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Video Input: FireWire 1394 versus USB 2.0
Now, to get video into your computer,
you’ll need an input bus with a fast data transfer rate. The two
basic choices are FireWire 1394 (which transfers data at up to 50 MB/Sec)
and USB 2.0. Many people believe USB 2.0 will eventually replace FireWire.
Either one should work great. (For $50 you can purchase PCI expansion
cards that add both FireWire and USB ports to your PC.)
Your video camera can determine whether
you use USB or FireWire. Some video cameras have FireWire output while
others have USB output capability. Incidentally, if you wish to convert
your personal VHS tapes to DVD, you’d also need a video camera
which supports an analog input. Then, you could record your VHS into
the digital video camera and out onto your computer with FireWire or
USB.
If your DVD burner didn’t come
with good video editing software, purchasing an expansion card for FireWire
or USB gives you a second chance to get a good deal. For example, if
you want professional level editing software, Pyro Professional bundles
a FireWire card with the full version of Adobe Premier for under $500.
Premier is a top-notch program for video editing. You’ll pay as
much purchasing the stand-alone version of Premier as you pay for the
full version bundled with the FireWire card.
For more information about getting
started in DVD video creation, I recommend http://www.videoguys.com/started.html.
VideoGuys.com also has great reviews of other card/software options
for up-and-coming video producers.
As with your DVD burner, always examine
the software that’s bundled with your video input card. You’ll
usually want the full version, not a watered down program.
If you already have a FireWire card
and if you’re a student, another option is to purchase student
software. Student software is typically fully equivalent to the full
retail version. But, the software companies often charge students much
less for it. For example, Adobe typically offers student versions of
its main programs (PhotoShop, Premier, etc.) for under half of the cost
of the retail version.
So, if you’re a struggling film
student following in the footsteps of Robert Rodriguez, you’ll
need to sell fewer pints of blood to shoot your films by taking advantage
of student software discounts! It’s interesting to note that computer
video production systems that would have cost many tens of thousands
of dollars only a few years ago can be purchased or built today for
under a thousand dollars. That’s the general rule of computers.
As time goes by, prices come down and PCs become more powerful. You
get more, and you pay less. That works for me.
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How to Build Your Own PC (http://www.PCGuide.com/byop/) on PCGuide.com
Version 1.0 - Version Date: May 4, 2005
Adapted with permission from a work created by Charlie Palmer.
PCGuide.com Version © Copyright 2005 Charles M. Kozierok. All Rights Reserved.
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