Help with Computer specs for HDV editing

Hi,

I am new to HDV and just purchased a Sony HC7. I am trying to import some footage into MAGIX Movie Edit Pro 12 software but getting very poor quality (very stop/start/jumpy result). I suspect this may be a result of my computer. Almost certainly I need more RAM (only 512mb now). Can somebody confirm if I spend money on upgrading my computer I will get a better result and what are the ideal specs I should be looking for please?

Current machine is: -

Intel Pentium 3.06GHZ, 512MB RAM, 40GB hard drive with 200GB external Hard Drive, Windows XP Home Edition (2002). Not 100% sure about graphics card but it is displaying in settings as "Intel(R) 82852/82855 GM/GME Graphics Controller"?

Thank you for any help you can offer.

512mb is not enough to run Windows XP properly so there is no wonder why you are having issues.

Going to a Dual or Quad core will give you a significant increase in performance. If you upgrade OS at the same time go for 64bit Vista and make sure you buy a computer that can handle 8gb of memory. You can get sticks so cheap right now, it is a good time to max a machine out.

If you're looking for a cheaper alternative. Look up your current machines specs. Find out how large of a stick of ram you can put into each slot and go to newegg.com and order up yourself a healthy does of RAM. Another option would be a dedicated video card. Assuming your system was built a few years ago and is AGP based you can get fantastic deals on the Quadro chipset cards.

Good luck!!

I am new to HDV and also purchased a Sony HC7.  I want to buy a computer that will be able to capture and render HDV videos using the Sony Vegas Movie Platinum. According to the system requirements for the Sony Vegas it needs at least 2.8Ghz Pentium 4 computer to capture in HDV. I am not sure if that applies to a duo core or quad core processors. Does it mean that the processors need to be 2.8Ghz on a duo core or quad core? Can I get a 3.0Ghz Pentium single core processor and get the same performance?  There are a lot of computers right now that are on sale with a 2.4Ghz Quad Core Pentium (Q6600) , would this be good enough to capture and render videos. 

Here are the main points for the hardware requirement for Premiere Pro CS3: