Looking to get a Catalyst

I would ask them what software level it is (Pro, DV or Xpress). Newer versions of the software will no longer support PowerPC towers, but I don't think it's going to be released for a while. Depending on the software level, it might be worth it to purchase for an upgrade in the near future. All the components and dongle (depending on the level) would make it worth wild. When it's not fast enough for you anymore, dump the G5 and get a new intel MacPro. Using the CIB, Dongle, Road Case, Video Input Card and extra drive from the G5, you will definitely see a performance increase. The one other thing to upgrade to would be getting a SATA Solid State Hard Drive.

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Best place to get info on catalyst is their forums. I believe there is a recent thread on building a new system and what to get. It really depends on how hard your planning on running the servers. If you are doing lots of layers and HD content, an old PPC isn't going to cut it. But if you are running a couple layers of SD content, its alright.

www.catvx.com

Hvae you looked at other servers on the market or just catalyst and hippo? How many layers do you want/need etc. We could probably advise you on the best one to suit you then. As apposed to you getting a catalyst, then you may not like it...

Depending on where you are, I know of a V4 Pro for sale...and they'd probably let it go pretty cheap.

It's in California if you're interested....

Thank you all for your comments/advice. I am an audio/visual technician for westchester county right above NYC. We have a pretty big building called the county center that has two stages in it. We would like to supplement some events that we do here with a media server. I don't foresee doing HD right now. However I also plan to use it possibly for an up and coming band called "drive by" who have opened for My Chemical Romance in the past. I understand its difficult to pick out such a high tech piece of equipment without knowing what it will exactly be used for in the future, but thank you all for your comments.

Joe Bleasdale, I have only looked at Catalyst, Hippo, and Watchout... I knew there are a few other turnkey machines on the market but haven't looked too in depth into them.

Jon Griffin, How much is the V4 Pro going for? Do you have details on it? Thanks again!

Best,
Bill Rod.

PM sent with the information that I know.

I have access to quite a few v4 Catalyst machines. Some are full blown and others are simpler. Ask if you are interested.

Thanks so much for your response, I was actually going to build one myself with a new mac pro... I was going to include:
Mac Pro $4,047.00
Two 2.26GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon
6GB (6x1GB)
Mac Pro RAID Card
3 640GB 7200-rpm Serial ATA 3Gb/s
NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 512MB
One 18x SuperDrive
Apple Mighty Mouse
Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad
VGA2USB: Switch live from any VGA input $300.00
Active Silicon: LFG4 (4 composite inputs) $895.00
Catalyst Software and Dongle (DV version) $2,100.00
Sonnet Allegro USB 2.0 (for internal Dongle) $30.00
M-Audio Fast Track Pro $160.00
Furman M-8Dx Power Conditioner & Surge Protector $100.00

What do you think of this setup? Thanks in advance!
Best,
Bill Rod.

Just making sure you know you didn't put a DMX input device in that list.. Either need Artnet or a pepperoni USB device..

Ryan

Currently we will only be using it as a media player/live switcher that is controlled by a human... down the road if we control it via grandMA we will be sure to put one in, but thanks for the heads up!