What's best for professional video editing?

[joy division]

Hi guys

Wonder if you can help.

I've been using an early Casablanca video editing machine for about six years now for professional video production.
I now want to up-grade to a better video editing solution.

Been looking at the Casablanca avio (http://www.macrosystem.us/newindex.cfm?showcon tent=true&linkID=47), the Casablanca Solitaire, or perhaps a pc based set-up.

Basically I'm not sure what to go for, but something that allows for wide screen dvd's and user friendly would be perfect.

Any ideas or advice much appreciated

Cheers.

[Headtime]

Hi joy division.

I'm an editor working for a large broadcaster here in the UK. And I have to say that despite using a myriad of systems over the years I have never heard of Casablanca. It is definitely not used at the BBC or any other broadcaster I know of.

I would say there are only two real options, and these are used day in day out at thousands of broadcasters and facilities houses around the world. And they are now ridiculously cheap. These are;

For the PC - Avid Xpress DV;

http://avid.co.uk/products/xpressdv/

About �700, and the dogs ********.

And for Mac - Final Cut Pro

http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/finalcutpr o/

Similar Price, they are even cutting Hollywood features on this now.

These two really are amazing packages, and outgun even similar systems that cost �40,000 just a few years ago.

Even though you are familiar with Casablanca, I would ditch it. It's not a true professional system, and even judging by the website, looks slightly shoddy.

Hope this helps. Good luck

H

[Headtime]

P.s Have been looking online and I see that Casablanca retails for about $5000. That is absolute madness!

For less than half that amount you can get a brand-spanking new pc/mac and Avid Xpress/Final Cut, and have a full on high end editing system.

H

[fo3nix]

I've also never heard of Casablanca.

I'd agree with Headtime's suggestions. Adobe Premier is pretty good too:
http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere/

Perhaps you should go for a Mac? Traditionally they're geared up for graphics and video editing more than PCs. They're also arguably more user-friendly and easier to use.

Your only problem here is that the most powerful Mac right now is the powermac, which is due an upgrade to Intel processors in the next few months. And also, Adobe's software and Avid Xpress are not universal apps to run on intel processors on the mac yet.

A fully-speced intel iMac with Final Cut Pro may be just what you're after, however.

[joy division]

Thanks guys!

Lots of food for thought here.

The Casablanca I think demands less time spent in tutorial for less savvy pc users.

I�m a bit of an old technophobe when it comes to pc based programs though I�ve used basic pc editing programs in the past just for titles & effects etc.

I�m sorely tempted by the Avid xpress bearing in mind I don�t think it�s the most user friendly of what�s available.

It�s damn cheap however!!

As usual Ab�ers never fail.

Good sound advice here, will sleep on it �till end of the week.

Thanks again guys.

JD

[pug100]

The editing system you finally choose should depend upon:-
1 PC or Mac - start here no good buying Final Cut if you like using PCs
2 Next try out some software. Avid do a free cutdown version for PC
3 I don't know if Adobe or Apple do feebies but both Final Cut and Premiere are used by professionals which says a lot. Be prepared to pay though pro versions of software cost more than home use solutions.
4 Do you need comaptability with other software or file interchange with other applications. Some software won't work with others.
5 What do you want to achive in the long run. Is it just for personal use or is it to gain experience and edit professionally someday. If it is the latter then think seriously about the three programs already mentioned.