What all affects the way my computer handles editing HDV?

[CaptainTwatson]

Hi. I'm not extremely smart when it comes to computers. I know a little bit, but not enough. I recently ordered the HV30 through eBay without even realizing my computer might not even be able to edit HDV smoothly.

I'm assuming my CPU and RAM determine how easily (if at all) HDV can be edited?

If that's the case, I have:

Processor: AMD Sempron Processor LE-1250 2.20 GHz

RAM: 2gb (1.87gb usable)

My computer is a Compaq-Presario SR5700 series, model NC783AA (if this means anything at all.) To anybody that knows anything about computers and HDV editing... will this be enough? If not, will it be possible to upgrade this existing computer rather than buying a completely new one? I kinda put myself in debt just buying the camera and all the accessories. :/ Thank you to anybody with possible answers!

[Janke]

The most important thing is that the computer has a Firewire port. Without that, you can't capture the footage from the HV30.

[CaptainTwatson]

Thankfully I've already taken care of that. I bought an expansion card, and it works just fine (when capturing SD... I have yet to test HDV.)

[Bertzie]

You'll be "able" to edit standard def video, but it is going to be very very very very slow. I severely doubt that it could handle HDV in a timely manner. I would strongly suggest saving a bit of money, finding yourself a nerd, and having them build you a new computer.

[Krane]

Actually the more important relationship is between your computer an your editing software. It is what directly relates to computer capabilities. Generally speaking, the most important components for editing are your 1) GPU, 2) CPU, and the amount of RAM. The HDD is also important, but is typically the easiest component to change/upgrade.

Unfortunately, from what I can see, you most likely need a new computer: Two GB of RAM is just not enough. However, if you can add more, go ahead and max it out since RAM is not that expensive.

Sadly, your CPU is still economy, and I shutter to think what your GPU must be like. A consumer editing program might work, but nowadays even most of them require a more powerful CPU and more RAM for HD video to work. Good luck.

[Bif]

Thankfully I've already taken care of that. I bought an expansion card, and it works just fine (when capturing SD... I have yet to test HDV.)

Try it.

You never know until you do. If it does work but seems slow just be patient and let each "edit" process completely before moving on to the next one. I do most of my editing on a computer with a 2nd generation Core i7 (quad core) processor, with the "resource hog" editing program I use that processor is the first I had that allows me to edit Canon DSLR files and AVCHD easily. So I assumed my 2 year old laptop with only a dual core at 2.0Ghz would be a lost cause.

I tried some clips shot with my GH2 and with an Olympus Pen e-P3 and was shocked to see it handled both of those.

What editing software do you have to try it with?

If you don't have editing software download the trial version of Sony Vegas, you'll get some good suggestions from forum members who know their programs better than I do.

Bruce Foreman

[wildside50]

*Pushes up nerd glasses*

I can assure you that processor will not cut it. As for upgrading your existing PC? Not really worth it. It is running on an AM2 motherboard, which means the absolute best CPU you could support is would be something on the realm of an Athlon X2 6400+, a reasonable chip for it's day but a dog by today's standards, and also no longer widely available. It supports DDR2 RAM, which is still available, but again, not really worth it.

If upgrading your entire PC sounds too expensive, it really isn't THAT bad. I mean, an X2 6400+ is like $200 due to it just not being widely available anymore. To spec out an all-new PC for ya, You could get a LGA 1155 motherboard (which supports CPU's all the way up to newer Sandy Bridge i7's for upgrading in the future) for as little as as $50, a Pentium G620 for 50-60$, 8 gigs of DDR3 RAM for $40, re-use your HDD and DVD drives if you must, throw in ~75 for a case and power supply, and you're looking at a fairly decent PC for $225, and it would demolish your current single core PC and be more than servicable for HDV with a lot of upgrade potention into the i3, i5, i7 range in the future if you find it wanting. To expect to get your PC HDV edit ready for less than $200 is unreasonable.

[CaptainTwatson]

Thanks for the replies guys! Unfortunately I had a feeling my computer would not cut it.

On the upside, a buddy of mine is (for reasons unknown to me) giving me his computer, which has a quad core processor. He hasn't told me anything about the GPU or RAM yet. Thankfully, as somebody pointed out, RAM isn't too expensive, so I'm not extremely worried about it.

And to answer the question about what editing software I plan on using, I plan to continue using Sony Vegas Pro 11. It's worked well for my SD stuff, and what can I say, I love Sony. I use AE for my effects, but it runs slow for me regardless of what I'm editing.

[Krane]

And to answer the question about what editing software I plan on using, I plan to continue using Sony Vegas Pro 11. It's worked well for my SD stuff, and what can I say, I love Sony. I use AE for my effects, but it runs slow for me regardless of what I'm editing.

How fast it runs is a combination of hardware and the task you give it. Add enough, complex computation and any CPU will bog down.