Dying to Escape Apple's Grip!

[Zahne]

I and my production company am tired of blowing thousands of dollars on Apple hardware that gets replaced before you blink. I have a PowerMac G5 right now and it's now been dubbed the minimum requirement for CS4 and FCS2. Sure they run, but even with the best updates to my machine they don't run as well as they could and I have a feeling the next Final Cut and CS will not support PPC architecture. They won't have to, PPC Macs are already a thing of the past, my machine is dying fast! We're working on our first feature length film right now and I imagine it will be the last with this machine.

I was thinking, since PC hardware is so much more affordable, I was going to build a new machine and run either Windows on it or a Linux distro. I've only gained a novice level knowledge base of other OS' outside MacOS in the past year or so. I've gotten to know Ubuntu with my PS3 and an older machine we have (that would be going to computer heaven if Ubuntu didn't save its life).

Anyway, I was hoping to use Ubuntu on our next machine that I'd build from scratch. I can get a good deal on a mother board with an Intel Xeon as well as good deals on components.

I've done some research to see if I can make a good studio with Ubuntu but the only video editing programs are iMovie level video editors. I commend the programmers for making these programs but they aren't suitable for our needs.

This machine that we'll build won't be needed for another year r so. Does anyone know if there's going to be a program available by 2010 or so for Ubuntu that rivals Final Cut Pro? I know that's a tall order, but I figured if anyone would know, it'd be you guys here.

P.S. I know that Autodesk is about as good as Apple's line, but the thought of RedHat and subscription is almost as unappealing as staying with Apple.

[thenewcrowd]

Yea, i agree the software for ubuntu "looks" pretty skinny in that area, but with a little TLC Any linux can look good and linux is linux. RedHat has GUI available too. if you look into it ofcourse the best one i have seen for it looks like win98.. Ubuntu save this Laptop aswell, thats why it has my <3 anyway as for video editting. I hear Cinelerra is pretty advanced but works like a champ

http://cinelerra.org/getting_cinelerra.php

hope this helps

[druellan]

The main problem you're going to face on Linux is the lack of proprietary software.
If you're thinking on replace professional apps with Open Source ones you must understand what you're giving in exchange, because not all FOSS apps got partners or a foundation supporting them. That means:

-Support: community support is most of the time good, but is not the same as picking the phone and call Customer Service. Answers eventually come, but get ready to wait some hours or days.
-Continuity: specializing on the use of a FOSS app is a risk, because the project could be abandoned from one day to another, and you will be forced to find and learn to use a substitute.
-Productivity: usually, FOSS apps are not as good as proprietary ones in terms of user interface.

If you want to keep an eye on this, I can suggest you follow the Ubuntu Studio project.

[Zahne]

The main problem you're going to face on Linux is the lack of proprietary software.
If you're thinking on replace professional apps with Open Source ones you must understand what you're giving in exchange, because not all FOSS apps got partners or a foundation supporting them. That means:

-Support: community support is most of the time good, but is not the same as picking the phone and call Customer Service. Answers eventually come, but get ready to wait some hours or days.
-Continuity: specializing on the use of a FOSS app is a risk, because the project could be abandoned from one day to another, and you will be forced to find and learn to use a substitute.
-Productivity: usually, FOSS apps are not as good as proprietary ones in terms of user interface.

If you want to keep an eye on this, I can suggest you follow the Ubuntu Studio project.

Thank you both for the input. Cinelerra looks promising. But the current version is still not suitable my needs. We are using 1080p right now and will most likely be using 4k or 5k for the next project. But who knows, Ubuntu Studio might be caught up by 2010! Thanks again for the help.

[druellan]

Oh, btw, seems that some people are using Blender as linear video edition tool. Blender is a 3D animation tool, but it has a built in video editor. I don't know how good it is but you can give it a try.

Keep us posted! :)

[Zahne]

Cool thank you! That looks like a great program:)

[sgx]

Cool thank you! That looks like a great program:)
Check youtube and google for blender video guides, and support forums!
Lots and lots of 'em. Cheers :)

[Ng Oon-Ee]

There was a poster around here who's started on a 'video-editing in Blender for noobs' HOWTO, don't think its up yet though.