XPress Pro and the DVX100

L

LMGvideo

Active member
Originally posted in the wrong forum, any feedback here is appreciated.

I'm thinking about going to a DVX100B/Avid Xpress Pro system for my primary shooting/editing solution. I'm looking at going to a PC vs Mac platform. In particular, I want to work with 24p and 16:9 image. Any gotchas I should know about? If you are using this combination, are you happy with it?
For comparisons sake, I'm using a JVC DV500 and FCP.

I think my biggest concerns are working with 24p footage and outputting letterbox/widescreen versions a DVD.

I'd appreciate it if the comments on this thread could be confined to compatibility and usage with Avid and the DVX. I'd like to stay away from religious wars on Mac vs PC and FCP vs Avid. My decison is based on business and financial factors.
Thanks.
 
I shoot with the DVX100A in 24P Advanced and then edit on Avid Xpress Pro. And I love it. There was a learning curve for me, because I was not familiar with NLE interfaces...but if you know FCP, then it should be an easier transition for you.

The DVX100A seems to be very compatible with Avid Xpress Pro. In fact, I believe that Avid specifically ensured that it's software suite would take advantage of the DVX100 line of cameras, as these cameras were such a big part of the DV "revolution."

I have had some headaches authoring 24P DVD's (shooting in 24PA is apparently preferable if you're going to author a true 24P DVD). It seems there are A LOT of opinions on how to do this accurately and effectively, but few truly good answers. Seems the technology is ill-understood far and wide. It will take some thorough research on how to accomplish this and get the absolute best results. However, I had absolutely no problems authoring regular NTSC DVDs shot in regular 24 fps mode. It's just the stupid 24P DVD's that are a problem...and I'm not sure they're "worth" the headache (then again, I don't own a giant plasma screen TV).
 
LMG,

I, too, shoot with the DVX-100A and edit using Xpress Pro HD. Incredibly powerful combination.

I took it one step further and have Xpress Pro Studio Complete. Additional integrated software, integrated hardware (Mojo and the Digi 002 mixer) for a complete package that lets me get the work done quickly and efficiently.

BTW, I edit on the HP xw8000 workstation and the HP nx9600 laptop. Even HDV and DVCPro HD footage along with my SD footage on the same timeline with no rendering. Multicam of all these resolutions on the same timeline with no rendering as well.

There are very specific settings for the camera hooked up to Xpress Pro HD (if you are using it as your deck), but those are all in the Xpress Pro HD readme file.

Good luck with what has proven to be a winning combination. Let us know if you have any questions or issues.

Regards,

Cre8tive
 
Thanks for the tips! I checked out the HP nx9600 laptop, it looks pretty good. How much memory are you using with it? It also has a built in firewire port correct? I like the isea of getting a laptop so I can run DV Rack as well.
 
Yes, built-in firewire port, and four USB ports.

My nx9600 shipped with 1 GB RAM; I upgraded to 2 GB RAM from Crucial (cheaper than from HP).

I don't have DV Rack on this machine. I do have it on a couple of other laptops that I use for field recording. Much lesser decks, and no problems with DV Rack. It's a great program.

BTW, Serious Magic has told me they are developing a DV Rack for the HVX200. Can't wait!

Regards,
Cre8tive
 
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