Suggestions on PC spec for AVCHD file handling/render

[dicksibo]

I’ve recently replaced my Panasonic Std Def camcorder with a Panasonic HS HDC100, which I’m more than pleased with. However handling/editing the AVCHD files on my PC, which I thought had a reasonably good spec and handled the std def files OK, (Pinnacle 12 Ultimate with an AMD 64 x 2 Dual Core processor, 2G of RAM and a 512MB on the graphics card, OS is XP sp3) its now abundantly clear that’s its not got enough poke, its like watching paint dry.

I’m looking to build a new PC, and I want to stick with a PC rather than MAC based system. Preferably AMD based as I’ve built a number of AMD based PC’s without problem in the past, however if its thought I’ll get more “bang of my buck” with an Intel based machine then I’ve got no real issues with that option.

I can spend up to £750 (could stretch to another £50) on the new system. Any thoughts on processor/component spec would be most appreciated. Will a £150/200 graphics card bring anything to the party in terms of speeding up the rendering process or is that all processor/ram based? As I say any suggestion gratefully received.

PS, I’m assuming I’m in the right forum section, if not, moderator please move.

[edDV]

I’ve recently replaced my Panasonic Std Def camcorder with a Panasonic HS HDC100, which I’m more than pleased with. However handling/editing the AVCHD files on my PC, which I thought had a reasonably good spec and handled the std def files OK, (Pinnacle 12 Ultimate with an AMD 64 x 2 Dual Core processor, 2G of RAM and a 512MB on the graphics card, OS is XP sp3) its now abundantly clear that’s its not got enough poke, its like watching paint dry.

I’m looking to build a new PC, and I want to stick with a PC rather than MAC based system. Preferably AMD based as I’ve built a number of AMD based PC’s without problem in the past, however if its thought I’ll get more “bang of my buck” with an Intel based machine then I’ve got no real issues with that option.

I can spend up to £750 (could stretch to another £50) on the new system. Any thoughts on processor/component spec would be most appreciated. Will a £150/200 graphics card bring anything to the party in terms of speeding up the rendering process or is that all processor/ram based? As I say any suggestion gratefully received.

PS, I’m assuming I’m in the right forum section, if not, moderator please move.

All in the CPU for native AVCHD edit processing. AVCHD file playback requires the right display card (PureVideo HD or AVIVO HD) plus CPU.

You could save the full machine upgrade by buying Cineform NeoScene digital intermediate codec ($129) and a new display card. Compatible edit software would be the current Premiere or Vegas family.
http://www.cineform.com/products/NeoScene.htm

Native AVCHD editing is pokey (sluggish) even with a quad core Intel.


BTW, expect Cineform intermediate files to expand to ~35GB/hr so plan for disk space. Good news is the Athlon 3800 is probably enough CPU for editing although a bit slow for HD effects rendering or encoding.