Hi Guys,

I'm able to run Xpress pro 5.8 on my first generation Intel Imac (radeon x1600 2 ghz core duo, 1.5 bg 667 mhz), even though Avid does not recommend it. It runs sluggish, but it opens every time.

So I'm trying to figure out if Media Composer will run just as well. I'm just about to begin MC classes and I want to train at home as well. I don't mind sluggishness or general instability because I don't plan on using the program for actual business. I just want to know the app will open.

Any thoughts?

thanks

Jordie, I THINK the answer is yes (if you're willing to tolerate sluggish performance) but I honestly don't know. I'd suggest posting on Avid's website to see if anyone else is using the same setup. If you haven't purchased yet, consider buying from Videoguys.

http://www.videoguys.com/

They seem to have the best handle on how Avid works on unapproved systems.

but they're so mean over there.

Jordie,

Yes, the Avid Forum is full of crusty old professional editors who don't suffer a fool lightly. Yes, the DVInfoNet board is one of the best run and most 'humane' forums on the net.
Yes, you WILL get your in depth tech questions answered on the Avid forum.

And no, I doubt MC3 will run SMOOTHLY on your system. I'm thinking the graphics card is not up to snuff. But really, take it to the AVID board. I'm not a real 'techie' oriented computer guy.

Avid will kinda run on ATI Radeon cards in SD, I'm not sure i trust it for HD. Avid is developed pretty much with Nvidia in mind. So it is sort of a roll of the dice when you go away from Nvidia class graphics cards.

Cheers.

Avid will kinda run on ATI Radeon cards in SD, I'm not sure i trust it for HD. Avid is developed pretty much with Nvidia in mind. So it is sort of a roll of the dice when you go away from Nvidia class graphics cards.

Cheers.

Just to add to what David said - NVidia Quadro series cards for PC's seems to be the go, for Macs the GEForce series cards appear to be approved... check the website links below for details.

However ATI Radeon on some Macs is approved but not for V3 - see here:

http://www.avid.com/resources/qualified/MediaComposer-Qualified-Apple-Workstations.pdf
http://www.avid.com/resources/qualified/MediaComposer-NewsCutter-Qualified-PC-Workstations.pdf

Just wanted to follow up on this, in case others are curious.

Initially the program wouldn't open for me, but it turned out to be an easily remedied ram issue. I upgraded to 2gb and MC opens up, and now after a few weeks of playing with it, i feel it's sturdy. No crashes yet

Good to know Jordie. Like we said, Avid lists the 'approved' specs and cards - then there's always a chance that an outside card/systme will work just fine.