MacBook Pro, FCP Universal, Sony HDV and External Hard Drives

Question

MacBook Pro, FCP Universal, Sony HDV and External Hard Drives

Hi,

I'm an Xpress Pro user who has decided to move to Final Cut Pro Studio. I love using Avid's software, but hate being an Avid customer 🙂

I've been searching the forums and have a couple questions...

Is FCP Universal released yet? The web site says March 2006. If it isn't and I buy the regular version today and next week the Universal is released, do I still have to pay another $50 for the upgrade, or should I just wait for Universal to release in order to buy it?

Once I have FCP Universal will it run on one of the 2.0 dual-core MacBook Pro laptops? If so, will it support a workflow of capturing HDV from my Sony M10U deck via firewire to a USB drive? If it won't capture to a USB drive, how about some sort of external drive connected to a controller (sata or firewire) in the ExpressCard/34 slot?

I don't think there are any ExpressCard/34 cards out right now that would support external drives, but if there are does anyone know of any?

Thanks,

Jeron

Posted on Mar 16, 2006 7:29 AM

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Answer 1

James M.

Level 4

1,977 points

Mar 16, 2006 7:44 AM in response to Jeron Coolman

Whoa...

"will it support a workflow of capturing HDV from my Sony M10U deck via firewire to a USB drive? "

Via firewire to a USB drive??? *** !!??

😉

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Answer 2

Mar 16, 2006 7:50 AM in response to Jeron Coolman

Heh heh,

Come on I expect miracles!

I meant "via firewire OR USB". Note to self: Don't post before coffeee...

🙂

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Answer 3

Mar 16, 2006 7:53 AM in response to Jeron Coolman

Hmmm,

Is there a way to edit your threads?

My original post was right...

I want to connect my HDV deck to the only firewire connection on the laptop.

I want to connect an external drive to the USB port or to a controller (when one is available) in the ExpressCard slot.

Then I want to capture the incoming HDV from the deck to the external hard drive.

Jeron

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Answer 4

Mar 16, 2006 8:02 AM in response to Jeron Coolman

The current version of FCP studio is for PowerPC and you'd still be required to spend the extra $50 bucks for the crossgrade, but the shipping for the current version of FCP on apple's website is 3-4 weeks, so might as well wait it out, but who know's, by then they might hike the price.... and yes it will run on MacBook Pro, but i doubt you'll get much comment on how well it works considering nobody has had the opportunity to try it yet.

As far as using a USB drive for you media... not a good idea. USB doesn't work exactly the same as firewire. I believe it sends information in packets as with firewire is streaming. I think the best option would be to capture to your local drive, then swap your camera for a firewire external and offload your footage and edit off that.

I don't know of any ExpressCard/34 cards either, but i'd check with Lacie...

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Answer 5

Mar 16, 2006 8:08 AM in response to Chris Clarke1

I found this..

http://www.siig.com/product.asp?pid=1038&catid=128

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Answer 6

James M.

Level 4

1,977 points

Mar 16, 2006 8:11 AM in response to Chris Clarke1

Hello Jeron... yup, coffee is good!

In terms of hardware, stay clear of USB drives for media capture. The data rates just aren't up to scratch. As far as i know, the new MacBooks only have one Firewire 400 port... which limits your options really... I suggest a good (NOT LaCie) firewire drive that you can daisy chain you camera/deck to.

J

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Answer 7

James M.

Level 4

1,977 points

Mar 16, 2006 8:18 AM in response to Chris Clarke1

Hey Chris... I just looked at the link you posted... Does the card run off a new 'bus'? That would be cool if it does... way to go.

J

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Answer 8

David S.

Level 7

20,636 points

Mar 16, 2006 8:26 AM in response to Jeron Coolman

USB is not fast enough to sustain video editing as a media drive.

Universal apps will be available by March 31st.

You need a ExpressCard/34 to create a second firewire bus and one is noted below.

best wishes

David
Remember to mark an response helpful or solved.
It protects the integrity of the board.

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Answer 9

Mar 16, 2006 8:48 AM in response to Chris Clarke1

Here's a neat little comparison of Firewire Vs. USB 2.0 for mac.

Firewire Vs. USB

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Answer 10

Mar 16, 2006 9:00 AM in response to Jeron Coolman

Thanks for all of the great info.

I understand the differences between the USB and Firewire drives. Alot of the Xpress Pro users are capturing HDV to USB and I still don't understand how 🙂

I'm used to Avid's strict hardware support (or lack-thereof). I'm worried about buying the laptop and FCP Universal not supporting it because of something like, it has an ATI chip and not an Nvidia Quadro chip.

I looked at the web-site and couldn't find a part number for FCP Universal. Am I correct that the only way to order this today is to order the current FCP then order the crossgrade for $50.

I only ask because it seems it just might be easier to order FCP Universal and wait for it to ship.

Jeron

P.S. I just found the Edit button 🙂

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Answer 11

David S.

Level 7

20,636 points

Mar 16, 2006 9:03 AM in response to Jeron Coolman

Unforunately Jeron, many people are unable to find FCStudio anywhere.

You might give a local Apple store a call in San Diego, and see if they have any

best wishes

David
Remember to mark an response helpful or solved.
It protects the integrity of the board.

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Answer 12

Mar 16, 2006 9:31 AM in response to David S.

I ordered the software along with the laptop from my Apple Dealer which is a music store, so he wasn't too clear on a lot of my technial video questions. He still hasn't told me when to expect it.

I was just trying to answer my questions before it was too late to cancel the order. So far everything sounds great. I appreciate everyone's help.

I'm hoping SIIG will release a SATA controller ExpressCard/34 like their ExpressCard/54. The bandwidth of the ExpressCard architecture appears to be so much wider than firewire. An SATA RAID array connected to the ExpressCard/34 would be ideal.

Jeron

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Answer 13

Mar 16, 2006 9:32 AM in response to James M.

Says it's not compatible with Mac OS X v10.4.

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Answer 14

Mar 17, 2006 8:38 AM in response to Jeron Coolman

Is there a way to edit your threads?

Click the little edit button next to the reply button on your post. you obviously have to be logged in.

As far as Firewire to USB 2.0 transfer, The implementation of USB 2.0 on the new Mactels seems to be far better than the older Macs. It actually might be faster than USB 2.0 on my PC, though I have not tested it. We are talking about completely rewritten drivers and a new chip set in the Mactels. I wouldn't rely too much on the information from people that don't have much luck on G5s with this setup. I have transfered large amounts of data from USB Drives to Firewire Drives on my MacBook Pro with very good results. This better performance may have been part of the reason Apple chose not to pursue Firewire 800 on these new systems.

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Answer 15

Mar 17, 2006 8:47 AM in response to David S.

You need a ExpressCard/34 to create a second firewire bus and one is noted below.

David, if you're referring to Chris Clarke's post about the SIIG product, did you note that it's not compatible with Mac OS X v10.4?

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