best off the shelf PC for video production

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (More info?)

I know that the best PC's for video production are those that are custom
built or built specifically for video production. But let's say your only
choice for a PC that you intend to use for video production is one that is
bought "off the shelf". I am in such a position. I am narrowing it down to a
Sony Vaio(rs520) or HP Pavilion (a562n). Both have video editing and DVD
burning software and a big hard drive. Both have fast processors and DVD
burners. The Sony graphic card is the ATI Radeon 9200. The HP features a
NVIDIA® GeForceT FX5200XT AGP 8X graphic card. Both systems are about the
same price. Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions would be greatly
appreciated!
Thanks

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (More info?)

On Sat, 08 May 2004 04:59:14 GMT, "jim b" <jimdevo@comcast.net> wrote:

>I know that the best PC's for video production are those that are custom
>built or built specifically for video production. But let's say your only
>choice for a PC that you intend to use for video production is one that is
>bought "off the shelf". I am in such a position.

Why?


> I am narrowing it down to a
>Sony Vaio(rs520) or HP Pavilion (a562n). Both have video editing and DVD
>burning software and a big hard drive. Both have fast processors and DVD
>burners. The Sony graphic card is the ATI Radeon 9200. The HP features a
>NVIDIA® GeForceT FX5200XT AGP 8X graphic card. Both systems are about the
>same price. Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions would be greatly
>appreciated!

 

[Rich]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (More info?)

"jim b" <jimdevo@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:COZmc.2279$xw3.199898@attbi_s04...
> I know that the best PC's for video production are those that are custom
> built or built specifically for video production. But let's say your only
> choice for a PC that you intend to use for video production is one that is
> bought "off the shelf". I am in such a position. I am narrowing it down to
a
> Sony Vaio(rs520) or HP Pavilion (a562n). Both have video editing and DVD
> burning software and a big hard drive. Both have fast processors and DVD
> burners. The Sony graphic card is the ATI Radeon 9200. The HP features a
> NVIDIA® GeForceT FX5200XT AGP 8X graphic card. Both systems are about the
> same price. Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions would be greatly
> appreciated!
> Thanks
>
>
You might want to read over "Videoguys' System recommendations for DTV (Feb
2004)" for some tips
http://www.videoguys.com/system.htm

I have two one year old HP systems which I have been pleased with.

Rich

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (More info?)

Why?
Actually it's going to be used by other people mostly for email and internet
and maybe some games. I also am trying to budget at around $1000 to $1100 if
possible.
"Laurence Payne" <l@laurenceDELETEpayne.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message
news:5okp90tldnf0bshp8q919bdqhfdcl0iu3r@4ax.com...
> On Sat, 08 May 2004 04:59:14 GMT, "jim b" <jimdevo@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> >I know that the best PC's for video production are those that are custom
> >built or built specifically for video production. But let's say your only
> >choice for a PC that you intend to use for video production is one that
is
> >bought "off the shelf". I am in such a position.
>
> Why?
>
>
> > I am narrowing it down to a
> >Sony Vaio(rs520) or HP Pavilion (a562n). Both have video editing and DVD
> >burning software and a big hard drive. Both have fast processors and DVD
> >burners. The Sony graphic card is the ATI Radeon 9200. The HP features a
> >NVIDIA® GeForceT FX5200XT AGP 8X graphic card. Both systems are about the
> >same price. Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions would be greatly
> >appreciated!
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (More info?)

On Sat, 08 May 2004 17:23:19 GMT, "jim b" <jimdevo@comcast.net> wrote:

> Why?
>Actually it's going to be used by other people mostly for email and internet
>and maybe some games. I also am trying to budget at around $1000 to $1100 if
>possible.

So why does that stop you building one suitable for video? The other
applications are trivial.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (More info?)

Perhaps you are right IF I could built one that would give me what the Sony
and HP give me at the same price. The software provided with these 2 off the
shelfers is the same oddly enough which is InterVideo's Win DVD. It
captures,edits,and authors apparently although i don't know very much about
this software.My pick might be Adobe Premiere. Otherwise I hadn't really
thought about it. Where does one go to custom build one as good as the "off
the shelfers" for the same price? Any ideas?
"Laurence Payne" <l@laurenceDELETEpayne.freeserve.co.uk> wrote in message
news47q90h3ovf7donqrhln2vmr0794412ete@4ax.com...
> On Sat, 08 May 2004 17:23:19 GMT, "jim b" <jimdevo@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> > Why?
> >Actually it's going to be used by other people mostly for email and
internet
> >and maybe some games. I also am trying to budget at around $1000 to $1100
if
> >possible.
>
> So why does that stop you building one suitable for video? The other
> applications are trivial.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (More info?)

On Sat, 08 May 2004 18:17:20 GMT, "jim b" <jimdevo@comcast.net> wrote:

>Perhaps you are right IF I could built one that would give me what the Sony
>and HP give me at the same price. The software provided with these 2 off the
>shelfers is the same oddly enough which is InterVideo's Win DVD. It
>captures,edits,and authors apparently although i don't know very much about
>this software.My pick might be Adobe Premiere. Otherwise I hadn't really
>thought about it. Where does one go to custom build one as good as the "off
>the shelfers" for the same price? Any ideas?

Here in the UK I'd shop around on the Internet and buy mail order for
all except case and power supply, which I can obtain cheaply locally.
I specialise in music production machines, but the criteria aren't a
lot different for video. I'd want to spend about 700UKP on a
well-specified machine, plus monitor and specialist sound card. But
I could cut a few corners and do it quite a bit cheaper.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (More info?)

Before you seriously consider ANY Sony VAIO, go to:
http://p200.ezboard.com/bunofficialsony
and read the angry reports detailing the fact that when they tried to
get upgraded software for their VAIO's, Sony's invariable response is
that if you want a later versiou of their proprietary software, you
need to buy a new VAIO with the newer software installed. Even if you
do, you will find that it is not possible to then install that new
software on your old VAIO...your recovery CD's are model
specific...you can only install them on the model they came with.

If you expect to maintain your computer with up-to-date software, you
need to look at something other than a VAIO.

"jim b" <jimdevo@comcast.net> wrote in message news:<COZmc.2279$xw3.199898@attbi_s04>...
> I know that the best PC's for video production are those that are custom
> built or built specifically for video production. But let's say your only
> choice for a PC that you intend to use for video production is one that is
> bought "off the shelf". I am in such a position. I am narrowing it down to a
> Sony Vaio(rs520) or HP Pavilion (a562n). Both have video editing and DVD
> burning software and a big hard drive. Both have fast processors and DVD
> burners. The Sony graphic card is the ATI Radeon 9200. The HP features a
> NVIDIA® GeForceT FX5200XT AGP 8X graphic card. Both systems are about the
> same price. Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions would be greatly
> appreciated!
> Thanks

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (More info?)

Thankyou mikep76,
Actually my last 2 PC's were both Sony's. I'm sort of a big fan of Sony.
Like anything else you love, there is always going to be detractors.
However, having said that I am a little disappointed with the software they
chose to include in this new series of PC's. (the RS series of which I was
considering the 520). I was looking seriously at the HP a562n also but am
now thinking of building my own. I've never built one before but it seems a
custom built might be the way to go even though it seems a bit more
expensive buying everything separately. Now another question perhaps off
topic...what the hell is warez? Is it related to all that cheap software
spam ads I am getting lately? And what's up with that...all those places on
the net selling expensive software at very cheap prices. Anyone know?
Thanks
" " <sandyprice@msn.com> wrote in message
news:be7373cf.0405091826.64379d19@posting.google.com...
> Before you seriously consider ANY Sony VAIO, go to:
> http://p200.ezboard.com/bunofficialsony
> and read the angry reports detailing the fact that when they tried to
> get upgraded software for their VAIO's, Sony's invariable response is
> that if you want a later versiou of their proprietary software, you
> need to buy a new VAIO with the newer software installed. Even if you
> do, you will find that it is not possible to then install that new
> software on your old VAIO...your recovery CD's are model
> specific...you can only install them on the model they came with.
>
> If you expect to maintain your computer with up-to-date software, you
> need to look at something other than a VAIO.
>
> "jim b" <jimdevo@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:<COZmc.2279$xw3.199898@attbi_s04>...
> > I know that the best PC's for video production are those that are custom
> > built or built specifically for video production. But let's say your
only
> > choice for a PC that you intend to use for video production is one that
is
> > bought "off the shelf". I am in such a position. I am narrowing it down
to a
> > Sony Vaio(rs520) or HP Pavilion (a562n). Both have video editing and DVD
> > burning software and a big hard drive. Both have fast processors and DVD
> > burners. The Sony graphic card is the ATI Radeon 9200. The HP features a
> > NVIDIA® GeForceT FX5200XT AGP 8X graphic card. Both systems are about
the
> > same price. Any thoughts, comments, or suggestions would be greatly
> > appreciated!
> > Thanks

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (More info?)

> thought about it. Where does one go to custom build one as good as the "off
> the shelfers" for the same price? Any ideas?

Piece of cake.

www.newegg.com

$200 Shuttle SS56G lunchbox sized PC (comes with everything inside
except CPU, drives and memory)
$129 (1) Corsair XMS PC-2700 512MB RAM (usually more than enough for
most editing apps)
$137 (1) Western Digital 200GB 7200RPM 8MB WD2000JB Hard drive ( Good
for ~14 hours of DV storage, or about ~7 hours for DV editing --
remember, you'll need 2x the standard 13GB / Hour of DV storage capacity
when you're editing video
$218 (1) Pentium 4 3.0E 800Mhz processor
$ 83 (1) NEc ND-2500A 8x DVD burner
$ 24 (1) Mitsumi 7-in-1 flash memory card reader + 3.5" floppy drive
(from http://store.yahoo.com/extremepcgear/mitflashfdd.html - entire
thing fits in one 3.5" bay; extremely useful. allows downloading from
any digital camera flash card w/o an adapter)
---------------------------------------------------------
$791 Total for an awesome system that's more than ready enough to
handle any video editing job you toss at it.

(I'm only running a SS51G with a 2Ghz P4, and that's more than
capable of handling what I've tossed at it.)

----

If you must, an ATI All-In-Wonder 9800 series starting at $218, which
will add TV tuner, analog capture and output, and one of the world's
fastest graphics cards to the above, and an $88 Audigy2 ZS PCI sound
card for superior audio quality. Total cost then of $1,097.



Honestly, ask me, and I'd build the above system myself in an hour
flat rather than deal with any of the pre-built boxes you can buy, which
will have fewer features and slower processors for the same price.

With the above system, you can easily import and export DV videos
with ease, capture client videos from analog sources quickly, have a
multi-monitor display and preview of the edited video on the analog
output, edit/capture/output high-quality, low-noise audio at up to
192kHz sampling rates, burn DVDs at a fast 8x, etc.

You only need to add your OS & applications of choice -- here,
Microsoft Windows XP Professional + Vegas Video 5.0 would be an
excellent choice for almost any job. (Premiere + After Effects is
another solid choice.) My preference goes to Vegas Video.

----

A cost conscious buyer would substitute a cheaper SS51G at $185, a
2.4Ghz processor at $137, a 120GB WD 7200rpm 8MB HD at $90 for a base
system price of $648. Still an highly capable video editing system that
runs faster than mine, and would easily handle most video editing jobs
w/o any problems. And IMO, still highly prefered vs. most other
pre-built boxes due to the size, feature set, and ports (lots of FW &
USB ports front & back on these Shuttle PCs).

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (More info?)

> Honestly, ask me, and I'd build the above system myself in an hour
> flat rather than deal with any of the pre-built boxes you can buy,
which
> will have fewer features and slower processors for the same price.

That's not been my experience. This January I got a barebones Dell 400SC
(875P mobo, one of the fastest and upgradeable around) with a 2.8 gig
processor and then added a meg of memory, WD 120 and 160 gig hd's, and
LiteOn 8X DVD burner. I then added the ATI All in Wonder and SB Live 5.1
cards from my old box. After the Dell buyback (thanks fatwallet.com) and
the various rebates available, my total price including shipping of all
items (most were free) was $553 USD. Except for the slight gain in
processor speed in your theoretical system, I'd match the performance of
my box with that one. And as I'm sure you know, you really need another
hd in your hypothetical system for optimal video editing.

I got the impression the op wasn't interested in the building or
modifying of systems like both our ideas entail. It just depends on what
your willing to do in order to get the fastest system for the lowest
price.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (More info?)

This sounds pretty good to me but I have no experience with Dell. I'd like
to research them a little as I know of only one person who has a Dell and he
complained bitterly about their support. I am assuming that they will build
it themselves with these componets before shipping? I would need a nic card
as it will be hooked to a network for the sole function of sharing the
internet. I also see a deal on ebay for the Pyro 1394 PCI card and cable,
with full retail versions of
Adobe Premiere Pro, DVD Encore, and Audition including manuals and training
materials for around $400. Anyone know of these cards? Seems like quite a
deal.

"Morrmar" <morrmar@myway.com-no spam> wrote in message
news:sxeoc.1003$yF6.48@bignews5.bellsouth.net...
> > Honestly, ask me, and I'd build the above system myself in an hour
> > flat rather than deal with any of the pre-built boxes you can buy,
> which
> > will have fewer features and slower processors for the same price.
>
> That's not been my experience. This January I got a barebones Dell 400SC
> (875P mobo, one of the fastest and upgradeable around) with a 2.8 gig
> processor and then added a meg of memory, WD 120 and 160 gig hd's, and
> LiteOn 8X DVD burner. I then added the ATI All in Wonder and SB Live 5.1
> cards from my old box. After the Dell buyback (thanks fatwallet.com) and
> the various rebates available, my total price including shipping of all
> items (most were free) was $553 USD. Except for the slight gain in
> processor speed in your theoretical system, I'd match the performance of
> my box with that one. And as I'm sure you know, you really need another
> hd in your hypothetical system for optimal video editing.
>
> I got the impression the op wasn't interested in the building or
> modifying of systems like both our ideas entail. It just depends on what
> your willing to do in order to get the fastest system for the lowest
> price.
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (More info?)

> This sounds pretty good to me but I have no experience with Dell. I'd
like
> to research them a little as I know of only one person who has a Dell
and he
> complained bitterly about their support. I am assuming that they will
build

Dell consistently is ranked at the very top of reliability ratings, year
in and year out.

> it themselves with these componets before shipping? I would need a nic
card

No, they don't. To get that price, I had to install the hard/DVD drives
and memory myself, mail in rebate forms, etc. It's not a process for
everyone and as I said in my previous post, I don't think this is the
route you're looking for.

> as it will be hooked to a network for the sole function of sharing the
> internet. I also see a deal on ebay for the Pyro 1394 PCI card and
cable,
> with full retail versions of
> Adobe Premiere Pro, DVD Encore, and Audition including manuals and
training
> materials for around $400. Anyone know of these cards? Seems like
quite a
> deal.

I would be very wary of that offer. I don't know anything about the Pyro
card but full retail versions of PP, Encore and Audition retail for over
$1500 USD. Might be counterfeit copies with no support or upgrade
availability from Adobe. As the cliché goes, if it sounds too good to be
true, it usually is.

 

[Rich]

Archived from groups: rec.video.desktop (More info?)

"jim b" <jimdevo@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:kXAoc.36365$z06.5718582@attbi_s01...
> This sounds pretty good to me but I have no experience with Dell. I'd like
> to research them a little as I know of only one person who has a Dell and
he
> complained bitterly about their support.

Support is a bit like insurance. You don't know how good it really is until
you really need it and then you're usually in a bad mood.

I just received the June issue of Consumer Reports which had an article on
Desktop Computers (and Laptops). Dell was rated number 2 in repair history
(Apple was number one). Dell was rated 3 in technical support behind Apple
and Gateway.

It was interesting to note that 2% of PC's became completely inoperable and
6% had serious problems in the first month. Last year one of my new systems
failed on the 14th day of use from a company which had a 15 day return
policy. I used it as much as possible during that initial period just to
insure it would continue to work.

But then I've gone with HP on my last three purchases because of local
availability (got to have it now) and actually found better total prices
locally.

Rich