Video card, needed or no?

[LoveDVX]

Yep, I'm one of those film educated people that keeps having to dive into video/computers and get the usual confusion when there seem to be no clear answers to what I'm taking on next.

So my stupid question is:

Whats the use of having some expensive video card (like a $1000++ Matrox, whatever model) when someone is using a firewire enabled DV camera? Other than being able to play out to a monitor from the computer, which can be done with a cheap DV camera (also used as a deck for now) I don't understand why I'd need one.?

In the days of analog cameras, I get it, but now?

Im using a G5 dual 2ghz machine and DVX this time.

 

[235 Studios]

Whats the use of having some expensive video card (like a $1000++ Matrox, whatever model) when someone is using a firewire enabled DV camera? Other than being able to play out to a monitor from the computer, which can be done with a cheap DV camera (also used as a deck for now) I don't understand why I'd need one.?

Sound like you do not need one. So continue using what you've got as it is working well for you.

As per your question-
It all depend on what you need it for-
Do you want multiple monitors 2+ = price goes up.
Do you want real time effects = price goes up
Do you want real time play back of multiple streems of HD = price goes up
Do you want HD monitoring = price goes up

The more specialized you need is the greater the price of the card. The bigger and better cards will let you do more real time work, have more tracks play back at the same time, get more accurate colors for CC when outputting to a monitor, use a prof. HD monitor, have multiple monitors.

If all you need / use is one monitor, and output via fire wire to a monitor, then having one of the bigger and better card would probably be over kill for you, so keep what you've got, and use it until your needs grow.