We've used them all and now we're giving you the world's first and BEST interactive comparison matrix. This year we've included some really cool new features. I'm going to quickly break down each section of the survey results to help you get the most out of this survey.
Which Real-Time Solution is right for me?
This is the sixty-four thousand dollar question. Before we can answer it, you really need to think about what kind of video work you do, what your budget is and what computer will you have available to put it in. Next you need to focus in on the Real-Time features that you feel will be the most beenficial to you. In my RT-4 article I describe my top 3 Real-Time features: Keyframable 3D FX, Color Correction and Speed control. I use these all the time. I've really gotten into making my own DVDs. So I look for tools and utilities that will make this faster and easier for me.
I'm going to do this in a Q&A format. The order fo the questions is not relative to their importance. I wanted to have a 'flow' to the thinking and allow you to reach your own conclusions based on your own particular wants, needs & budget.
What kind of computer do you own?
- If you've got an older machine that is under 1.8Ghz CPU speed then your decision comes down to the Pinnacle products. The Pro-One RTDV delivers an outstanding feature set. It uses hardware muscle, not CPU speed, to deliver it's performance.
- If you just got a screaming new 2.2 Ghz or faster, take a good hard look at the Matrox offerings. At $499.95 the RTX.10 delivers a ton of Real-Time performance for the money. The RTX.100 was out Top new product for 2002 and it delivers a tremendous amount of Real-Time features.
- If you've got a hot new laptop (1.8Ghz or faster) the new Dazzle DPS RTVP is a great choice.
What kind of video work do you do?
- For the event videographer the DV Storm2 has been a proven performer. Many of you guys use multiple cameras and the Storm2's ability to handle up to 5 streams of video in real-time is very important. Many Event Videographers also like using Storm Edit as their primary NLE tool. it's not as powerful as Premiere, but it's way easier and it's got the features and tools you need to get the job done.
- The RTX.100 is another good choice for the Event Videographer. While it can only handle 2 streams of video, it has the ability to apply 3D FX as a filter to graphics and titles. This makes it an excellent tool for photo montages and opening sequences. The RTX.100 integrates beautifully with Premiere, and together they provide you with the stability and features you demand.
- So you want to be an independent DV Film Maker? Get Xpress DV. Go all the way with the PowerPack. You won't regret it. An added benefit of editing your feature on Xpress DV is being able to tell backers and/or future employers that you are an experienced Avid editor.
- For corporate video work the flashy 3D FX aren't usually used. You need the basics. Cuts, dissolves, titles. The DV500 DVD may be enough for you. If you require more power and multiple layers of video, it's the DV Storm for you. If this is the beginning of a full time in house video production studio, get Xpress DV. The media mamagement tools are superb and the odds are at some point you are going to want to migrate some of your projects to a full blown Media Composer or Symphony editing suite/house.
What's the best choice for a home videographer?
- If you're like me, you just like to make family videos. You probably don't always shoot the best footage. You're a 3D FX guy. You like to edit, but you also want to do it as quickly and painlessly as possible.
- If you have the computer horsepower, go with the "Power of X". The RTX.10 is a great low cost solution for you. You'll get plenty of 3D FX, the single pass scan and capture tool will save you hours and hours of time, and the real-time automatic white balance tool will be your ace in the whole.
- If you can afford it, step up to the RTX.100. The Real-Time DV & MPEG2 output alone are worth the extra bucks. Add in the additional Flex 3D FX and real-time chroma-kay and it's a no brainer.
- If you don't have a fast enough machine for the "Power of X", get a Pro-One RTDV. It's a great value and the Hollywood FX transitions will blow your friends and family away.
What if you only have a $500 budget?
- If you've got a 2.2 Ghz or faster, get the RTX.10. It's a no brainer. It is so much more powerful then the other under $500 choices.
- If you've got an older machine, the DV500 DVD will get the job done for you. You may also want to check out the Pro-One 2.0. The version without real-time DV output is only $699.95. It's over your budget, but it may be worht the stretch for all the cool 3D FX and additional features.
- If you've got a 1.8 Ghz or faster laptop the new Dazzle RTVP is the only game in town. An added benefit is that you can also install it on your home computer and go back and forth. There is no hardware to install, you just plug in the special FireWire breakout box. So it is also ideal for adding to a computer that already has FireWire hardware in it.
- If you are a student or a teacher, check out the Xpress DV Student Pack. It's the same Avid software that you would get in the PowerPack, without any of the additional 3rd party software. For only $499.95 it is a steal - but you must provide proof that you are eleigble for it.
Whch is the best for making DVDs?
- The DV Storm2 includes their MPEG Encoder card for real-time export of DV ready files. You'll get outstadning quality and speed. The included Ulead DVD Workshop software is OK, but it's does not have all the features of the fullr etail version.
- The RTX.100 has excellent MPEG export tools. You can choose between real-time export or Matrox's Go-Motion plug-in for more control and even higher quality. While it only inlcudes the le version of DVDit!, for a limited time Matrox is offering a mail in upgrade to SE. I recommend taking advantage of our $200 instant upgrade to DVDit! PE
- The Pinnacle DV500 DVD and Pro-One RTDV include TurboMPEG export and the ability to edit your MPEG2 files in Premiere. Combined these are very powerful tools that may be more valuable to you then Real-Time MPEG2 export. The full Impressions DVD Pro is a very powerful and feature rich Authroing solution.
- Whichever card you select, make sure you order one of our DVD bundles. We give you everythng you will need for DVD producing and we save you a whole bunch of money. Click here to check out our DVD bundles!!
Additional Hands on reviews of Real-Time Cards on Videoguys.com
Videoguys' Hands on Review of the Pro-One 2.0 and Pro-One RTDV family of products!!
Pinnacle adds new features and Real-Time output to make the Pro-One better then ever! With the 2.0 driver release and the new RT DV hardware version, Pinnacle has gotten it right. What I like most about the Pro-ONE family of products is that they deliver their full real-time features on an older machine as slow as a 1Ghz.. New features include real-time color correction, Motion Tracking, 12 new filters invluding Lens Flare and water drop, Pinnacle Scene Cutter, new MPEG2/DVD optimization and a new breakout box w/ FireWire.
Videoguys' Hands on Review of the Amazing new Matrox RTX.100 & the Power of X!
Matrox has set a new standard for real-time NLE performance. The "Power of X" is the real deal and this hot new product delivers fantastic real-time performance. Even more important the install was a breeze and I'm getting rock solid performance. If you have a lightning fast computer and you are thinking about getting a new card, this is the one to get!
Videoguys' Hands on First Look at Avid Xpress DV 3
Professional Real-Time Non-Linear Editing – 100% Real-Time, 100% Avid and 100% Cross Platform Last year Avid introduced Xpress DV 2.0. This gave the world the first taste of an affordable Avid video editing solution that was 100% software based. This meant you could edit on a workstation or a laptop. If you thought Xpress DV 2.0 was exciting, then Xpress DV 3.0 is going to rock your world! We've got lots of screen grabs from the new interface and samples of the new Illusion FX included with the PowerPack.
Pinnacle DV500 DVD hands on review
Turbo Charged for DVD production and Tweaked out for productivity!!
With the release of the DV500 DVD Pinnacle has once again established why they are the industry leader in delivering NLE solutions that combine cutting edge features, powerful performance and affordability. The DVD500 is based on the best selling and award winning DV500 capture card. With the DV500 DVD, Pinnacle has added a whole suite of new tools that add optimization for DVD production and increased productivity tools to make your editing even easier.
Videoguys' Hands on Review of the Pinnacle Pro-ONE
Hollywood FX RT provides you with hundreds of Real-Time, animated FX
Up to 10 layers of real-time FX including PIP, slow motion, color correction, Zoom & Rotate
Automatic Image Stabilization gets rid of camera shakes & jitters
This in depth hands on review is loaded with screen shots, sample FX and information about this incredible breakthrough in Real-Time NLE technology!!!
The Videoguys' Insider interviews about real-time NLE
Vol 2 Issue 3 DV Expo East 2002 report
In this issue we report on all the latest and greatest new video gear introduced at DV Expo East 2002! It's going to be a HOT summer for digital videographers!!
Vol 1 Issue 5 Pinnacle Pro-ONE
For this months Videoguys Insider I'm going across the Atlantic to Germany to talk to Joern Lembke the Product Marketing Manager for Pinnacle's new Pro-One real-time 3D card and the entire product line that includes the DC1000 and DV500 series.
Vol 1 Issue 4 Matrox RT2500
For the months Insider I'm going north of the border, to Montreal, Canada and two of the guys responsible for the fantastic success of the RT2000/2500. Alberto Cieri is the Worldwide Sales Manager and Patrick Beaulieu is the RT2500 product manager.
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Videoguys' NEW and IMPROVED (January 2003) Interactive Real-Time NLE Comparison!! Includes all the latest real-time solutions from Matrox, Pinnacle, Canopus, Avid & Dazzle!