Is my computer powerful enough?

[T French]

I recently purchased a Canon HF200 camera. I have been having a hard time using the files from it. I've converted files to mpeg2, but still seem to be having problems editing those files. I'm using trial versions of Corel Video Studio x3, and Sony Vegas Studio 9.

Now I'm wondering if my computer is not powerful enough.

It is a one year old PC with Windows 7 64 bit. It has an i7 processor, 920@2.67 ghz, 9 gb ram, with an ATI Radeon HD4800 series graphics card.

I am pretty good at using computers and have done a lot of photo editing over the years. But I am totally new to video and am really baffled about what to do next. Also, I'm not very saavy about the electronics of a computer. I can run the software, but don't really understand all the hardware specifications. When I bought my computer, I just told the sales person that I wanted a powerful one for Photoshop CS4 and Adobe Lightroom.

Thank you for any advice you can give me.

Terri French
http://terrif.zenfolio.com/

[Supreme2k]

Here are a couple of links for you here and here

[T French]

Here are a couple of links for you here and here

Thank you for the links. I can see that I need remedial video education!!

[True Colors]

It is a one year old PC with Windows 7 64 bit. It has an i7 processor, 920@2.67 ghz, 9 gb ram, with an ATI Radeon HD4800 series graphics card.

These specs indicate that you have a very powerful system. The i7 is a badass processor -- one of the best available, even today.

I'm not sure what the hangup is but I seriously, seriously doubt that the problem is that the computer is too weak.

TC

[pepegot1]

Try this site for VS Pro 3 questions: http://phpbb.ulead.com.tw/EN/index.php

[T French]

It is a one year old PC with Windows 7 64 bit. It has an i7 processor, 920@2.67 ghz, 9 gb ram, with an ATI Radeon HD4800 series graphics card.

These specs indicate that you have a very powerful system. The i7 is a badass processor -- one of the best available, even today.

I'm not sure what the hangup is but I seriously, seriously doubt that the problem is that the computer is too weak.

TC

That is what I thought, but some of the software requirements state a 2.8 ghz processor is required. Mine is only 2.67. Do you think that means 2.8 on a single core processor?

[T French]

Try this site for VS Pro 3 questions: http://phpbb.ulead.com.tw/EN/index.php

Thank you. That will be a nice resource as I try out the trial version.

[True Colors]

That is what I thought, but some of the software requirements state a 2.8 ghz processor is required. Mine is only 2.67. Do you think that means 2.8 on a single core processor?

Yes. You nailed it. Your software wants 2.8 Ghz for single core processors.

2.8 x 1 = 2.8 speed

However, your computer is most likely a quad core processor. Therefore it is far stronger. You have 4x as much power......

2.67 x 4 = 10.68 speed

The analogy that I like to use is a 4 lane highway vs a 1 lane highway. The 4 lane highway can move 4x as much traffic as a 1 lane highway.

Bottom line...... for your computer this should be an extremely easy piece of cake. It should be like trying to kill a fly with a sledgehammer. Your computer is more powerful than what 97% of the rest of the world has. There is literally almost nothing it cannot handle.

By the way, this might be a bit off topic, but..... before you pay any money for that video editing software you mentioned I would suggest that you try some of the other programs out there which are completely free of charge. The people on this site should be able to recommend several different things for you to try if you are willing to do so. Could save you some $$.

TC

[edDV]

...
It is a one year old PC with Windows 7 64 bit. It has an i7 processor, 920@2.67 ghz, 9 gb ram, with an ATI Radeon HD4800 series graphics card.
...

That should be enough hardware to edit native AVCHD from the HF200 but even though it is a fast CPU, expect performance to be less snappy than you are used to with standard def.

To improve performance, look into a good digital intermediate like Cineform Neoscene.

Also demo Vegas Platinum and/or Adobe Elements.

Apple computers force all compressed HD formats into a digital intermediate. On the PC, Vegas or Elements can natively edit AVCHD but it is still sluggish with today's CPU's