A31p and video

[smugiri]

I am thinking of getting the A31p for stuff including real time video conversion using the S Video in.

I also want to take advantage of the multiple spindles to load it up with disk space and the fact that I can get a real DVD burner for this machine. (as opposed to one terrible burner available from IBM for my T4x right now).

Has anyone tried to this this (video conversion on the A31p)?

If you have, what is performance like?

What about video transfer for editting using the Firewire port?

Video edtting - I have a copy of Vegas, is it overkill? Will the machine choke on it then puke and die?

Anyone tried HD video editting on the A31p?

Any tips / pointers / links to reviews / guides?

thanks all.

[a31pguy]

It's not overkill to use vegas on an a31p - it was created for it. I have edited DV on it - there was another guy on here working for CNN who used an A31p for that purpose.

The a31p has the advantage of having not only s-video out - but also s-video in. In addition to firewire-400. Just make sure you have lots of disk space - I used an external 10,000 rpm firewire drive with a built in firewire hub.

[JHEM]

If you have, what is performance like?

You have to remember that the A31p was marketed as a true desktop replacement laptop and was one of the few that actually reached or exceeded the target.

For its size and form factor there's an incredible anount of horsepower under the hood (up to P4 2.6GHz), the 15" UXGA+ display is to die for and the ability to load additional HDs on the machine, whether internal or external, is unparalleled.

Regards,

James

[smugiri]

Thanks for the comments a31pguy/JHEM.

[tbessie]

I have an A31 and have it loaded up pretty well, but I really could have used the Firewire (using a Cardbus Firewire card has caused me all sorts of issues with Windows, when accessing drives that way - I had to go to eSATA eventually). And the 1600x1200 screen would have been nice, as well as it's ability to drive (when docked) an external monitor via DVI at that resolution.

I love my A31, but wouldn't've minded that extra Oomph!

In a year or so, though, it'll most likely turn into some kind of server machine, and I'll get a nice big fat 64-bit monster tower for my future computing needs.

- Tim

[zone]

I am thinking of getting the A31p for stuff including real time video conversion using the S Video in.

I also want to take advantage of the multiple spindles to load it up with disk space and the fact that I can get a real DVD burner for this machine. (as opposed to one terrible burner available from IBM for my T4x right now).

Has anyone tried to this this (video conversion on the A31p)?

If you have, what is performance like?

What about video transfer for editting using the Firewire port?

Video edtting - I have a copy of Vegas, is it overkill? Will the machine choke on it then puke and die?

Anyone tried HD video editting on the A31p?

Any tips / pointers / links to reviews / guides?

thanks all.

Just go ahead and get one. A31p is certainly great value overall and particulary as video workstation. Beside (for Thinkpads somewhat uncommon) firewire port A31p is featuring S-Video input with built in MPEG2 hardware compression. IBM was delivering A31p with MGI Videowave 4 which supports compressed S-video in capture.

I didn't try HD video capturing/editing 'coz I dont have HD camcorder yet, however it's on my wish list . AFAIK HD video from eg. Sony HDR-FX1 requires standard firewire so A31p is capable to capture HD video. For serious HD video production setup external firewire RAID 0/JBOD is is way to go. Also if you find over the time built in firewire *slow* you may go for FW 800 PCMCIA/Cardbus card.

If you are interested in A31p I would suggest few upgrades, get latest P4m CPU (in range of 2.4-2.6GHz) and fast system (7200 RPM) drive... also, good thing for video capturing/editing is to have another fast drive in Ultrabay 2000, some guys here namely A31pguy are having 3 HDDs in A31p... RAM, I have 1GB and Im happy with it so far, A31p can take up to 2GB... DVD wise you can have great latest NEC DL etc burners in Ultrabay 2000... and you'll get great A/D video workstation.

Heh, have to say that Im in love with my A31p.