Best setup for video production?

Our small company releases a DVD each month to subscribers. I work with tons of mini-dv footage on tons of projects. I need a reliable systematic way to work with so much stuff. Our current set up is this:
POWER MAC G5 with 512 RAM
JVC MINI-DV DECK
2 EXTERNAL HARD DRIVES: (1) holds all the exported files from FCP and (1) holds all the files associated with that months issue (capture scratch, render files, audio, etc).
INTERNAL HARDRIVE: holds shared files that all issues can use such as music and pictures
Any help would be appreciated to work more efficiently without so much chaos.

A backup regime. Use a pair of network drives and rotate them every day. Make it someone else's responsibility to make sure backup software runs twice a day.
If you lose your internal drive with all of your resources, you're basically out of business.
You want network drives or off-premises drives. A backup that sits next to your computer is fundamentally easy to work but literally worthless.
bogiesan

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The best MacBook for video production

Hello,
I want to start working on video production (from camera shooting to video editing and compositing).
As a first step, mobility is very important, so I want to know what is the best MacBook to start with (best price/performance ratio)?
Also is Final Cut Studio package all I need for video production?
Thanks!

Have you ever worked with video before?
What software do you intend to use? What formats will you acquire, edit, output?
Do you intend to make money from this or is it a hobby?
If you intend to make money from your efforts, do you have a capitalization plan and have you talked to your banker? Do you have a business plan in place that has been vetted by knowledgeable people?
Head down to your local library and pull anything you can find in the business section regarding starting a small business then read what ever you can get your hands on about video production. Then, walk over to the public access channel and sign up for one of their "intro to video" sessions.
Honestly, the speed of the laptop is the least of your concerns.
On the other hand, if this is just a way to play, purchase whatever you want.
x

Best Setup For Frequent File Sharing On Home Network?

Hi guys,
I'm setting up an office at my house with multiple computers on a network, and we'll be sharing files over the network frequently. My question is, what is the best setup for this?.. Fastest transfer of files, stable wireless connection, etc.
All of the computers will be Macs (iMacs and Macbooks).
We'll be editing videos/photos on the computers. (Potentially large files)
Is the easiest setup just to have the main computer attached to a good router, setup file sharing on all other computers, and just do it that way?
Or would it be better to create some sort of NAS?
Also can someone reccomend a good router for this type of scenario?
Thanks for any help given.

NAS is the right tool for this job.
It is expensive but the market leaders.. synology and QNAP have really been doing it for long time and the ability to do file store/sharing and most importantly backup in these is excellent. Pick the best you can afford.. and buy disks that are in the recommended list. ie the cheapest are not always the best.. indeed they seldom are.
Plan very carefully for rotation of USB drives (easy and cheap now with 4TB single drives). Rotate backups with offsite location on weekly basis.
I would buy a 4 disk case.. you can use 4x3TB which are the best value at the moment.. that gives you 9TB of storage.. plus redundancy for a dead drive.
Alternatives are using a Mac Mini as a server.. with a large stack of disks on it.. generally should be thinking thunderbolt if you want speed. Hideously expensive though for now.
You can buy an Extreme or TC.. either would work well. TC allows you easy TM backups without using your NAS..
Edit very large files on the computer. ie copy to computer.. edit.. copy back to the NAS.
Editing very large files over wireless.. not good. Multiply that by mutliple computers.. not even fair.
Copy a large project to the computer.. work on it.. copy back to the NAS.. in the meantime Time Machine should be able to take care of incremental backups.
There are heaps and heaps of solutions.. as long as it is logical and easy to you.. and covers what you need.
Don't skimp.. spending a $1000 for a NAS with disks.. plus extra for the backup disks.. that represents how many day's work for you plus anyone you have helping.. $$$$ ????
A mini as a server is a good alternative.. You don't need to run server OS.. but share files to the network. Very hard to build the capacity of the NAS though.
And a Mac Pro is now a joke without internal slots and cages for drives. (nice machine but wrong for this).
And Apple have nothing in between.. a short tower case.. been missing for a long long time.

What is the best Monitor for Video editing & Graphic Design?

Hi every one,
I would like to find out what is the best monitor for video editing and graphic design that you recomend, I am trying to buy one but not sure which one is good and not expansive.
Thanks very much

I don't want 2 monitors, so a single 27inch model just what I need... plenty of room for PPro, or I can have a Word document and a Text file open and side by side
John,
That is personal taste and there is no discussing taste. However, from my perspective, and that is personal, I prefer 3840 x 1080 resolution with dual monitors over 1920 x 1080 with a single monitor, but that is because I very often have Firefox, Filezilla, Dreamweaver and some other applications open at the same time, switching between the Adobe forums, Gmail accounts, Notebook results from the PPBM5 data submissions, PPBM5 form submissions, MySQL access, phpadmin pages to update the database, the PPBM5 results pages and various DW .php pages for the maintenance of our database and switching back and forth between various versions of PR. I occasionally really run out of real estate with all these applications and could not consider a single monitor with only 1920 x 1080 resolution, even if it were a 105" screen. In the future I would even like to have a four monitor setup (with MPE hardware support) in a two by two configuration, so that I can freely move my application screens around.
If that happens, notice I say if and not when, my preference for a monitor would be something like 4 Samsung F2380 monitors. Small bezel, great display and panel, affordable.

Best setup for a non-Mac file server?

I have a dual xeon server, with a SATA RAID5 I want to use as a file server in a cross-platform environment.
*What I've tried and the issues...*
At first I considered using Windows 2003 (Win2k3) but Services for Macintosh (SFM) is an older version of AFP and thus only supports 31 character filenames. With all our Macs supporting SMB/Samba/CIFS and Apple touting that "Macs and PCs can co-exist harmoniously on the same network" I figured I would give that a try.
SMB doesn't work.
Sure I can create a connection, but transferring files is a completely different story. I'm trying to backup application and system data, but companies such as Adobe and Apple have named some of their files with special characters that can't be transferred over SMB. I know NTFS doesn't support these characters, but I though a Linux box using SMB would work fine. It doesn't. It's the protocol which keeps me from transferring the data. I end up with the lovely error message of "You cannot copy some of these items to the destination because their names are too long or contain invalid characters for the destination..." (what's sad is, if you google for " because their names are too long or contain invalid characters for the destination" you only get 6 results.)
So I thought I would give NFS a try. Apple says "Viewed from Mac OS X, [connecting via NFS] is just like connecting to an Apple or Windows server." No. It's not. NFS shares don't even show up in the Finder's Network listing. There are also a pile of other hurdles which are only tackled by savvy, command-line using users.
So that leaves me with AFP. Win2k3 doesn't support filenames longer than 31 characters, and Win2k8 is dropping SFM altogether. Off to choose a *nix flavor, but that requires Netatalk. It hasn't been updated in years, it has many bad performance reviews... and most distros have removed it. I can download and install it. Oh, but that requires I get the kernel source files. Then I have to create an RPM an that's not working... now I'm several levels deep in trying to figure out how to get Netatalk working and I'm not even sure it will work.
*What's the best setup for a non-Mac file server?*
FreeNAS seems promising, but it's in alpha/beta and they have all sorts of warnings regarding potential data loss. Sure there's ExtremeZ-IP, but I really don't want to spend $675 do something Apple claims OS X can already do. I can put just about any non-Mac OS on this thing... what's the best way to set it up so it works?
Thanks much.

Rick may be right because although i didnt think of it before i tend to have notoriuosly long classnames for my php classes and i have used samba on occasion (when rsync is out of the question for one reason or another) and never had a problem. I use kubuntu (feisty at the moment )with an ext3 filesystem. if i have a chance this evening ill give it a try and see what happens.
You could also possibly use FUSE to use an ssh filesystem for the shares... i don tknow how that would figure in your back up though.
Also if worse comes to worse you could tar or dmg the the necessary files... just some thoughts.
Ill be interested to know what you end up implementing....
OH one last thought... Compile Darwin from source and use that as your server

Upgrading PowerMac G4 to the MAX for video production?????

I need to know if I can just upgrade my Power Mac G4 (AGP graphics) to the max for video production? I'll be using 4 main programs.
1. Final Cut Studio 2
2. After Affects
3. Protools
4. Photoshop CS 3
Final Cut recommends this for all applications:
* 2GB of RAM when working with compressed HD and uncompressed SD sources
* 4GB of RAM when working with uncompressed HD sources
Here are my computer stats:
Machine Model: PowerMac3,1
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (2.9)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 450 MHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 1 MB
Memory: 768 MB
Bus Speed: 100 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 3.2.2f1
Can anyone please help? This is my first mac.

Hey DJ,
I'm thinking that, for those specific needs, dollars are better thrown at a newer model than upgrades for your existing one. Here's why:
1) You do not have native support for large hard drives, something that's nice for video work. You'd have to spend money on a PCI adaptor card to add that support. Figure US$40-100.
2) Your video card is likely not up to the task unless it's already been upgraded. Another $70-250 depending on how good a scrounger you are.
3) You need a minimum 1.25Ghz G4 processor and, if you get the upgrade, who's to say if the next version of FC will still support a G4? 1.2G processor upgrades start at over $200 and faster ones are up to $700 (OWC pricing for new gear).
4) You can't stick more than 2G RAM in your computer.
And, after all the upgrades, you still have the basic bus speed limitation inherent in all G4s.
Bottom line is that you can quickly invest enough to buy a faster used Mac. Examples of used G5 prices (usually at the top of the price scale) are here. Even an entry level G5 should be much faster than a fully upgraded G4.
Don't get me wrong--I'm an upgrader and love to do it regardless of cost. In this case, I see the potential for ending up with an upgraded computer that struggles at its intended task and could be obsoleted by the next upgrade of the software.

Which of these would be the best iMac for video editing?

Hello, pretty simple question, which of these 2 iMac configurations would be best suited for video editing? I want to use Final Cut Pro X and Adobe After Effects (not cutting edge effects just simple stuff).
Option 1 - 21.5 inch
3.1GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz
16GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2X8GB
1TB Fusion Drive
NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M 1GB GDDR5
Option 2 - 27 inch
3.4GHz Quad-core Intel Core i5, Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz
8GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM - 2X4GB
1TB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 775M 2GB GDDR5
For some reason Apple don't offer more than 1GB of dedicated video ram in anything but the maxed out 27inch. Personally, I’m not fussed about the bigger screen and I would say that having the faster processor, double the ram and a fusion drive would be more beneficial than the extra gig in the video card but I’m not 100% sure, what do you guys think?
Thanks.

If you do a significant amount of video editing the larger display is nice but not absolutely necessary. I’d also recommend an SSD or Fusion drive rather than the stock mechanical drive which really is dog slow. If you choose an SSD 8GB will be plenty though 16GB is better if you go with the smaller model.

Best setup for iMac with SSD & HDD? Best location of scratch & home folders

Best setup for iMac with SSD and HDD? Best location of scratch & home folders?
Computer:
iMac 2.93 GHz Quad core i7, 8GB RAM, 1 TB HDD + 256 GB SSD
There is not much info from Apple about the best way to set up an iMac with a Hard Drive and Solid state drive. I’ve looked at a few of the forum posts across the web and came up with a plan and lots of questions. (I do use photoshop frequently, but not on a professional level):
1. I will keep OS and Applications on SSD
2. About moving the home folder: I saw some posts about moving the whole home folder, but it makes more sense to me to only move selected fodlers withing the home folder tomake the best use of the SSD. So will keep the home folder on SSD, but move certain folders (document /music/iphoto/download) to 1 TB HDD via instructions I found on the macintoshperformanceguide website:
cd
sudo cp -r Documents /Volumes/Master
sudo rm -rf Documents
sudo ln -s /Volumes/Master/Documents Documents
3. I would like to get 8 more RAM when I can afford it
4. I will attach an external hard drive for most of my documents and backup storage
5. Now here is where I’m not sure what’s best:
a. Should I partition my internal 1 TB hard drive and use the first partition as a scratch disc for photoshop and other applications? How much should I partition? Is there any benefit to this if the rive is partitioned?
b. Should I use an external drive as a scratch disc?
c. Any advice on a good 1-2 TB external drive?
d. Should I just leave things in factory settings?
Don't assume I know the basics - I got all the above just by searching around. Any advice and commentary is appreciatedThanks.
Message was edited by: sfandtheworld

Thanks for the advice and the links. yes, I would like to speed up ps as much as possible.
I wonder if putting the scratch disc on the same drive as the OS would cause them to interfere with each other? Even if they are on different partitions, they would not be able to be accessed at the same time, or could they? That's why I was wondering if I should place scratch disc on the internal HDD -- but then I don't know how much to partition for it (or to partition at all?)
ALso, I read on a few places that too much read/write on the SSD wears it down over time? Is this more of a theoretical concerns - it does not make sense to me since it has no moving parts!
thanks again for the advice ... I'm gonna go digest those links

Need advice on best setup for Extreme and Express w/ (n only) network

I'd like to get some advice on the best setup for my situation. I've read a number of posts on WDS, Extending a Network, etc. and, unfortunately, I'm now more confused than ever.
We have an Airport Extreme 802.11n using WPA2 Personal, 2.4Ghz (n only connection) which I've found to give us the best range/connection speeds for the following devices (all computers running 10.5.5, Apple TV's using most current update):
(2) MacBooks
iMac
(2) AppleTVs
The good news we have a large house, the bad news we have a large house. Meaning of course that I don't get the range in parts of the house I'd like to. I also have an older Mini (G4) connected to the AEBS thru ethernet (the Mini acts as the iTunes server for the ATVs).
I just bought a new Airport Express with the desire to place it on the other side of the house to both enhance the range of the wireless network and to provide another wired to wireless connection to the network.
I initially merely chose to "Extend a wireless network" but that seems to have a MAJOR adverse impact on the speeds of the wireless network. dropping the streaming to one of the ATV by like 90%. I would like to maintain the security settings I have as well as the 2.4Ghz (n only) since these provide the best speed/connection range on the AEBS.
My question then is what is the best way to use the AX (WDS? Bridge?).

The best way to use it is the option you chose "Extend a wireless network".
WDS forces you to the much slower 802.11g and even cuts that bandwidth in half.
Operating as a bridge has nothing to do with wirelessly extending a network. Changing this option won't have any effect on wireless bandwidth.

What are the best settings for video compression if my end result is for use as progressive .flv

What are the best settings for video compression if my end result is for use as progressive .flv.?
Thanks,
KIM

Use the Final Cut Studio forum
http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=939

Who is the best app for video effects ?, some one like adobe after effects ? Thank u for ur help.

Who is the best app for video effects ? Some one like adobe after effects ?

Tweakers Page - What video card to use?

Best setup for a swing application

Hello,
I have developed an Swing application for a EPOS machine.
The machine has around 512 ram.
What's the best setup for me in terms of performance, for example, which JVM to use etc.....
Cheers
Bobby

bsbiran wrote:
Hi,
Well the app require alot of images and I parts of it do run 'slow'
...I'm currently going through a book about Swing and read that many times the "slowness" of a Swing-application can be credited to the programmer for not using the API efficiently/correctly (letting the app repaint too much, or repainting large parts that don't need repainting at all, to name just two things). So, I don't know how much of a Swing-guru you are, but it might be better to read a few decent Swing tutorials or pick up a good Swing book.

Just bought a 3TB Time Capsule for a small office. Will have 4 users with MacBooks. What would ne the best setup for time machine individual backups and internet sharing in a secure way?

Just bought a 3TB Time Capsule for a small office. Will have 4 users with MacBooks. What would ne the best setup for time machine individual backups and internet sharing in a secure way?

Set up each Mac for Time Machine backups in the normal way. Time Machine will keep each backup separate on the Time Capsule, so users will only be able to see the backups of their own Mac.
Yes....there are convoluted workarounds that might allow one user to see the backups of another.....IF...they know the administrator password of the "other" Mac.
As far as Internet sharing, all users will have access to the Internet if they have a wired or wireless connection. If a Mac connects using wireless, it is possible to limit the time that they are allowed to connect to the network.
For example, you might limit the ability to connect to the wireless from say each Weekday from 8 AM to 6 PM.
With a wired Ethernet connection, you cannot limit access times to the Internet.

Best Practices: iPad/MacBookPro synching for video production in education

My organization just bought 14 Macbook Pros and 14 iPads Minis. Our goal is to have students in single-day classes use the iPads to film something, then synch/export the video to a MacBook Pro where they can then edit that video in iMovies. Once that single-day class is over, all of the video will (likely) be deleted and new students come in a couple days later and start fresh. I'm trying to figure out the best practices for this to make it as painless as possible for all involved.
So, matching AppleIDs for each pair? One AppleID for all devices and manual synch through iTunes? Dropbox/cloud synching instead of iTunes?
All of these devices are brand new. I have already started prepping the MacBook Pros, but have not even turned on the iPads since I'm not sure which AppleID I should attach to the iPads -- I assume the first AppleID on an iPad will accept the iLife apps much the same way they do on the MacBook Pros.
Any help is appreciated.
Thanks
Jack

well the most important fact to accept is that ALL DRIVES WILL FAIL. It's just a matter of when. I can tell you about a nightmare situation with g-drives (before Hitachi bought them). What format are you shooting? If you shoot on tape, you can always recapture as long as you captured with abort clips on dropped frames on make new clip on timecode break are enabled. But that's gonna take "real time." If you shot on a chip based format, backing up the chips in multiple places (and I mean multiple) can provide a sense of security. But if you need to be able to get back to work immediately if you have a drive fail, having a back up of your media or if you've stored it on a redundant raid is crucial. I also seriously recommended having a clone of your startup drive so if your startup (boot) drive fails, you can get back to work quickly.
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2494

Best Monitors for video editing??? NEC LCD2690WUXi² Vs 24"Apple GLOSSY LED

I am so stuck finding the right monitor for video editing in my price range i just cant afford the 30" apple cinema display, what is next best solution out there...?
Is Anyone using the NEC LCD2690WUXi² Monitors? from what i can tell they are better than the 24" apple LED displays for video editing as...
a) anti glare screen & can be properly colour calibrated
b) 26" screen Vs 24" screen size
c) got DVI-I & DVI-D Connectors so compatible with NVIDIA GT 120 outputs (1 Mini DisplayPort and 1 dual-link DVI-D)
i would love the 30" apple but the NEC comes in at 1/2 the price so i can eventually buy two & i would have definitely taken the 24" but its just not suitable for professional video editing from everything I've read - mainly due to glossy screen, colours & calibration
pls can anyone help with any display solutions/setups
warmest regards
graeme
Oh PS do the NEC LCD2690WUXi² work flawlessly with the latest "Nehalem" Mac Pros?

Not sure if that model number is here or not, but these are supposed to be very good for color work, though I do know that my old shops are still using their CRT's.
http://www.necdisplay.com/Products/Series/?series=171d9fbb-281e-44d8-be67-14d146 e8ada0
Third party monitors are having some trouble with the new Macs. Mostly because of the mini-display ports on the newest Apple supplied cards, but there seem to be other issues as well. You can definitely expect to use the DVI port and leave the mini display for whatever Apple will force on us next.
Apples 24"? Well, it works fine for most but in Apples own description of the display it was made to connect laptops to.
Edit: I'm sorry, for video work? Most anything in the upper end is fine.
Message was edited by: Samsara

Best setup for video production?

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