video editing solutions for new computer

[Wolfsraider]

guys i am lost here too little experience with what's out there

i want to build a new computer that meets or exceeds my needs

i don't have any experience with pinacle/canopus solutions except making movies on cheap pinacle card with an all in one wonder radeon
and i know there are better solutions but i am unsure what i need.
i am looking for a complete solution audio/video if possible although i have software capable of mixing 8 track music already.

i'm looking to go with a asus p4t-e if single processor
or supermicro P4DC6+ if dual processor rig is recommended
1 gig or more ecc rambus rdram
i want to use this for: making videos/dvd's,web page design/artwork,adding audio tracks to video/etc..

gaming too
what components do you find best with these tasks?
what video card (8500 dv aiw or gf4?)or?
i want scsi (maybe a raid 5 solution or scsi and big ide or two?)

posting this here because based on the video needs?determines the hardware/software of my next computer

so please any help appreciated

 

[HendrixFan]

As far as software goes, for audio I use Cool Edit Pro to mix/doctor/edit wave files. I use Soft Encode to create AC3 files. For video editting, I just use Virtual Dub. Maybe one of those expensive programs can do more, but its enough for my needs.

I dont think a dual processor is absolutely necessary, unless the software you use has SMP support. Just going with a fast processor, lots of fast RAM and a SCSI RAID setup should kick enough *ss on its own. The Adaptec 19160 is a good SCSI card, and the Seagate CheetahX15 drives are the best out there.

If you are going to be capturing, Id recommend getting a seperate capture card instead of having it integrated with your video card. The Telemann HiPix DTV-200 is a great card, which allows you to record and playback MPEG2, and capture at 480p, 720p or 1080i (HDTV resolutions) at 4:3 or 16:9. The MPEG2 chip is onboard so it has little CPU usage during record or playback.

For your video card, I would go with the Radeon8500. Its down to $150 now, and the 3D is on par with the GF3Ti500. The 2D on the card is much better than the GF line, which is important for video editting. I would say Matrox, but you said you also want to game.

For sound I would go with an Audigy, unless you are planning on doing some serious audio recording for your video capture (IE - not off of another source).

 

[Wolfsraider]

thanks HendrixFan
will look into your suggestions and thank you very much

i agree i don't think a dual machine is in my future lol

thanks again

mike