I'm new to video editing. I recently purchased a Dell and now I'm not sure it was the best way to go. My reasoning for going with Dell had to do with my decision to use Vegas.
Let me explain. In the early stages of researching various NLE alternatives, consensus suggested that the best PC-based systems were usually custom-built, and generally had some specialized hardware for capture and real time assistance. I went to a local shop that specialized in video editing systems and had a demonstration of a several hardware/software combinations. Vegas was not one of them, In fact, Vegas was not even on my radar screen at the time.
After a couple follow-up phone conversations and a return visit, and with the help of the sales technician, I narrowed down the choices and was ready to place my order. It was the last minute remarks by the technician however that started me re-thinking my decision. I was cautioned that the system "performs best" as a dedicated video editing system, and that the system really doesn't get along well with other applications as it can become temperamental and unpredictable. This was not what I wanted to hear. I wasn't in the market for an expensive, finicky, single-purpose PC. If I was going to shell out for a new computer, I wanted it for a variety of applications, not just video editing.
I then started looking for solutions that would run on generic systems, hoping to find a well-behaved professional NLE that could run on a system that could accomodate other applications as well. This led me to Vegas.
Ok, now if Vegas is the answer, what PC? The local shop would not configure a Vegas system for me. Not being a computer guru, I wasn't really interested in building my own system. So I guess I opted for what seemed the easy solution and ordered a Dell. Maybe this was a mistake based on what I'm now reading in this forum. The Dell does seem to be working alright so far.
I've captured about 5 hours of video to date without a hitch, no dropped frames. This with antivirus, internet security, screensaver, power panel, internet explorer, outlook express, all running in the background. I've set up dual monitors and an external tv monitor; these seem to work just fine. I've downloaded and burned SF's Sample DVDA Project on the NEC DVD +RW burner that came with the Dell. No problems that I can tell. The +R disk plays fine on both computer and three-year-old Pioneer home player. Also tried Spot's rendertest: 2.0 minutes; render time was exactly the same with- and without aforementioned programs running in the background.
All in all, I'm quite impressed with Vegas, a little overwhelmed maybe, but expected that there would be a learning curve. Hopefully I won't feel too hobbled by the Dell as I get some experience under my belt. Since I'm just getting started I probably won't know for a while. On the plus side, I do have what seems to be great editing software 'and' all my favorite applications running on the same PC; maybe a compromise, but so far without any major headaches - KOW.
JL
Let me explain. In the early stages of researching various NLE alternatives, consensus suggested that the best PC-based systems were usually custom-built, and generally had some specialized hardware for capture and real time assistance. I went to a local shop that specialized in video editing systems and had a demonstration of a several hardware/software combinations. Vegas was not one of them, In fact, Vegas was not even on my radar screen at the time.
After a couple follow-up phone conversations and a return visit, and with the help of the sales technician, I narrowed down the choices and was ready to place my order. It was the last minute remarks by the technician however that started me re-thinking my decision. I was cautioned that the system "performs best" as a dedicated video editing system, and that the system really doesn't get along well with other applications as it can become temperamental and unpredictable. This was not what I wanted to hear. I wasn't in the market for an expensive, finicky, single-purpose PC. If I was going to shell out for a new computer, I wanted it for a variety of applications, not just video editing.
I then started looking for solutions that would run on generic systems, hoping to find a well-behaved professional NLE that could run on a system that could accomodate other applications as well. This led me to Vegas.
Ok, now if Vegas is the answer, what PC? The local shop would not configure a Vegas system for me. Not being a computer guru, I wasn't really interested in building my own system. So I guess I opted for what seemed the easy solution and ordered a Dell. Maybe this was a mistake based on what I'm now reading in this forum. The Dell does seem to be working alright so far.
I've captured about 5 hours of video to date without a hitch, no dropped frames. This with antivirus, internet security, screensaver, power panel, internet explorer, outlook express, all running in the background. I've set up dual monitors and an external tv monitor; these seem to work just fine. I've downloaded and burned SF's Sample DVDA Project on the NEC DVD +RW burner that came with the Dell. No problems that I can tell. The +R disk plays fine on both computer and three-year-old Pioneer home player. Also tried Spot's rendertest: 2.0 minutes; render time was exactly the same with- and without aforementioned programs running in the background.
All in all, I'm quite impressed with Vegas, a little overwhelmed maybe, but expected that there would be a learning curve. Hopefully I won't feel too hobbled by the Dell as I get some experience under my belt. Since I'm just getting started I probably won't know for a while. On the plus side, I do have what seems to be great editing software 'and' all my favorite applications running on the same PC; maybe a compromise, but so far without any major headaches - KOW.
JL