Optimal HD system

Randy Brown wrote on 2/27/2006, 11:34 AM

Hi everyone,
I know there has been a lot of discussion on the new AMD processors, MBs etc but searching for a full optimal system has turned up no results for me.
We will be switching over to hi-def (three Sony Z1s) and need everything including monitors.
As always, I consult with you guys before any major purchases ( okay, and most small ones too but...). I would very much appreciate your opinions on the ultimate/optimal system.
We are primarily doing TV right now but plan to do some small indy "films" in the future.
Thanks very much guys,
Randy

Comments

GlennChan wrote on 3/1/2006, 1:19 AM

1- Computer:

The CPU makes the biggest performance difference, so I'd start from there.
A dual core single AMD system (AMD X2 3800+ and above; one of the 3800+ is single core, so avoid that) is better performing than the Intel equivalent. From single CPU to eight CPUs and above, AMD will give better performance (and value).

Below that, Intel's Pentium D 2.8ghz might be better value... I believe it's the cheapest dual core offering available.

2- Monitors:
For SD work, a CRT broadcast monitor is likely your best bet. Low price, excellent image quality, and they let you spot interlace flicker (which LCDs don't).

For HD work, CRT HD broadcast monitors start at around $5k, with LCD broadcast monitors being slightly cheaper. In my opinion, if you get an HD broadcast monitor, the CRT-based ones are the ones to get. I'm not impressed by LCD from what I saw of an early Sony model, although I haven't seen the latest ones.

A compromise solution may be better if you can't currently output HD deliverables. Get a computer LCD (i.e. Dell 24" for less than a grand) and use Vegas' secondary monitor function (turn on studioRGB). This will let you see HD at full resolution to spot flaws.
Get a SD broadcast monitor like the Sony PVM-L5 for SD work, and to check colors accurately. The L5 can later be upgraded into a HD monitor with the HD input card.

For HD output to an external monitor, you would need a blackmagic card. You'd need a drive array to work with uncompressed HD, if you need that.

Randy Brown wrote on 3/1/2006, 7:53 AM

Thanks very much Glenn; between this info and the Dream Vegas Machine" thread I think I'll get the advice I need.
Thanks again,
Randy

rmack350 wrote on 3/1/2006, 8:24 AM

We're about to take delivery on three HP XW9300. These are dual dual-core Opteron systems as far as I know (I'm not involved in this upgrade).

We're doing this through the same integrator we've been using for the last several years and I have to say that having an integrator stand behind things gets to be really important whith multiple systems, arrays, etc. In fact, we've gone through a number of 16 disk arrays from various manufacturers. They have had various throughput problems, believe it or not. We're currently using Roark Galaxies and things seem to be working fine. All systems are fed by these over fiber channel.

BTW, these new systems will NOT be running Vegas. Vegas was not even looked at because no one talks about it in relation to hardware accelerated systems. Had the owner of the company said "We want a software-only edit system" then I'm sure Vegas would have been in the list of recommendations.

Another note on those XW9300 systems. The integrator was surprised to learn that they came equipped with 64-bit Windows by default. We now have to get HP to change that to 32-bit Windows. Most of the hardware we need in these systems isn't supported by 64-bit Windows.

Rob Mack

Randy Brown wrote on 3/1/2006, 11:59 AM

Thanks Rob,
Assuming that Roark Galaxies is a computer company (and integrator?)
It looks as if we just aquired an underwriter for the PBS show that owns a local computer repair shop (also does networking, etc). Over the phone he's agreed to do free labor and parts at cost for a "services provided by" spot (with details worked out at tomorrows meeting).
Are there any questions you can think of we should ask him (since all of us are pretty much computer morons)?
Thanks again,
Randy

gdstaples wrote on 3/1/2006, 1:46 PM

Don't forget that your storage needs will increase by a factor of about 6. Using CineForm Connect HD (intermediate), HD footage consumes about 50GB per hour on average. The in-camera down-convert on the Z1 sucks so plan to capture in HD, edit in HD and then convert via Vegas to SD.

Duncan

rmack350 wrote on 3/1/2006, 2:37 PM

Well, I'm a dope. This morning i walked across the room to check the spelling on the arrays and then forgot it by the time I'd gotten back to my desk.

Here's a link to the company:

http://www.rorke.com/index.cfm

They aren't integrators. I don't think that Sony has a list of integrators that they'd recommend. What you are looking for, when I say "Integrator", is a company that will spec out, price out, and install the entire suite for you. They'll sell you all the equipment, do the wiring, install the software, and basically take responsibility for getting everything to work.

I don't know where you are but some of the hardware NLE vendors publish lists of integrators for their products and many of those companies handle more than the one product. The people we use are Advanced Systems Group in Emeryville, CA.

BTW, their Sony link goes (indirectly) here:

http://bpgprod.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/markets/10011/market_10011.shtml

Rob Mack

Randy Brown wrote on 3/2/2006, 12:16 PM

Just this morning we got a "computer dude" (PC Mobile Tech is the company) to do free labor and thier cost on parts for a "services provided by" slot on our TV show. He said they do networking but do you think they would be capable of installing this Image san2 ? He acted like he didn't know what I was talking about (but then I'm not sure anyone even knowing what it is would have either). I couldn't seem to find any prices on their site either...if it's exorbitant in price maybe it's more than we need (we are a company of five people).
Thanks Rob,
Randy