Crafters,
I just noticed your input and did not mean to blow you off (sorry about that.) Getting a custom build from a 'builder shop' is quite a viable option. All of our standard workstations are pre-builts and save us a ton of money. I'm at the stage now where I'm listed as a dealer and can get parts at dealer prices (much cheaper than retail) so I can still save more money building a high-end rig than getting someone to do it for me. The advantages of a reputable builder shop are a) they'll do all the heavy lifting for you (including testing), and b) if they are reputable, they'll save you more money than if you'd got something similar from the big names. Eventually, you'll want to take the plunge yourself and build your own. One thing I did was learn from the builders putting together my personal rigs way back when. The first few 'puters I built were all solid (except for one in which the mobo croaked) and there were some 'hair pulling sessions in the early days (WHY ISN'T THIS WORKING!?!?) 10 times out of 10 it turned out to just be my lack of knowledge and the eleventh it was actually the gear or software. I'd always get it cleared up and move on. As I'll continue to state, 'building isn't for everyone'. What I now find not difficult would make many jump off a bridge in frustration (producing's like that too but that's another post.)
Norman,
"I liked this article, but a lot of it went over my head. Does this box do everything that the Matrox RT.X2 does, plus it also translates to FCP (in case I ever get a Mac)?"
Side by side the Matrox and the Multi-Bridge Pro do similar things. Both have PCIex interface cards and both are breakout boxes combined with the cards will give supported NLE programs hardware supported render acceleration. Where they really start to differ is in price and scope of input/output. The Matrox RTX2 has a 'step down' version in the RTX2LE which btw is cheaper and does similar stuff. The Multibridge Pro2 is the 'step down' version of the Multibridge Eclipse which is a muuuuuuuuuuch more affordable alternative to the Avid Nitris line of breakout boxes and does nearly the same thing. The Eclipse Pro2 does everything the Eclipse does (except) it has half the array of pro connections and no cool flashing LED's on the front. That's the huge difference between the Pro2 and the Matrox. The RTX2 breakout box doesn't have professional connections for audio and video. No HDMI (for straight to NLE capture), no XLR's, BNC's for HD or SD analog connections, no RS-422 port for remote control of pro decks and no SDI connectors for affordable pro cameras like Canon's XH-G1, XL-H1 or JVC's GYHD250. And if the 'Production God's' willing you get hold of a RED ONE it would be a shame not to be able to just hook it up because you don't have an SDI connection. And yes, if you have collaborators who have been rendered hopelessly subsurvient to the mac empire (that one's for my fellow producer who's been lamenting his wallet lightening purchase of a new G5 setup) then you can easily hook it up to their system and off they go (just wipe up after you're done.) As for whether it will accelerate Vegas, I currently have no answer. Currently, it has drivers to support it but I haven't seen anything more about its performance with Vegas. Lastly, I'd take it in stages; gas your current system far as it can go / you can afford. Then the next system build / get built something with a particular software in mind. The good thing about Avid is they have 'stages' too. Now that Media Composer is their lower - mid-line workhorse they've adapted their breakout boxes to meet the need. Mojo DS is where you'll start (but you'll pay $10k for the software and the breakout box) and those same Production Gods willing, you'll move up to Nitris (cha-CHIIIIINGGGGG!) Either way you may have to buy a pre-built since Avid is certified to work only on HP's, Mac's and maybe specific Dell's. If you research your parts well, you'll probably be able to build something that will run it without grief.
Global,
Welcome aboard. And yes they will enhance SD performance. Ohy! You're draggin' the old workhorse along aint'cha? I'm not too sure either of these setups are going to work for you. If your system's mobo doesn't have a PCIex slot fuggeddaboutit! Also, much as I resist getting on the software upgrade 'merry-go-round' Adobe runs us on (I upgrade every other version at max. Those of you who just bought CS4, 5 is due out next year), CS 3, 4 or 5 should be in your immediate future. Yeah, just post your spec's and I'll 'survey the devastation'. Hopefully, I won't have to grab the paddles and yell, "CLEAR!!!"
