Video Editing For Beginners: Matrox RT.X10

Exporting To MPEG-4/DivX - Still A Problem?

If the popular MPEG-4/ DivX codec is installed, that format can be specified for export as well.

It is even possible to export with the popular DivX/ MPEG-4. One problem: the MP3 sound that comes with it.

Users report that individual artifacts or synchronization errors can occur with the sound. Another solution is to export to the HuffyUV format as a substep and then continue working with the Virtualdub program.

Summary

The Matrox user gets a complete package for almost the same price as the full version of Adobe Premiere 6.5. The video editing card has a digital IEEE1394/ FireWire port as well as a breakout box with analog input/ output. The video editing software is, so to speak, just a "bonus." The first batch of the RT.X10 made it to the shelves with Premiere Version 6.0; a coupon for a free update to Version 6.5 is included in the package. The second batch already includes Premiere 6.5.

As far as function scope is concerned, this product clearly ranks as a beginner card. For the price, a good number of real-time effects are available. For everyday tasks, we would venture to say that there are even more effects than you need - even Hollywood films are produced with fewer cross-fade effects. The prerequisite for real-time status, however, is a PC system with Athlon XP or Pentium 4. We recommend having at least 1.6 GHz. Unlike its big brothers, RT.X100 or RT2500, X10 cannot process the MPEG-2 format directly. It must first be converted to DV. This process not only takes time but also requires more hard-drive capacity. On the other hand, if the user only wants to work with DV material from his digital camcorder, no problems of this kind will occur.

Using the X10 is not simple, especially not for beginners. The reason for this is the choice of bundled software. In comparison to its rival Pinnacle Studio, Adobe Premiere is more difficult to use. You will find many pro functions in Premiere that the home user does not commonly need. But if you take considerable time to get broken in, you will come to appreciate the advantages of Premiere.