Help build my system! at DVinfo.net

Rick Forge · September 14th, 2002, 07:12 AM

I am into hosting and producing Outdoor Videos (Fishing, Hunting, Rafting etc). My finished videos are 45-60 minutes in length and are packaged and sold retail in stores like LL Bean, Cabela' etc. In the past we have leased camera equipment and editing sytems to produce these videos. We are now in a position to go out and purchase the equipment. We plan to shoot the video on either an XL1s or a Sony 150.
I have watched this forum for the past several months and have seen some great comments on editing systems. I'm looking for some suggestions for what I might consider for a "Turnkey" system, trying to stay within a reasonable budget. So here's the challenge: how about a list of the essentials for both hardware and software that I will need.
I also would be very interested if any of you have a system out there that you are looking to sell!

Thanks in advance for any thoughts and help.

Josh Bass · September 14th, 2002, 08:48 AM

Vegas Video 3 is a fine piece of software for the PC -- if you're not doing multiple edits (online, offline etc.) that might be something to base your system on ($470 or so). For about four times that price, you can get the AVID Xpress DV, which is a more advanced and professional. Also Premiere 6.

As for Turnkey, I know Sonic Foundry (makers of aforementioned Vegas Video) have one ($2500, $5000? I don't remember), as does avid (around $5000). I don't know if premiere has one. When I say turnkey, I mean a system dedicated to the use of the software, built just for that purpose. I'm not sure if this is the correct meaning of the word.

The other way to do it is buy the software and get a computer that can handle, but not a turnkey system. It seems this would be cheaper, but as my slogan says, I really have no idea what the hell I'm talking about.

Adam Lawrence · September 17th, 2002, 10:21 AM

For turnkey i know DV Direct makes some pretty good turnkey systems, ive bought 2 machines from them for $10,000 a peice....this obviously were monster machines, you can probably get something good for around $2500- ...Ive always built my machines and spent around $1000 for everything, including monitor...If your not inclined to build your own...just go down to your local PC store or online, and have them use their parts to build one up for you..according to your specifications. That will save you the most money
and give you the most bang for your buck.

Doug Quance · October 15th, 2002, 07:56 AM

My post in a month late, but if you haven't made your NLE purchase... let me chime in.

As Chris Hurd has stated in several posts, it is much better to build a system around a specific card... and it doesn't cost much more to have a competent company build the system for you. (when I say competent, I am referring to their experience in NLE)

I had mine built by the 3D Shop in Atlanta, and I am very satisfied with the results. I know all the components are selected by compatibility; system is burnt in and tested; and intelligent support is only a phone call away.

They offer Pinnacle, Canopus and Matrox systems for sure, and some others that I can't remember.

A phone call to their General Manager, Tony Hale, will yield all the answers about NLE systems you could probably ask. You can reach Tony toll free at 888-326-4586. He's a super nice guy that will listen to what you're trying to do and offer suggestions to help you get the job done while staying within budget.

I highly recommend him!

Keith Luken · October 15th, 2002, 06:10 PM

Doug,
Hi, I am in Marietta, so where is this 3D shop? What are they called.
Have you found any place good in town for camera equipment and such as well?

Thanks!

Doug Quance · October 15th, 2002, 06:17 PM

They're in Norcross...

Since you're local, you might reach Tony at the 3D Shop at 770-368-8988.

They're full name is Leading Technology Micro, Inc.
5555 Oakbrook Parkway Suite 540.

I haven't been searching around for much camera equip lately, but I understand Showcase on Cheshire Bridge is a good place. KEH Camera Brokers might be another place to check out.

Keith Luken · October 15th, 2002, 07:28 PM

Thanks. Actually I was at Showcase the other day, not bad, rather large and well stocked on many items.

Scott Silverman · October 19th, 2002, 10:28 PM

Jessie and Joan,
If you like, take a look at this site:
www.vi-pc.com
It sells different PCs customized for DV editing. You can choose a pre-configured PC or have them build with you. I dont think their web site is completely finished but they have a contact page where you could email or call them. Hope this helps!

Doug Quance · October 20th, 2002, 01:36 PM

Scott:

I think you meant your post for Jessie and Joan.

I hope I don't have to shop and build another one for a few more years!!

Scott Silverman · October 20th, 2002, 03:06 PM

Yeah that's it. Sorry Doug!

September 14th, 2002, 07:12 AM	#1
Rick Forge Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Lake Winnipesaukee, NH Posts: 81	Help build my system! I am into hosting and producing Outdoor Videos (Fishing, Hunting, Rafting etc). My finished videos are 45-60 minutes in length and are packaged and sold retail in stores like LL Bean, Cabela' etc. In the past we have leased camera equipment and editing sytems to produce these videos. We are now in a position to go out and purchase the equipment. We plan to shoot the video on either an XL1s or a Sony 150. I have watched this forum for the past several months and have seen some great comments on editing systems. I'm looking for some suggestions for what I might consider for a "Turnkey" system, trying to stay within a reasonable budget. So here's the challenge: how about a list of the essentials for both hardware and software that I will need. I also would be very interested if any of you have a system out there that you are looking to sell! Thanks in advance for any thoughts and help. __________________ Rick

September 14th, 2002, 08:48 AM	#2
Josh Bass Slash Rules! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 5,472	Vegas Video 3 is a fine piece of software for the PC -- if you're not doing multiple edits (online, offline etc.) that might be something to base your system on ($470 or so). For about four times that price, you can get the AVID Xpress DV, which is a more advanced and professional. Also Premiere 6. As for Turnkey, I know Sonic Foundry (makers of aforementioned Vegas Video) have one ($2500, $5000? I don't remember), as does avid (around $5000). I don't know if premiere has one. When I say turnkey, I mean a system dedicated to the use of the software, built just for that purpose. I'm not sure if this is the correct meaning of the word. The other way to do it is buy the software and get a computer that can handle, but not a turnkey system. It seems this would be cheaper, but as my slogan says, I really have no idea what the hell I'm talking about. __________________ The Bass' camerawork The Bass on IMDB

September 17th, 2002, 10:21 AM	#3
Adam Lawrence _redone_ Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 224	For turnkey i know DV Direct makes some pretty good turnkey systems, ive bought 2 machines from them for $10,000 a peice....this obviously were monster machines, you can probably get something good for around $2500- ...Ive always built my machines and spent around $1000 for everything, including monitor...If your not inclined to build your own...just go down to your local PC store or online, and have them use their parts to build one up for you..according to your specifications. That will save you the most money and give you the most bang for your buck. __________________ Adam Lawrence eatdrink Media Las Vegas NV www.eatdrinkmedia.com

October 15th, 2002, 07:56 AM	#4
Doug Quance Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 138	My post in a month late, but if you haven't made your NLE purchase... let me chime in. As Chris Hurd has stated in several posts, it is much better to build a system around a specific card... and it doesn't cost much more to have a competent company build the system for you. (when I say competent, I am referring to their experience in NLE) I had mine built by the 3D Shop in Atlanta, and I am very satisfied with the results. I know all the components are selected by compatibility; system is burnt in and tested; and intelligent support is only a phone call away. They offer Pinnacle, Canopus and Matrox systems for sure, and some others that I can't remember. A phone call to their General Manager, Tony Hale, will yield all the answers about NLE systems you could probably ask. You can reach Tony toll free at 888-326-4586. He's a super nice guy that will listen to what you're trying to do and offer suggestions to help you get the job done while staying within budget. I highly recommend him! __________________ If you're not the lead dog... the scenery never changes

October 15th, 2002, 06:17 PM	#6
Doug Quance Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 138	They're in Norcross... Since you're local, you might reach Tony at the 3D Shop at 770-368-8988. They're full name is Leading Technology Micro, Inc. 5555 Oakbrook Parkway Suite 540. I haven't been searching around for much camera equip lately, but I understand Showcase on Cheshire Bridge is a good place. KEH Camera Brokers might be another place to check out. __________________ If you're not the lead dog... the scenery never changes

October 15th, 2002, 06:10 PM	#5
Keith Luken Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 200	Doug, Hi, I am in Marietta, so where is this 3D shop? What are they called. Have you found any place good in town for camera equipment and such as well? Thanks!

October 15th, 2002, 07:28 PM	#7
Keith Luken Major Player Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 200	Thanks. Actually I was at Showcase the other day, not bad, rather large and well stocked on many items.

October 19th, 2002, 10:28 PM	#8
Scott Silverman Major Player Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Cupertino, California, USA Posts: 301	Jessie and Joan, If you like, take a look at this site: www.vi-pc.com It sells different PCs customized for DV editing. You can choose a pre-configured PC or have them build with you. I dont think their web site is completely finished but they have a contact page where you could email or call them. Hope this helps! __________________ Scott Silverman Shining Star Digital Video Productions Bay Area, CA

October 20th, 2002, 01:36 PM	#9
Doug Quance Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Atlanta, Georgia Posts: 138	Scott: I think you meant your post for Jessie and Joan. I hope I don't have to shop and build another one for a few more years!! __________________ If you're not the lead dog... the scenery never changes

October 20th, 2002, 03:06 PM	#10
Scott Silverman Major Player Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Cupertino, California, USA Posts: 301	Yeah that's it. Sorry Doug! __________________ Scott Silverman Shining Star Digital Video Productions Bay Area, CA