Yeah, I abandon the USB reader concept. But for your edification, the express card to CF reader is faster than firewire.

Question: for final output to projector, do you play the pro-res file? Because the data rate is so high with pro res I would be worried about playback. The larger the bitrate, the harder it is for the hard drive to keep up.

I've tested my own method for playback. Mini-display port to HDMI converter cable, use projector as 2nd monitor, and view full screen. I don't think I can get away with playing a monster pro-res file, though I haven't tested yet.

I know the title specifically mentioned an FCP workflow. But given your parameters, the 7Ds and H.264 are given, maybe try Premiere CS5 for a spin?

I'm quite successful with editing the MOV files from dslr using CS5 on 2.66 i7 MBP. I can even put in Mojo, which adds approximately 15 minutes to render.

I export to the Vimeo HD preset and play via the DVI out.

I just recently upgraded to an SSD drive and the cost is truly worth it with the speed gained and stress lessened.

Nope, I too would be worried about playing back a ProRes file. I export using Compressor and the Apple TV codec

It's logical. I bought CS4 last year (to author Bluray) and set out with the intent to switch to Premier then. I was quickly frustrated with Premier's Multi-clip editing (very laggy performance and lots of commands). Yuk. I gained perspective that day, for all the short-comings of Final Cut, the Multicam editing isn't one of them. Since I do so much multiclip stuff, just couldn't let go of Final Cut.

I have two feelings at the same time, I'm jealous, and I'm angry at Apple for not supporting their pros.

Awesome idea. I will upgrade mine to gain some speed.

With 1920x1080 output from my projector, I want the presentation to scream HD (as well as it can with a projector). The Apple TV codec is 720p and some fairly aggressive compression to accommodate LAN streaming.

Thanks Matthew, but what am I missing? I just tested this and I can't get Log and Transfer to mount a CF card or folder in the CF card.

I get this error message "Warning [my CF card] contains unsupported media or has an invalid directory structure. Please choose a folder whose directory structure matches the supported media."

UPDATE: ok i see I need a plugin

UPDATE 2: The plugin works well. It transcodes much faster than I thought. I think this workflow is gonna work! I think I just need to explore some export options. My thought was to write the finished file to an SxS card plugged into an Express Card slot which would be faster read than any external drive.

Just to chime in: my 2008 MBP Intel Duo 2.4 with 4 gigs has a very hard time with 7D footage (I usually render to offline RT, then re-reference the files on final render) but my new 27" iMac quad i7 has no problem with only 4 gigs.

The MBP lags just playing the files in QT or QuickView.

I have the newest MacBook Pro i7.

The fastest connection on this is the Firewire 800. I would think this is the best way to connect my CF cards?

How about playing on a projector. Which connection will I use? The mini display port?

Will audio go through this connection too?

Just out of curiosity, which projector are you using? Most can't output 1920x1080. As a sidenote, I once did a side by side test, HD vs SD. Standing 3 feet away from the screen, there was a huge difference between HD and SD, you could see the pixels. 50 feet away from the screen, where most of the audience sits, there was no difference to the eye!

Get the Mini Display Port to HDMI adapter. The newest MBP i7s have audio running through their ?minidisplay/HDMI output; early models do not.

Mine outputs 1920x1080

Yes, MiniDisplay to HDMI adaptor. Works great. Audio out from headphone jack, to DJ.

Ok I haven't tested 50 feet away. I've tested 20-25 feet away by changing the output res. The difference is like night and day. The SD looks like a steaming pile of Dog@#+ compared to full HD. There's no question, one looks better than the other.

Help!!

The projector has VGA and RCA for audio.

What would you use?

I'd like to do Mini Display to VGA, but will audio go through it?

If not what audio cable would you use?

The only thing you can do is go VGA for video, and 1/8 to RCA for audio.
If you needed to go long distances, you might need a more complicated approach(Headphone--> 1/4-->DI box--> to XLR--> DI -->headphone--> RCA, or something like that) but its most likely not worth it and needed unless really long distances...