the drive does not need to be partitioned for your media. However, problems can arise if your OS X system and OS 9.x.x system are on the same partition. It is also recommended that FCP application files be seperate from the system files. So, to recap if you are using OS X you should have your internal drive partitioned into 3 drives and your media on a totally seperate drive which can be FireWire if all your doing is DV. I hope that helps.

Jeff Donald

This could be real simple. What OS are you using? Is it OS X or OS 9.x.x ? Post back or email me direct at jtdonald@mac.com and I'll try to help. Sorry about the late hour but Road Runner was out most of the day where I live in Florida.

Jeff Donald

What are some good CG software programs for the Mac? I recently moved from a PC with Adobe Premiere 6, and loved the Title Deko. I now use Final Cut Pro 3. The titler that comes with it is great but I am looking for something in addition to this. Boris Graffiti is the CG titler that comes with it.

Any advice???

I sure learned my lesson about UPS's ... was working here in Westport when the power browned out (yes Muffy, even in West-excusemeverymuch-port) and took my PC down hard. A complete HD reformat and reinstall of all software was not enough to exorcise all the goblins, and that CPU wound up getting swapped out (and knackered up) and a UPS got plugged in to service the new unit, never wanting to see that happen again. The Mac also has a UPS on it, and ditto at home.

Oh, as for monitors, I am currently staring at a 22-inch NEC (Mitsubishi) MultiSync FE 1250+ and ditto on the home Mac. It is a very pleasant monitor and it is FLAT! No, not a TFT flat panel like the oh-too-sexy Apple Cinema but a regular CRT, however, the front glass is flatter than the windows in Chris' farmhouse. :-) As in, hold a straightedge up to it. Really nice. The only way you know you are looking at a tube is to peer around at the (quite ample) back side of it. And for NTSC, a seasoned 13" Panasonic color monitor with front-panel switch-selectable inputs. Handy. Can borrow "home" TVs from within the building to test how the work will look on one.

Last year lightning struck my house and took out everything hooked to a phone line. Since my Mac was dial-up at the time, it went bye bye as well. Had to have the entire motherboard replaced. Fortunately insurance paid for it (!) but I quickly went out and bought a UPS. It's worth it.

I thought I was replying to the "Monitors, so many to choose from." thread, not starting a new thread! But hey, UPS's (UPSes?) are important enough to get their own thread, right? They are, if you've ever lost a computer or your work to a brownout/blackout/spike.

Well I think I could combine it with that thread, but I think it'll do more good out here on it's own. Everyone should have a UPS. You may have accidentally saved lives and entire civilizations by posting this as its own thread.

A few years ago, I added a UPS to the Windoze machine I had -- I thought I'd be clever and increase the available time by not connecting the monitor to it. You guessed it......power failure, and I didn't have a screen to work with so I couldn't shut the damn thing down! Later models have auto-shutdown modes, but mine didn't. Considering what I lost, it took awhile before I could laugh over that one!

For the people who are reading this thread and do not know
what an UPS is (no, we are not talking about that postal service
here): UPS stands for Uninterruptable Power Supply. Basically
it is a very large "Battery" that charges itself when there is power
on the net. In the event of a power failure it will allow you to
keep all the connected devices to work while the power is down.

How many devices you can connect and how long you can
operate these when the power is down depends on the model
(read size) of the UPS.

But at least you'll have the time to shutdown your computers
correctly! Together with an NTFS formatted drive (We do use
Windows 2000/XP for editing, now do we? I'm talking to the
PC people here, not Mac in case you wonder) and a solid backup
strategy you have a very good protection against data loss. If
any one wants to know what the advantages are to having a
NTFS drive drop me a line and I'll explain.

LOL, Vic! But sorry about your losing data. BTW, that jazzy automatic shutdown software won't work on my Mac, only Windoze boxes. They have the servers here rigged up with that feature, for obvious reasons.

In this shop, almost everybody has a laptop, except the admin assistants & receptionists who presumably don't take work home with them or on the road. So nobody thinks about a UPS cuz a laptop is one by definition. But due to the fact that I need to store the creative out on a server, and all my print jobs go to a humongous Canon Color Laser, mobility in computing is not a practical reality for me. Plus the company-issued laptops don't have the brute power I need, so it's desktop boxes for me. With a UPS on each one. Cheap insurance, courtesy of APC or Tripp-Lite.

OK, Rob, we'll bite, 'splain to us about NTFS drives since you brought it up. Actually I'm not on Win2K yet, my ol' Pennium 2 is still on Win NT!

Mike, NTFS is NT's native file system, hence the name NTFS(NT File System). Your NT machine is probably running NTFS as we speak.

After a while, I, too could laugh about it, Mike. Sometimes, we just outsmart ourselves!

I found the same thing you did on my MACS, but I'm reluctant to allow any UPS to control my computer, regardless. On the Windoze machine that the rest of the (unwashed) family uses, I moved the monitor over to it (and put in a BIG honker), but still use the manual shut-down mode. The one item to keep off of them is a Laser printer -- they're real power hogs.

Unless using a laptop, they're absolutely mandatory, in my way of thinking. Lots of peace of mind for very little cost. They also provide pretty good filtering.

Mike,

NTFS has the following advantages:

- better data integrity
- security
- larger files

and some disadvantages:

- small files tend to be accessed a bit slower
due to security checking etc. Although you'll
probably won't notice a speed difference in
your dialy work
- if you dual boot a windows 9x system you
cannot make your boot drive NTFS
- Windows 9x systems cannot read NTFS
formatted partitions (they can over a network!)

One of the most pleasant things of NTFS is its support
for better data integrity. When NTFS is updating files
and tables on your drive it actually records so that it
is doing so. So if your computer would crash (or power
be cut) in the middle of writing your file NT will no about
it the next time it boots. It either continues the write or
rollsback your file to its previous content. This assures
that you always have a working file, even if the computer
crashed. Now I cannot give you any numbers on how
reliant this all actually works, but I've never had any
problems with data integrity on NT or 2000. And I have
used those OS-es a lot for very different things. XP also
has support ofcourse.

Security might be interesting too if you plan to allow or
disallow certain people or groups of people access to
your folders.

If you want to know more or if something is unclear
lemme know.

Thanks for the explan's Rob & Adrian. Right, I probly am running NTFS, I do know that all the servers are NT.

Vic, I definitely keep the printers off the UPS, I think the instructions even say something about that.

As for fire protection, don't skimp on smoke detectors and a carbon monoxide detector. Unfortunately the only alarm my cat is useful at sounding is the empty-stomach siren! :-)

I looked for Ray Dream Studio 5 and could not find it. Anybody have any other ideas?

They have a funny saying about that. It goes like this:
"FCP has a great titler....it's called Photoshop!"

:-)

All joking aside, I have gotten in the habit of creating my lower thirds and other font effects in Photoshop and saving them as a PSD (Photoshop layered file). FCP allows you to import the layered file into the bin, then when you drag that clip then you can apply motion and other effects to each layer, cuz each layer sits on its own track in the timeline.

It must be the old graphic designer in me, I'm just very comfortable with Photoshop, to say nothing of the fact that whatever colored shape or gradient or other item you want to paint or drag into the PSD can become part of the titling element. And it beats learning another program or utility.

Just make your new Photoshop document 720 by 480 pixels. If it's a real complex design, try merging some of the layers so you don't get an excees of video tracks in the timeline.

Mike, I've seen that expression before. My experience with Photoshop is touching up/cropping photos and printing them.

How difficult is it to create something like a 50+ line scrolling credit in Photoshop? How do you animate it?

Will Photoshop Elements work for this, or do I need the upgrade?

It's clear I need to get closer to this puppy!

Whoof, a 50+ line scrolling credit! Talk about something I just haven't tried! My guess is that you have to make it taller to encompass the whole length of the text. Animating any of these kind of items is just something you need to go to the motion tab of the clip, set a keyframe at the beginning and end, and adjust the position.

Like I say I haven't tried it. and it is probably a lot easier to do something like this in Boris or something that was designed to do credit crawls & scrolls. I usually just do fly-in/out or fade-in/out, and the occasional random pulse effect, when it's not a static lower third.

Oh, yeah. Forgot to talk about Elements. Truthfully I have never tried it, since I have always had a full version of Photoshop as far back as I can remember. Hey, if it will create the document as described, has a text tool and will save layered PSD files, I don't see why it shouldn't work. But I only know regular Photoshop.

the version of Graffiti that comes with FCP is not as complete as the full blown version. I think I got an e-mail recently that they have a deal for FCP users to upgrade for a reduced amount. Check out the Boris web site. For details, they may also have an NAB promo going on too.

Jeff

Good ideas flowing here.

I think I will look into the Boris full version. I am an old PhotoShop pro, but the down side is when I want things fast it is good to have a titler program with some pre-set broadcast ready font/graphics. The kind you see in most commercials.

Anybody got the full version of Boris? Is it worth looking into? Dose it have some pre-set CG?

Anybody got some other good titlers they have experience with?

I checked the Boris site. You can get the Graffitti 2.0 full version for $249 if you have FCP 3.0. Otherwise, it's $495. The only NAB special I saw was for Boris Red.

I am going to begin shooting my first music video next week and I am going to be using FCP 3 in post. My biggest question, what is the best/easiest way to sync up the video with the music track I am going to import from the cd? I know there has to be a better way then to keep trimming frames until it is all aligned.... I am not an audio wiz yet so I get lost even thinking about this. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Chris

Actually trimming frames is probably the best way. It's a little bit of work the first time you do it, but quickly becomes second nature. You'll put the clips onto the timeline and they'll only be a few frames off, so it's just a matter of a quick trim here and there. True editing does take time, especially if you want to do it right. Just be sure to get way more footage than you need just in case! The way I'd do it would be to put the song onto the timeline first and then start putting video tracks on. Have fun!

I appreciate the reply Joe, I honestly dont mind the time it will take, I was more concerned about accuracy... And the doubts stem from my lack of knowledge in the area of editing audio but if trimming frames will get me where I need to be, then trimming frames it will be! I am really looking forward to this and now that you set my mind to rest a bit I will enjoy it that much more. I miss CO, I lived in Denver for 2 years back in 90-92, what a beautiful state!

thanks again!

Chris

Just looking for some advice on external firewire drive for use with fcp, I know I has to be 7200rpm . Just looking for user input on brands good or bad. Looking for 80 gig drive that will give me the least problem. Using FCP 3 on OSX.

Although 7200rpm has become a requirement via Internet forum folklore, the fact is that it "ain' necessarily so". A good 5400rpm drive should be able to keep up with FCP. I occasionally use an 80Gb Maxtor Firewire drive and have no trouble. Others must agree. MacConnection offers Final Cut Pro 3 bundled with a Maxtor 160Gb (5400rpm) Firewire drive (http://www.macconnection.com/scripts/productdetail.asp?product_id=280919).

So, if you can get a good 7200rpm drive for a reasonable price, go for it. But, if not, you might be able to do fine wih a good 5400. I have some very good ultra-portable drives from Firewiredirect.com, which also makes larger desktop units. They're worth a look.

We just bought two Maxtor 80GB IEEE1394 drives (one is being replaced because it was DOA). ALthough the 80gig drives run at 7500, they also make a 160GB drive that runs a little slower (5200) and costs a little more than ONE 80gig. Worth looing into.

Thanks, I have seen a lot about slower drives not being an issue. I also need some help with hook up when I select my drive. I have a powerbook and as you know it has 1 fw port. Can I connect the drive to the powerbook and then use the drives other fw port for my cam to import or due I need a hub. I really don't want to import to the powerbook hd and then from there too the external drive. also local apple reseller has decent price on lacie drives and prefers them with macs but will get me any drive I choose. Local store is very good about macs but I think DV I may be a better scource of info on these topics.

As long as the drive has a 2nd fw port you should have no trouble passing through to your camera.

There have been posts on Apples FCP discussions and I would refer you there. I seem to recall people getting dropped frames both ways. If they looped the camera through the external drive it might drop frames. If they captured to the internal drive and the system, application and media where all on the same partition it might drop frames. The newer, faster TI Powerbooks may have solved much of the dropped frame issue. It might also relate to the use or non use of the faster Oxford 911 bridge the some external firewire drives use. Check out the Apple discussions and good luck

Jeff Donald

I'm getting ready to finally purchase my G4 dp 1ghz machine and I'd like to know what type of internal hard drive I should be looking at installing for my captured/rendered video.

I've thought about just having Apple install it, but $250 seems a little steep for a hard drive and from what I've seen it looks like a fairly easy item to install myself. I need to save all the money I can for purchasing Final Cut Pro.

What should I be looking at for specs? Any brands better than others?

Thanks for your help.

I added a Seagate Barracuda to my DP-1G machine. It just pops right in. The 80GB main drive that comes with the MAC is also a Seagate Barracuda. Don't have Apple (or anyone else) do it. It's about a 5 minute job, and will cost you a bunch less if you do it yourself.

Macs have yet to offer DDR RAM for the main memory. I have heard from people who use DDR memory that even with the same system specs otherwise, the computer goes much faster. I have never used DDR. Is it all it's cracked up to be? Would DDR help the Mac kick more ass? Or is SDRAM all anyone really needs?

I have been holding off on a new Mac until I can get DDR.

SDRAM memory utilizes only the rise time of the pulse -- DDR utilizes the fall time, as well. Theoretically, you've doubled the read-write rate. Those that have used it say it makes a noticeable difference. It doesn't necessarily follow, though, that the computer will be twice as fast. Lots of other things to factor in. In the new desktop MACS, I believe that video cards uses DDR ram.

I have one of the DP 1GHz models -- it kicks some pretty good booty, itself!

I'd certainly 2nd Vic's remarks on both fronts. Perhaps the best way to view a computer's overall performance is by looking at the balance of all relevent components. RAM, cpu, supporting chipsets/subsystems, bus and disks need to be in harmony.

I don't believe that the currrent Mac architecture would really benefit from DDR. RIght now the current G4 family's design seems pretty well balanced for general-purpose computing.

When you consider the cost / preformance increase DDR RAM isn't really that good. Sure you get a small performance increase, but at the price you pay is isn't worth it.

The current MAC FSB speed is only 133mhz so even if you did have PC2100 DDR RAM it would still only work at 133mhz.

If Apple increase the FSB speed with the G5, then you might see a change to DDR RAM

The Seagate drive is a good one. I use a 120Gb IBM DeskStar drive. Exactly the same drill as Vic described for the Seagate. (You'll find the basic installation instructions in your G4 manual.) I really would recommend installing the drive yourself. It really is a pretty straight-forward process.

Could someone please advise on whether it is possible to mix miniDV and DVCAM format tapes / footage in the editing? Specifically when editing in FinalCutPro? I assume that the deck or camera needs to be able to playback either format (such as PD150). Are there any other considerations?

Thanks!

Ok here's my recommendations. I have a DP800 G4 and use FCP 3 with my XL1s.

I got a 80gig HDD with the G4. works well but after you add programs etc it fills up fast. When you start to delete files to make space, for new project captures, you won't have a nice fresh clean HDD anumore and it will be a bit Fragmented. It is best to have a second BIG HDD to do your capturing with and a smaller HDD to keep your programs and operating systems on.

I have a second HDD 120gig IMB Deskstar 7200RPM nice and big and fast to stop the risk of dropped frames when playing back edited stuff in FCP.

My Mac shop installed it for free while I waited and it only took about 5 minutes so i let them do it. but i think there is instructions in the Mac manual on how to do it yourself. You need to set the jumpers on the back of the HDD to your required config. I think the Mac guy said he was setting it up as a slave HDD. not absolutely sure though.

So in sumary: get 2 Hard disk drives one can be small ie 20 or 40 gig for your programs and OS and a big one for your video captures.

Same here, IBM Deskstar 120Gb 7200 rpm with FCP 3 on a DP 1ghz, love it!

Chris

Hi,

To the best of my knowlege you only have to be sure that your sequence in FCP is set up for how the DVCAM is shot and then imported. Post your question on 2-pop (http://www.2-pop.com/) or do a search on importing DVCAM there. Good luck.

Jeff Donald

Hi,

I just bought myself a second hard drive finally and want to move my projects with media, exactly as they are to the new drive. What's the best way to do this without losing all my links? Thanks,
Aren.

Well keep 'em in the same folder. Say you have one folder on your desktop foll of MOV files. Then a few audio files that are used in the same project scattered around on the desktop. And then of course your FCP file (for example, you may be using something else) which you click on to open the project also sitting on the desktop. Create a new folder and move everything in there. Keep the MOV's in their own folder, the audio files and the FCP file outside of that folder, but inside of the new folder that you have created. On the new drive just click on the FCP file and everything will open up just fine. It'll work.

I archive all of my projects onto CD-R when I am finished so that I can go back later and play with them if I want to. Some of the smaller projects have actually been able to run off of the CD-ROM when I've done this. FCP never complains. Usually the project will need to be stored on multiple CD-R's, but then everything can just be copied back to the desktop where it once was for editing. CD-R's are so cheap nowadays that it makes more sense to archive on those instead of taking up valuable hard drive space.

The differences between DV & DVCAM are minor in practical editing terms. One such issue would be locked/unlocked audio, for instance. For a useful explanation, check out:

http://www.adamwilt.com/DV-FAQ-tech.html

You can't go far wrong with the IBM deskstar series (for DV/DVCAM over FW).

Here's a useful how-to:

http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/install_third_ata_drive.html

BTW, FCP users should really bookmark Ken Stone's site.

http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/fcp_homepage_index.html

thanks, I'll try it. If I were to back-up this project onto CD-R, it would take 75cds.

I have had simular problems in OS X with Final Cut Pro. When I capture the audio and video do not sync up. I have a 7200 rpm firewire drive that I capture to. If I capture short segments (under 5 min) I am OK. But sometimes like in weddings I need to capture 30 min segments and the audio gose crazy. I am interested in if anybody has ran into this and found a solution.

Hi,

Under Final Cut Pro / Preferences / is the box checked next to sync audio over 5 minutes? This box should be checked. If the time is longer than 5 minutes it should be lowered. If this does not fix audio sync problem please post back with complete details of hardware, OS, FCP version etc.

Jeff

After more tests to see where the problem lies I have come to the folowing conclusions:

1. I can use FCP 3 and MacOSX to log and capture if my scratch disk is my internal drive. Everything is fine.
2. If I use FCP 3 and MacOSX and my scratch disk is my external que firewire drive, I get garbled, fast QT movies that are useless.
3. IF I use FCP 3 and Mac OS 9.2.2 I can capture to either drive and the results are aok.

There may be more to it - like I am using a Canon XL1. But I think the way to go is to either capture to my internal drive - if the clips are short. Or, and this is the way I am going to go - use Mac OS 9.2.2 for log and capture. Save to the external (read big) HD. Then I can use OSX or OS9 for editing. I have to believe that firewire acts differently between the two OS's. So I have a workaround that is working.

If anyone out there is having similar experiences or has a better solution, I'd love to hear from you.