Video Editing Computer Review: Canopus RES-100 DVStorm2 (page 2)

For current DVStormSE users, a software-only upgrade will cost about $149. Of course, DVStormSE owners will probably also want to upgrade to Premiere 6.5 as well (another $149). Is it all worth $300? If you are happily using a two-year old computer with a DVStormSE card, probably not. If you have a newer computer (the DVStorm2 requires Win2000 or XP), the improvements will likely make a difference. For folks who are looking to buy their first Premiere/real-time DV solution, we can definitely recommend the second generation DVStorm2 Plus that comes with the DVStormBay breakout box and Premiere 6.5 for $1,299. You also need to factor in a monitor, keyboard, mouse and any other peripherals you might need when considering this professional turnkey. If you want the security of a system right from the source with a one-year warranty (contact Canopus for details), the $4,999 RES-100 is a safe bet.

Videomaker has developed a standardized MPEG-2 rendering benchmark for objectively measuring the performance of a computer. While rendering speed is only one aspect of a computer's overall performance, we feel it is a relevant test for videographers. Our proprietary test is a rigorous one based on standardized source material and involves a number of encoders. It is designed to assess both quality and speed, and is based on contrived artificial analysis and challenging real-world tests.

Instead of simply reading the raw numbers, you should instead use our figures for relative comparisons between the computers we review. The render speed (in fps) is, however, a realistic estimate of what you might see in actual real-world situations using a quality encoder. Encoders optimized for speed often easily double our frame rate numbers. Your mileage will definitely vary.

Model RES-100
Platform PC
Operating System Windows XP Pro
Processor Dual AMD Athlon MP 1800+ RAM 512MB
Hard Disk (system) 40GB (7,200 RPM)
Hard Disk (system) 2 x 80GB (7,200 RPM)
Sound Card SBLive!
Display Card nVidia GeForce4
Disc Writer Pioneer DVR-A04 (DVD-R/RW)
BreakOut Box DVStormBay (FireWire, S-video, composite)
Additional Hardware Storm Encoder 10/100 NIC Dual external Ultra 160 SCSI 510W power supply
Editing Software Adobe Premiere 6.5, After Effects 5.5
Additional Software Sonic Foundry ACID Style, Ulead DVD Workshop SE, Canopus Xplode Pro MPEG-2 Render Speed 10.10fps (software)

STRENGTHS

• Proven real-time DV out
• Turnkey from the source
• Decent software package

WEAKNESSES

• Only provides RT for Premiere
• Peripherals not included

SUMMARY
Solid, reliable real-time DV-out straight from the source.

$4,999
Canopus Corporation
711 Charcot Ave.
San Jose, CA 95131
(408) 954-4500
www.canopus.com

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