Question Regarding Building A System?

[Raydog72]

I am thinking of putting together a system with the following components: Canopus ADVC100, G5 Dual (OS 10.2), Final Cut 3, Epson Stylus Photo RX500 and 2 Lacie (Fire Wire 800) 250GB external drives? I am currently building a system described above and don't want complications. I am seeking professional advice regarding this possible setup. Every thing I read online and talking with friends reveals no potential problems. Any advice would be great. Thank you in advance.

[David]

What is the reason for the Canopus?

Is it that you wish to convert non DV footage to DV footage through the inputs?

You are aware that the G5 has firewire, no doubt.

If you don't intend to use any other inputs other than DV, then minimize your issues and use FW onboard.

And, the reason for 2 lacie FW 800 250 Gb drives?

One internal SATA Hitachi 250 will give you 23 hours of DV footage.

Again, to minimize issues, if you don't need that much storage, keep it internal.

[Raydog72]

Correct, the Canopus is for analog to DV conversion. HI-8, VHS, etc to DV via FW to G5. The Lacie drives are for storage space. I understand I can go internal, but FW 800 is fine for what I am doing. The G5 also came with 120 GB internal. I just want to make sure that FCP 3 won't have any issues when I install it. Right now my system is clean nothing installed nothing bought. Don't want to make incorrect purchases and compatibility problems on this system. Thank you.

[David]

I've not heard of any reported problems with the G5s and 3.0.2?

Are you going to run Panther or 10.2.8?

[Raydog72]

David,

I believe I will be running Jaguar. I am still debating if I should go with FCP 3.0 or 4.0? It is imperative that the loading of the software (FCP) runs as smooth as possible with my OS. I have to turn around a client’s project within the next several months. What would you recommend regarding the OS Jaguar or Panther? FCP 3 or 4, which combination in your opinion runs smoothest? 2pop has been a wonderful place for resource information. Thanks to people like you, I can continue to move forward with my computer setup. Thank you for your help.

[David]

All I can say is what ever you do make certain you run clean system.

No screen savers, background utilities, virus checks, backup anything.

Don't turn on energy savers, go to sleep for hard drives, or anything.

I've worked in Panther with FCP 4.1 and it's running smoothly.