HD PC System Recommendations

MediaRob wrote on 9/29/2005, 2:05 PM
Any suggestions for an HD Computer System. Currently I'm looking at the Dell Precision 670 x64 with dual Xeon 3.8ghz processors, 1GB ram (to be upgraded later), 500GB 7200 sata and XP Pro x64. This will be an editing system ONLY. Nothing else will go on this PC.

If you guys know of any other deals going on for a comparable system, possibly a dual opteron or any other company/resource that can sell me something of the same spec with a lower price.

I'd even be interested in a list of internals to build on my own ie.

Mother board + processors combo
RAM
HD
Vid Card
etc.

My target budget is under $4,000

Comments

Coursedesign wrote on 9/29/2005, 2:32 PM
Where is the HD video coming from? Are you talking HDV, HD100, HDCAM, uncompressed?

If you are going to use a Decklink card for I/O, you better look at their systems spec. Why? Pumping real HD is very demanding, and there are a lot of bottlenecks in PCs and workstations.

Two rules:

1. Follow their specs for CPU, chipset, MB, disks, and it will just work.

2. Disregard their system specs, and you will fail.

Decklink says specifically that Dell systems are not supported, as they have some quirks.

A few people have been able to make existing Dell systems work with Decklink, but why take the risk with a new system?

HP's workstations are good, and they have gotten very good reviews also. No funky parts, good prices.

MediaRob wrote on 9/29/2005, 4:14 PM
Im looking at HDV from a HVR-Z1 and A1 previewed off a Decklink. I didn't realize that decklink didn't support Dell Work stations and I don't want to invest in a system that won't work. Are there any resources that I can look at to help me pick out the right system or components? I guess a dummies guide to not screwing this up.
Coursedesign wrote on 9/29/2005, 4:28 PM
Decklink System Requirements.
MediaRob wrote on 9/29/2005, 4:52 PM
Thanks for the link.
Edward wrote on 9/30/2005, 4:06 PM
MediaRob, if you need a dummies guide to this, then let me be your 'guide', because I let my company order a Dell for my Vegas software. HOOOOOOOOOO, let me tell ya, Da Headaches! Decklink won't work, and I need it for uncompressed 8bit. I ordered SD Connect, and it doesn't support UNC 8 bit yet.

All this is happenin while my boss is breathing down my neck..."Why does vegas only do DV? We need 8bit for broadcast!!!!"

Coursedesign, I've been tryin to find anyone who got their dell to work with decklink, can you point me in the right direction?
Spot|DSE wrote on 9/30/2005, 4:43 PM
Ask Mike Cheno (Hollywood East School) about buying Dells for editing. After nearly 40 machines, all failed...he did the smarter thing and got turnkeys.
MediaRob, I can recommend some really great turnkey companies out there, there are several good ones.
Coursedesign wrote on 9/30/2005, 5:21 PM
From the Decklink Forum:

In the DeckLink Minimum System Requirements for Windows we mention that Dell Workstations are not certified for use with DeckLink cards and are currently unsupported.
MediaRob wrote on 10/2/2005, 9:16 PM
Thanks for the replies and great advise!!! I skipped over the Dell and went with the HP line that was recommeded off of the Black Magic web site. I imagine that I spent a little more then I needed to if I were to build a system myself but I just don't have the time to do that now anyway.

I've also got 2 FX1s coming in with some great audio equipment to go with it, Edirol R-4 and Sinnheiser wireless mic system. I can't wait to get this system together.

Thanks again guys
farss wrote on 10/3/2005, 12:30 AM
I'm using a locally assembled SuperMicro system, VERY good gear aimed specifically at the high end video and film market. In general from both my own research and from hearsay, avoid the Tynan based systems.
SuperMicro gear is not cheap but it is built to last and be convenient to use and it does work very well with all the BMD cards.
Bob.
Coursedesign wrote on 10/3/2005, 9:23 AM
Supermicro also has outstanding factory phone support. The longest I ever had to wait was about 40 seconds...

The assembly quality and design are also outstanding.

The only thing that bothers me a great deal with my Supermicro workstation is the noise level. Lots of fans (to handle RAIDs and hot CPUs inside) that make a phenomenal racket.

I asked Supermicro about this, and the reply was "Huh?"

I may just have to take the time to design and install a hush kit.

Cheaper and faster than a $800+ hush box or a rebuild with Antec's latest P180 Advanced Super Mid Tower case (two chambers inside, three-layer side panels, Quiet Computing Air Duct, etc.).

farss wrote on 10/3/2005, 2:49 PM
I LIKE the noise, it drowns out the nearby news chopper :)
Bob.