
Videoguys.com
 
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