Turnkey Editing Computer Review: Core Microsystems PhEnix DV-X2000 (page 2)
In Practice
We used a JVC DVL9800 to capture video through IEEE 1394. Although this camera is not on the list of compatible devices for the DC2000 we had no problems logging shots into the batch capture list and acquiring them (see list of the compatible cameras at www.pinnaclesys.com/support). We also took analog footage from a Panasonic AG 5700 S-VHS deck through the Y/C connection. The analog-captured video looked great with.
After completing our batch capture we edited a sequence of shots and added a variety of transition effects from the ample palette. With the standard Adobe transitions, Pinnacle effects and the Hollywood Bronze plug-in you get a lot of FX toys to play with.
Adobe Premiere RT 5.1 is a plus in the time saver department, when used with the Pinnacle hardware, (the Pinnacle effects are realtime) but standard Adobe transitions and the onboard Hollywood Bronze effects need rendering. The powerful dual-Pentium system made quick work rendering our effects. After it was finished, we rendered out our effects and printed the result through the S-video port. The final output of this board looked very good.
Summary
In the turnkey realm, many factors thwart the brave companies that choose to take on this endeavor. Assembling products from different manufacturers into one box that achieves the goal of digital capture, editing and output to media is a monumental task. Core Microsystems has taken some of the best products available in this price range and has assembled them in a great workstation at a great price.
TECH SPECS
Main Board: Supermicro P6DBE, dual processor support, 100MGz bus, Intel BX chipset
Processors: 2x Intel Pentium III 800MHz
Hard Disk Capacity/Type (system drive): 10.2GB/ Fujitsu IDE/ 5400rpm
Hard Disk Capacity/Type (A/V data): 60GB/ IBM Deskstar-ATA 100/ 7200rpm
CD-ROM: Teac 40x IDE
Memory: 2x 128MB (256) PC 100 SDRAM (1GB Max)
Monitor: NEC AS120, 21
Operating System: NT Workstation 4.0
Case: Full Tower w/6x 5.25 drive bays, 1x 3.5 drive bay/ 300 watt power supply
Expansion Slots: 5x 32bit PCI, 2x 16bit ISA, 1x 32bit AGP
Video Capture Card: Pinnacle Systems DC2000
Sound Card: Creative Labs SoundBlaster 128, PCI
Video I/O: Composite, S-video, IEEE 1394 (FireWire), Component (YUV)
Audio I/O: Unbalanced (RCA), Balanced (XLR)
STRENGTHS
- Processing power
- Expandability
- Component, DV, S-video, composite I/O
- Real time video and FX
WEAKNESSES
- No analog audio capture without video through breakout box
SUMMARY
A powerful turnkey that can meet many people's analog and digital needs.
Core Microsystems
96 Bonaventura Dr.
San Jose, CA 95134
(800) 886-2752
$5,990
www.coremicro.com
