Videomaker Forums » Tag: computer

Videomaker Forums » Tag: computer - Recent Posts http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Videomaker Forums » Tag: computer - Recent Posts en Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:00:05 +0000 Franko on "Help with building custom Editing Computer." http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-with-building-custom-editing-computer#post-50472 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:00:34 +0000 Franko 50472@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Thanks everyone for your help. I appreciate any and all input from everyone. I will check out the suggested sites and previous forum posts. Thanks everyone. MazdaMan on "Help with building custom Editing Computer." http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-with-building-custom-editing-computer#post-50461 Mon, 31 Aug 2009 02:08:15 +0000 MazdaMan 50461@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I know you are wanting a response from the professionals so I hope you don't take this as being rude but this is what I'm running as a hobbyist for a bottom of the bucket reference point. I do very low budget tech videos for my automotive website. My existing home computer wasn't even capable of movie editing so I had a budget of $500 to buy a camera and upgrade my old computer for the editing. I'm running an Asus P5QL Pro board with 2GB of ram and a 2.8 GHz P4 HT processor. The hard drive I'm using is a 350Gb 7200rpm drive and I originally had an EVGA e-GeForce 8600 GTS video card. With this setup on premiere v7.0 it took between 1-2 minutes to render video in the default Microsoft DV AVI format, whatever that is (I'm not a video buff) converting it to MPEG2 for youtube took about an hour to render a 5 minute video. I later upgraded to a GeForce 9600 GT video card (had an issue with the 8600 I received), since I built the computer to upgrade later and everything was being limited by the processor and it's buss speed I overclocked it to 3.6 GHz and the rendering times dropped by about 1/3rd would have dropped more if I upgraded the processor but I needed another vid card while the old one was in for warranty and decided to not go with a lower powered one. Make sure that the power supply you select is capable of providing the amperage your video card needs, just because it provides the wattage doesn't mean the rail will power the video card. NormanWillis on "Help with building custom Editing Computer." http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-with-building-custom-editing-computer#post-50445 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:04:38 +0000 NormanWillis 50445@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I think JR used to have qualms about building a Core i7, because there appeared to be some earlier hyperthreading issues. But he no longer has qualms about that, and for building a new machine he recommends a core i7. I would write to him with questions. He is a humble guy, and will try to help. NormanWillis on "Help with building custom Editing Computer." http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-with-building-custom-editing-computer#post-50444 Sun, 30 Aug 2009 11:00:48 +0000 NormanWillis 50444@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <a href="http://www.johnrofrano.com/pcequipment.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.johnrofrano.com/pcequipment.htm</a> composite1 on "Help with building custom Editing Computer." http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-with-building-custom-editing-computer#post-50434 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 04:08:31 +0000 composite1 50434@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Franko, This very topic has been discussed in detail enough to give you a good idea of what you may need or are looking for. Look in the 'To Build or Not to Build' thread in the 'Editing' section. If you have any direct questions to ask me specifically, please post them in that thread. Don't sweat it though, there are tons of others in the forums who can point you in the right direction too. Franko on "Help with building custom Editing Computer." http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/help-with-building-custom-editing-computer#post-50422 Fri, 28 Aug 2009 21:25:49 +0000 Franko 50422@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ A very good friend of mine (getting a degree in Computer Engineering.)is going to build me a custom computer. It is gonna cost a hell of a lot less then any from a brand. And obviously I want it specifically for editing, and other video/film tasks. My friend is a very smart tech guy, where I am not. So he raddled off names of video cards, sound cards, etc. that are top of the line for gaming mostly. But he knows nothing about Video Editing computer equipment, and I don't either. So I was wondering if I could get some help from the community. What should I get for a great video editing computer? what kind of Video Card, Sound Card, or any other cards that will aid in video editing. As well as what Media drives should I get, etc. If you could build your own system, what would you want in it as a video profesional? Thanks to all. BruceMol on "Recording off a computer" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/recording-off-a-computer#post-49565 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 22:36:14 +0000 BruceMol 49565@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ There are a number of ways and programs to accomplish what you want to do. if you are working on a windows computer you can load the free Windows Media Encoder 9 ('google' that). With WME9 you'll be able to make window capture movies but you won't be able to annotate them, but you can narrate over them. I like WME9 for quick reolutions from the HELPDESK. When I worked support I would send users a quick narrated movie about how to make a Table of Contents in MS WORD or a distribution list in OUTLOOK; a person can get really quick at it and you can save the movie files with the call centre log number for future reference. i.e. make once, send many times. I've used Adobe Captivate and Techsmith Camtasia and found them very easy to use. I would lean towords the Adobe if you are starting to make and collect a large number of learning objects and may be working with SCORM or similar LMS. For a bunch of 'one-offs' Camtasia or similar will do nicely. In a pinch i.e. ZERO budget, I've even made training material using screen captures, PowerPoint and an animated icon. robgrauert on "Recording off a computer" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/recording-off-a-computer#post-49562 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:55:38 +0000 robgrauert 49562@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ You can purchase Snapz Pro, which is a simple, easy-to-use screen capture program, or you can darken the room your computer is in and videotape the screen if you don't want to buy software. In my opinion, the software will give you better results. Snapz Pro isn't that expensive either. comatoad on "Recording off a computer" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/recording-off-a-computer#post-49559 Tue, 28 Jul 2009 21:23:06 +0000 comatoad 49559@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I have the opportunity to do a training video, with most of the information being presented on how to use a new program on the computer, complete with the mouse arrow and key strokes. How do you record all this activity being done on a computer? Years ago, I remember doing some recording with a windows movie program, but that was a long time ago. Is there a program you can use to record this activity on a computer, or do you need to do a CU of the screen, and watch for glare? NormanWillis on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8/page/2#post-46760 Wed, 13 May 2009 21:48:02 +0000 NormanWillis 46760@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ >> Not sure I know exactly what you mean. Generally I will capture onto an external hard drive through my desktop and most likely bring that with me to use with the lap top...is that what you'd recommend? Again I really appreciate the help! What I mean is that I am just a beginning editor. I would think that unless you need to purchase today, I would wait until some guys like Comp and Crafters have had time to give you their input, as they know more than I do. But your proposed system looks good to me. I understand about the need to edit while traveling. Norman lastingmemories on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8/page/2#post-46757 Wed, 13 May 2009 19:17:33 +0000 lastingmemories 46757@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Not sure I know exactly what you mean. Generally I will capture onto an external hard drive through my desktop and most likely bring that with me to use with the lap top...is that what you'd recommend? Again I really appreciate the help! NormanWillis on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8/page/2#post-46756 Wed, 13 May 2009 19:15:54 +0000 NormanWillis 46756@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ >>Great Point on the one I just constructed I went with the 500 and 7200...tried to outline above but it doesnt look like it came through very good...2.53 ghz, 6 GB DDR3 System Memory, 1GB NVidia Graphics Card and an 18" monitor...a little more than the budgeted amount but at 1700 it's a good buy? It looks good to me, but unless you have to move on it today, I would also get some advice from some of the more senior editors. Ultimately it is your choice, and personal preference, but they will know much more than I do. Norman NormanWillis on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8/page/2#post-46755 Wed, 13 May 2009 19:13:08 +0000 NormanWillis 46755@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ >>Yeah I actually already have a number of external hard drives that I will be using for data storage..the only storage on the laptop will be current projects so to limit the load on the road... Wait. Are you planning on reading and writing to C:\, and you also have the operating system and NLE on C:\? Or are you putting all data on D:\ external (which is the recommended option)? Norman lastingmemories on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8/page/2#post-46754 Wed, 13 May 2009 19:11:39 +0000 lastingmemories 46754@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Great Point on the one I just constructed I went with the 500 and 7200...tried to outline above but it doesnt look like it came through very good...2.53 ghz, 6 GB DDR3 System Memory, 1GB NVidia Graphics Card and an 18" monitor...a little more than the budgeted amount but at 1700 it's a good buy? NormanWillis on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8/page/2#post-46753 Wed, 13 May 2009 19:07:38 +0000 NormanWillis 46753@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ OK. But if you are going to store data on an external drive, then why do you need 500GB internal? Why not take the 320GB internal, and get the speed? Norman lastingmemories on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8/page/2#post-46752 Wed, 13 May 2009 19:04:29 +0000 lastingmemories 46752@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Yeah I actually already have a number of external hard drives that I will be using for data storage..the only storage on the laptop will be current projects so to limit the load on the road... NormanWillis on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8/page/2#post-46751 Wed, 13 May 2009 18:59:13 +0000 NormanWillis 46751@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ >>That does help...I guess it would help to know the budget which is around 1500. I agree on the 7200 but it would only allow me the 7200 at 320 GB vs the 500 GB at 5400... OK, it does help a lot to know your budget. Are you looking at an external hdd for data, or are you needing to do it all on one internal drive? I would strongly recommend getting an external drive for data, and as fast as you can. Even if you cannot afford it right now, you could always migrate that way. Data is huge. If you get a machine with a 1394 (Firewire) port (which is fairly standard), an external firewire drive for data will really speed things up for you. I hope that helps. Norman lastingmemories on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8/page/2#post-46750 Wed, 13 May 2009 18:46:23 +0000 lastingmemories 46750@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Does this look any better? Vista Premium 64 bit Intel Core 2 Duo Processor 2.53 Ghz <a href="_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_2','2');">6GB DDR3 System Memory (2 Dimm) - For 1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M</a> <a href="_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_4','4');">1GB Nvidia GeForce GT 130M - For DDR3 Memory</a> <a href="_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_5','5');">18.4" diagonal High Definition HP Ultra BrightView Infinity Display (1920x1080p)</a> <a href="_tabBar.moveToTab('tab0','m_c_6','6');">Blu-Ray ROM with SuperMulti DVD+/-R/RW Double Layer</a> lastingmemories on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8/page/2#post-46748 Wed, 13 May 2009 18:29:31 +0000 lastingmemories 46748@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ That does help...I guess it would help to know the budget which is around 1500. I agree on the 7200 but it would only allow me the 7200 at 320 GB vs the 500 GB at 5400... NormanWillis on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8/page/2#post-46747 Wed, 13 May 2009 18:07:24 +0000 NormanWillis 46747@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ The basic chassis looks good, but I would look for a 7200RPM drive. I would also purchase aftermarket memory, as HP laptop memory is notoriously slow. The main advantage of x64 bits is to add memory, so I do not know how much advantage x64 will give you over x32, but it should give some. Also consider adding 4GB ReadyBoost RAM (a fast flash card). And I do not know your budget, but Dell makes workstations that handle more than 4GB of RAM, which is where the real advantage of x64 is found. <a href="http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/workstation-precision-m6400?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&~oid=us~en~4~workstation-precision-m6400_anav2">http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/workstation-precision-m6400?c=us&l=en&s=bsd&cs=04&~oid=us~en~4~workstation-precision-m6400_anav2</a>~~ I hope that helps. Norman lastingmemories on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8/page/2#post-46744 Wed, 13 May 2009 17:28:53 +0000 lastingmemories 46744@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ This thread has been extremely helpful. I also thought I would throw another angle at it. I have found that I have the need to do alot of editing on the road so I am looking for a laptop to edit using Vegas Pro 8.0. I was about to purchase an HP with the following specs but that I would get all your opinions first... Windows Vista 64 Bit Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T9550 4GB DDR2 System Memory 500 GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive 1 GB NVidia Ge Force GT 130M 16" HD Screen Thoughts????? NormanWillis on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8/page/2#post-46585 Fri, 08 May 2009 16:02:50 +0000 NormanWillis 46585@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ NP. Whatever/whenever is best for you. Talk with you then. Norman yourvideographer on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8/page/2#post-46574 Fri, 08 May 2009 07:02:54 +0000 yourvideographer 46574@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ That is Great to see Norman! Hey I am sorry I haven't been real active on the thread lately, but I have gotten busy this week and this next wweek my brother will be in town, so I will get back to the thread when I get some time. Have a Great Day! Chad composite1 on "SUPER Converter....32-Bit VS 64-Bit??? What?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/super-converter32-bit-vs-64-bit-what#post-46564 Fri, 08 May 2009 03:55:59 +0000 composite1 46564@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Rockstar, The diff between a 32 and 64-bit system is that a 64-bit computer architecture generally has integer and addressing registers that are 64 bits wide, allowing direct support for 64-bit data types and addresses. In english, that means a 64-bit system can compute 2x more data than a 32-bit system, 4x more than a 16-bit system and so on. With a 32-bit system you can access a tremendous amount of RAM (HP has a new system that has 192GB!) whereas a 32-bit system can access no more than 4 (2-3 if you're lucky.) Your converter sounds like you need 64-bit drivers to support its function in the 64-bit environment. Check the manufacturer's website to see if they have the new drivers. RockstarRider on "SUPER Converter....32-Bit VS 64-Bit??? What?" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/super-converter32-bit-vs-64-bit-what#post-46556 Fri, 08 May 2009 02:20:22 +0000 RockstarRider 46556@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ I had SUPER converter on my old computer which was a 32-bit XP. And now I have a 64-bit Vista computer, and i installed the SUPER converter but now it stops after converting about 3-4 videos. What is the difference between 32 and 64-bit computers, what does it mean exaclty?....and if u know, why doesn't the SUPER converte function preperly...Is there something I can do? NormanWillis on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8/page/2#post-46547 Thu, 07 May 2009 23:02:18 +0000 NormanWillis 46547@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi Chad. If anyone still things Vegas is not a pro-grade NLE, it now supports Red One and 4K. This from the Videoguys' latest emailing: NEW! Support for Gigapixel-Size Pictures With Vegas Pro 9 software you can pan, scan, and crop extremely large images to create a movie sequence while maintaining HD resolution. Vegas Pro 9 software also supports video stills from professional-level camcorders and still cameras that take stitch multiple pictures together to form a large single image. NEW! Enhanced Native XDCAM and AVCHD Support The new Device Explorer feature enables users to quickly browse the contents of both XDCAM EX devices and AVCHD cameras, allowing users to selectively import files and use them natively, without conversion to an intermediate format. Vegas Pro 9 also allows users to directly capture XDCAM-compatible MXF files from supported SD/HDSDI sources. The new capture-compress function allows broadcast editors to convert their legacy SD or HD tape-based material, including Digital Betacam, HDCAM, and DVCPRO 100, into high-quality, IT-friendly MXF clips conforming to the Sony XDCAM MPEG2 standard. NEW! Open and Edit RED ONE Files on the Timeline Vegas Pro 9 software has advanced support for 4K workflows, including support for RED ONE files. I still think you made a good move by starting with Vegas 8.1 (64 bit), and then upgrading to Vegas Pro 9 once they come out with the first service pack (9.0a or 9.1a), which will provide much beefier support on the back end. I hope that helps. Norman NormanWillis on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8#post-46464 Tue, 05 May 2009 14:34:45 +0000 NormanWillis 46464@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Chad, This latest post of yours gives me a completely different picture of who you are, and what you are going for. Please correct me if I am wrong: your total budget is not 5K$: your computer/software/NLE budget is 5K$, and your camera budget is more than that? All of these cameras are 'next gen' for me. I have a distant dream of owning a P2 (HPX-300), but at the moment I do not have budget, and cannot justify the cost. At the moment I am just planning some lightly composited 'educational apologetics' type videos for our organization, which my little 3CCD HDR-FX1 palmcorder-and-teleprompter setup will probably handle just fine, but this is interesting stuff for me to learn about. Just to give you a better sense of who I am (and what experience I do not yet have), here is my A camera: <a href="http://www.videomaker.com/article/10594/">http://www.videomaker.com/article/10594/</a> And here is my B camera/tape-feed unit: <a href="http://www.videomaker.com/article/12070/">http://www.videomaker.com/article/12070/</a> From what little I see, the cameras you are looking at here look really, really good (I am thinking the HPX-301e is the same camera as the HPX-300). Personally I liked the reviews of the Panasonic HPX-300 the best; however I may be biased, as I have had my distant sights on a P2 camera for some time. At the moment my main challenge is just to get my head wrapped around Sony Vegas (and its 'Production Assistant), and then Boris Red (and then Adobe CS4, etceteras). Then after that I need to figure out my lighting configuration for my greenscreen, but that is another matter. Speaking completely out of ignorance, I liked the HPX-300 best, but Comp will surely know more. However, you may have something specific in mind. Norman yourvideographer on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8#post-46452 Tue, 05 May 2009 07:06:39 +0000 yourvideographer 46452@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ <h2>Here are some more cameras I have been looking at: </h2> <h2>JVC GY-HM700 HD</h2> <a href="http://www.b-roll.net/today/2009/03/philip-bloom-and-the-jvc-gy-hm700-hd/">http://www.b-roll.net/today/2009/03/philip-bloom-and-the-jvc-gy-hm700-hd/</a> Panasonic AG-HPX300 <a href="http://philipbloom.co.uk/reviews/cvp-tv-review-of-panasonic-hpx-301e/">http://philipbloom.co.uk/reviews/cvp-tv-review-of-panasonic-hpx-301e/</a> <a href="http://www.b-roll.net/today/2009/02/hpx30/">http://www.b-roll.net/today/2009/02/hpx30/</a> I will have some others tomorrow NormanWillis on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8#post-46451 Tue, 05 May 2009 05:17:21 +0000 NormanWillis 46451@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Hi Comp. I appreciate the information on the MBP on the other thread. I never did understand why 'they' ditched HD-DVD. Why take something affordable (that people would probably use) and replace it with something that is unaffordable, that no one is using? I just don't get it. I would have happily used HD-DVD, as it would have been perfect for what I am doing. I should let you know, though, that I may have a different 'client base' than most. Essentially I am making training videos and documentaries for our members' use, both for now and in the future. The plan is to make the videos available at cost through a print on demand house, and also to make a self-extracting .iso file available for purchase on the web. Basically we only plan to charge cost, and no profit (since our ethics rules say we are supposed to survive on donations only). Then we also want to upload the video to YouTube, Veoh, Vimeo, Metacafe and Mogulus in whatever formats they have (SD, HQ, and HD), and then to embed these videos on our website, so that Vimeo or YouTube (or someone else) carries the bandwidth. Eventually, I expect the resolution standards to go higher, and I'd really rather not have to re-record, unless I have to. What that means to me, in practical terms, is that if I both record, burn, upload and archive in both SD and HD now, then whatever format they ultimately come out with (HD-DVD, Blu-Ray, Flash media, or whatever), all I have to do is to figure out how to cut it over to the appropriate format. I wish my machine was 1080p, but 1080i is probably good enough; plus we already have it, and we are flat out of budget for new equipment. So my present plan is to burn, edit, upload, embed, distribute, and also archive in as high of resolution as possible. I understand that HDV tape is a decent archiving format, so I will probably make two or three copies of HDV tape, and then store them in different locations. It is an excellent point you make about Blu-Ray. I am not presently aware of any Print-On-Demand Blu-ray facility; and if people are not using that format (because of cost), then why invest in a burner? Why not just archive back to HDV tape, and then wait for whatever format eventually actually takes off? The Matrox will work for me on this machine, and for right now, because I have an HDV camera (although it is only 1080i, and not 1080p), and with the economy looking like it is, I will probably have it for a long, long time. So that is what I have, so I had better get used to it. But maybe some day I will get blessed with a 2K machine! And then I will also need a new computer....and a Mojo....hrmm.... So for right now I am just happy that I am finally getting time to dig into the Douglas Spotted Eagle training DVD, because it means I am getting closer to being able to actually get started. I have been looking forward to this for a very long time, and now that it is almost here it is scary. Norman composite1 on "I need Help looking for a Computer to run Vegas Pro 8" http://videomaker.com/community/forums/topic/i-need-help-looking-for-a-computer-to-run-vegas-pro-8#post-46440 Mon, 04 May 2009 23:27:33 +0000 composite1 46440@http://videomaker.com/community/forums/ Norman, No 'contradiction' perceived. 'Future proofing' is hard to do, futile and expensive. Most of the folks that ask questions on these posts are newbies to intermediate types. Trying not to get caught between the manufacturer's and their 'predetermined' format changes is hard enough for pro's. I can tell you most of the people jumping on the 1080p train haven't mastered 720p or 1080i yet! Your average bride looking for wedding video or client looking for training/event video don't have the capacity to understand, can pay for or care about hi-res HD video. Not to mention unless you're up to speed on Blu-ray authoring, can deliver a digital 'print' on harddrive for projection or upload properly compressed HD video to online servers you're 'spinnin' your wheels.' Now if you're doing this for a living and have the client base you believe has or is making the transition to hi-res HD, then yeah run with it. Because, if you don't you can shoot your stuff in hi-res but you're going to have to down-res it to SD anyway. Also, storage and archiving of hi-res footage is a real issue. Storing on Blu-ray Disc and 'client drives' are the current options but for the person just getting started, those are expensive options outside of the 'trust fund' set. Case in point: You and I both did a collective 'drool' over HP's Z800. But unless you have the resources on hand to support such a rig and the clientele to purchase such high-end output, it doesn't make sense to get one. So no, I didn't perceive any contraditiction. Good advice/info comes from all angles. Speaking of which check the 'build or not....' thread for the answer I got about the Multi-bridge Pro.