Ready to Edit: Turnkey Editor Buyer's Guide

A turnkey editing computer is any nonlinear, random-access, hard disk-based video editing system that comes complete and pre-configured. Many are simply computers that were pre-loaded with the necessary hardware and software to transform them into editing computers. Others, hereafter referred to as editing appliances, are devices that owe their entire existence to the task of editing audio and video, and have no outside application aside from that.
In this article and accompanying buyer's guide, we'll take a close look at turnkey editing systems, with an eye on helping those bent upon purchasing and using such a device with minimum expense and hassle.

Low-Budget Solutions (Under $2,000)

You don't have to spend a fortune to get on the turnkey editing machine bandwagon. A good place to start is to purchase one of the latest multimedia home computers that comes pre-configured with some editing functionality.
Though these solutions are less costly, and the editing software they ship with is sometimes aimed at simplicity rather than raw editing power, they are capable of turning out a very fine product, courtesy the all-digital FireWire connection.
Apple's iMac, at a mere $899, comes with a 10GB hard drive and a basic editing application, Apple's own iMovie 2. The system's processor is a 400MHz G3, and it
ships with 64MB of RAM. For a little bit of added power, consider the iMac 500MHz G3 ($1,199), which bumps up the hard drive to 20GB.
On the PC front is Sony's VAIO line of computers, all of which ship with audio/video production tools. The PCV-RX360DS ($1,050), for example, couples a 256MB RAM, Pentium III 866MHz processor and a 40GB hard drive with Sony's MovieShaker application.
Within this price category are a few turnkey editing appliances as well. MacroSystem's Casablanca Avio ST ($1,295) is a Pentium-based device that ships with a 20GB hard drive and has S-video and composite inputs and outputs; FireWire support is available in the Casablanca Avio DV ($1,795). Applied Magic's Sequel also enters the market at a relatively low price ($1,995), with a PowerPC processor, 20GB hard drive and S-video and composite inputs and outputs.

The Middle of the Road ($2,000 to $6,000)

A number of offerings in both the computer-based and appliance turnkey categories fall into the middle of the price range. In this area, you'll find plenty of professional-level offerings that would work well in a wedding videographer's edit suite. Features include more advanced editing interfaces, bigger hard drives, more and better supplemental software (for effects, etc.) and all-around better performance.
Core Microsystems' DV-X500 ($3,600) is an example of what you'll find in this range. The DV-X500 sports a Pentium III 933MHz processor, 256MB of RAM, 18.2 GB SCSI hard drive, Pinnacle DV500 Plus capture card, Adobe Premiere 6.0 editing software and a 19-inch monitor. It offers a significantly improved base computer (over the lower-budget models), and a range of inputs and outputs that include S-video, composite, FireWire and unbalanced audio.
You'll also find the first appearance of the so-called real-time editing systems in this price range, which boast the render of video transitions, effects and titles on the fly, with no waiting time. This timesaving feature can make a big difference in the bottom line for a busy professional videographer who has lots of clients. It can also make a big difference for people who would simply rather not wait a long time for their videos to render, and are willing to pay for the privilege. Such an example is DVLine's RT2000 MEGA Pack ($3,679). DVLine's RT2000 MEGA Pack is built around Matrox's RT2000 MEGA Pack capture card with S-video, composite, FireWire and unbalanced audio in a computer with a 1GHz Pentium III processor, 256MB of RAM, 120GB hard drive, 19-inch monitor and Adobe Premiere 6.0.
Video editing appliances in this price range shine. MacroSystem US's Casablanca Kron ($5,495) is an example; it comes with a 40GB drive and DVD-writing ability. Also check out Applied Magic's Screenplay 60GB ($3,995), which comes with S-video, composite, FireWire and unbalanced audio inputs and outputs, as well as a 60GB hard drive.

Only the Finest ($6,000 to $20,000)

This range includes a wide array of choices, from corporate or education-based offerings to full-blown broadcast suites. Among these choices, you'll find more than a few name brands that have distinguished themselves in the professional video editing market. One is the Mac version of Avid Technology's Xpress DV2.0 ($18,999), which sports a full range of inputs and outputs from Avid's Meridian capture card, including FireWire, S-video, composite component and balanced audio connections, as well as Avid's award-winning Xpress 4.0 software.
Media 100's iFinish Streaming Edition ($8,995) is another product in this price range that has made a name for itself in the multi-media realm. Built around the Media 100 P6000 capture card and 18GB SCSI drives, the iFinish Streaming Edition comes with FireWire, S-video, composite, component, balanced and unbalanced audio inputs and outputs.
Canopus Corp. offers its StormRack in this price range for $6,999. It is a real-time system aimed at video producers who would like to include DVD in their distribution options. The base system includes a Dual Pentium III 1GHz motherboard with 512MB of RAM. Also included is Canopus' StormEdit and Adobe Premiere 6.0.

Making a Selection

Now that you've seen the large range of choices available, which one is right for you? The answer to such a question depends mainly on two things your needs and your budget. If all you need to do is slice together home videos then one of the under-$2000 models should suit you. If, on the other hand, you find yourself producing video for your place of employment, or perhaps for an organization such as a church, consider purchasing something in the mid-range. Professionals with deep pockets should test-drive a full range of options before making a decision. Visiting a trade show (such as Videomaker's Expo) should provide an ample opportunity to try before you buy.
Whatever you end up purchasing, take it from us - you'll be glad that you decided to forego the hassle of setting up your own video editing system. It's a whole lot easier, and it'll save you plenty of headaches in the long run.