I was going to wait until tomorrow to discuss the new video workstation I created. But, since I have time now, and who knows what tomorrow might bring, here it is.
Apple - PC - Apple - PC … sheesh, that theme has been playing out in my mind for months as I tried to decide which platform to build. Since I needed to upgrade to CS4 and build a new workstation, the question was real. The PC platform finally won out simply due to the mass of software I had for my other PC video workstations.

This new system was built by my local and talented support people, SBCTECH, llc. We started by selecting two AMD 2.66MHz processors with dual cores … it was all I could afford. The dual processor mother board was so big I had to order a larger case. I only use the Lian Li aluminum cases … expensive but good. All four of our computer have these cases, but this one was a monster on wheels. For HD’s we installed 3-500GB in a Raid 5 enclosure for video data storage. Another 500GB drive was for the OS. These were all the high reliability Seagate drives. After this came 4GB of RAM, two DVD r/w drives and a Matrox APVe triple-head video card.

The Lian Li comes with so many fans that we had one left over. I am surprised it doesn’t hover in the air … and they are quiet. The only noisy fans are the CPU fans … they are noisy and will be replaced soon.

I think I am Raid 5 happy … with both the new computer and the NAS filled with Raid 5 drives. The new computer Raid 5 drives can be removed from the front of the unit. A bit more expensive, but impressive looking.

Okay, about the Matrox APVe card. I looked at Nvidia, and spoke with their people, but they didn’t have as clue about plugins for Adobe applications. Dual monitors, not a problem. But, connection to a TV set in addition to the dual monitors … not possible … perhaps I was talking to the wrong tech rep.

My calls to Matrox got me a tech rep that said the plugins for Adobe were on their web site. No problem. I found them and dowloaded them. Hmmm, strange, they had a modified date prior to the release of CS4. Should I be suspicious … well let’s try them. Okay, the Photoshop plugin works with a little futzing around. The Illustrator plugin works. the Premier Pro plugin doesn’t work! Call back to Matrox. WHAT? CS4 is not supported for this Matrox card!!!! AND there is no release date for an updated plugin. What the f*&^%$#. I just spent some bucks on a Matrox card and I can’t get it to work with CS4? Sheesh, can you tell that I am upset? My other Matrox cards work fine with the older versions of Adobe. Ugh!

Well, if someone out there knows of a triple-head card that works with CS4 on a PC, please let me know … I will buy you lunch … seriously, I will send $’s.

Oh, also, the desktop monitor for Matrox interferes with Photoshop and Illustrator. It causes them to crash when you attempt to save a project. I had to remove them from my start up services. Write me if you want details.

All in all, my new system is a monster processor. And that is what you need for CS4. My secondary video workstation is a single processor at 2.6 MHz, single core, 4 GB Ram and Matrox video card. CS4 runs like a dog on that system. The video preview stutters and the programs load slow. I don’t know, maybe it is me, but I would suggest the minimum configuration for CS4 is two or more cores/processors.

Now if only I can get my TV to work …