Multimedia workstation: Vastly Different from a Regular PC

Does it take ages for your computer to encode a DVD? Or does it seem like hours for that graphic filter to apply? If the answers are yes, you are probably stuck with a misfit PC. A multimedia workstation is vastly different, in terms of almost all components, from a PC that is used for normal productivity work. In fact, you will need a workstation, and not just any PC. Let’s see what to look for when selecting a PC for intensive multimedia work.

Processor

Encoding, editing and designing involve a lot of data processing handled by a multitude of algorithms. So make sure that you have a fast processor. It’d be better still to go in for a dual-processor-based workstation.

RAM

Again, all the data that is written and read off the various disks needs to be crunched, formats changed, and filters applied. All this requires a lot of RAM. Consider DDR or RDRAM, which are faster than regular SDRAM, if your budget permits it.

Hard disk

Considering the large amount of read/write operations, a faster RPM hard disk will surely help. Consider a SCSI hard disk. It is also preferable to have two hard disks instead of one. This way you can have the OS on one and use the other for the temporary swap space that applications use. You will need large amounts of storage space. FireWire disk arrays are an option for those into professional video work.

Graphics card

Ironically, a graphics card that gives you the highest frame rates in QuakeIII may not be the best for your graphic editing or high-end designing needs. Look for specialized cards that give you clarity and detail.

Capture card

To capture video from external devices like camcorders, VCRs or Beta stations, you will need to have a video-capture card. There is a whole range of capture cards, from low-cost amateur cards to high-end ones for professional-quality work. Choose one that gives you good frame rates even at higher resolutions. Many display cards come with integrated capture capabilities. It is preferable to have separate, dedicated cards for display and capture. Look for S-Video and Composite video input/output on the card.

Firewire

If you deal with live video, then you need FireWire port to bring in video to your system. Macs come with built-in FireWire; so do most high-end workstation PCs. If your workstation does not have one, you may need to invest in a FireWire card.

TV tuner card

As the name suggests, a tuner card is used to display TV on your PC. Frankly, these are more for entertainment than for your work. Video captured from a TV card will be of inferior quality, and would tend to be grainy.

Sound card

Multimedia is both video and audio. Ensure that you have a good sound card if you intend to do a lot of music-based work (if you are a music composer, for instance). Preferably go in for a 5.1 output sound card with Dolby and DTS decoder on the hardware. Check that it has all the outputs you would need, like optical and digital. The same applies to the inputs available (auxiliary, line or microphone). Though all the newer cards come with wavetable synthesis, check the number of MIDI voices supported.

Speakers

Apart from the number of channels, other important parameters for a speaker system are their frequency response and power output. The better the frequency range they cover, the more the clarity of sound across the spectrum. Check power output rating in RMS and not PMPO to get the actual ‘strength’ of your speakers. There are CDs to check the quality of sound output of speakers.

CD/DVD/CDR drives

Depending upon your need, decide on the drive you want to buy. A CD writer will obviously be a requirement. Check if the drive has error correction features (needed in ripping CDs). Combo drives are also available, which can read and write CDs and read DVDs. Moving up the value chain, you can opt for a DVD writer, if you are into producing
DVDs.

Data backup

If you are going to work with oodles of data, it’s better to back up your entire data. While your CD/DVD drive can archive one project at a time, you would need a more complete backup, just in case. Invest in a good tape backup system of adequate capacity. If yours is one of many workstations at the same place, then the tape drive can be shared. And ensure that you use the drive to make regular backups of your system.

Cables and connectors

Never neglect these! Always use shielded, coaxial cables for all audio and video signals to prevent interference.