I do some hd home video editing on my imac, and occasionally, I get a bit of a freeze-up while viewing my movies? Anyone else having this issue? Is it because of the so-called crappy video card? Would a macbook pro be better for hd video?
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iMac 24" 2.8Ghz 2GB RAM: Issues editing HD video
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Can you be more specific...ie, what app (imovie, Final Cut, etc...) are you using...second, what camera and format (HDV, AIC, DVC Pro HD etc) are the files in and what flavor of HD (720p/1080i).
I have the same machine as you, and I edit HD from a 1080i AVCHD source (Canon HG10) to AIC and the machine flies. The one good thing about the ATI Radeon 2600 Pro HD card is that it is supposed to be great at rendering HD video. I have had no problems.
I have a Sony HDR-HC7, use iMovie HD 6, and it is in HDV 1080i format. I keep my project file on a WD MyBook premium edition because it's like 50GB. I just get an occasional skip while playing- it's kinda strange.
Since you are using iMovie, the HDV is transcoded into AIC. This means that it should be easier on the processor and not harder...Are you connecting the WD drive with USB? That might be the problem due to transfer rates, although it shouldn't be an issue...I suggest Firewire 800 for editing...I am not sure how stable the recent iMovie 6 is, you might want to look at the Mac Support Forums and see if anyone else is having problems with it. My old Powerbook G4 (1.33 Ghz) could edit HD without stuttering. You iMac should be a beast with HD...something isn't right there.
The powerbook G4 has 2 gigs of Ram and a ATI Radeon Video Card with 64 Bit Video Ram...I never did 1080i on it, but I cut a lot of native 720/24P HDV from the JVC HD100 camera...cthe playback was fine as long as there was no effects applied. An effects of course needed rendering, but that shouldn't be a problem. I have tried on a few instances 1080P DVCPRO HD, and again it played back fine...no problems.
I really don't know why it is stuttering for you. The Firewire 400 should be fast enough (As should the USB). Why not try and switch to the USB anyway and see if that corrects the problem.
I just tried moving the file over to my Hard Drive. I'll have to test it a couple times to see how it works.
If it does work, I'll try using the external HD with USB, although, I heard firewire works better with macs. Worst-case scenario, I'll buy a firewire 800 HD
If it does work, I'll try using the external HD with USB, although, I heard firewire works better with macs. Worst-case scenario, I'll buy a firewire 800 HD
Guess it was the portable hard drive.... bummer. Does anyone know of a good hard drive for working with HD video? I hear firewire 800 is better. And what about esata? Excuse my naïveté, but how the heck do I connect an esata device to my imac/ or other apple computer?
G-Tech are the best, but also more expensive...Lacie, Maxtor, and Western Digital all have loyal followers and haters, so it really is hard to say. I had one Lacie drive die on me in a month, and its replacement has lasted well over two and half years with no problems...G-Tech always seems to get recommended though, so if you can afford them, go for it.
Hello,
Also try OWC macsales.com and look at their FW drives as they come with FW800/400/USB and have a 2yr warranty as well. With them you will get people that deal with Macs and are well, Mac friendly if you should have issues with your drive and have to return it.
I also like the G-Tech (a buddy has one) so I guess it's all about money and who you feel comfortable buying an external drive from. FWIW I have a Maxtor and knock on wood it works great but it's getting full fast. My only wish is that I bought one with the FW800 for the future but it was a deal at the time.
Good luck and happy video editing
Also try OWC macsales.com and look at their FW drives as they come with FW800/400/USB and have a 2yr warranty as well. With them you will get people that deal with Macs and are well, Mac friendly if you should have issues with your drive and have to return it.
I also like the G-Tech (a buddy has one) so I guess it's all about money and who you feel comfortable buying an external drive from. FWIW I have a Maxtor and knock on wood it works great but it's getting full fast. My only wish is that I bought one with the FW800 for the future but it was a deal at the time.
Good luck and happy video editing