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 Getting Started
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Return to Jeffrey L. Jones home page Video:

Pinnacle Studio - Getting Started (Digital)

I. What do I need to edit digital video?
  • A computer. According to Pinnacle (as of 3/2005), the minimum system requirements include: Pentium/AMD 800 or compatible PC or better with USB, 256 MB RAM, DirectX compatible graphics and sound card, DirectX 

    You can purchase the computer and capture system together and factory-supported from the Accent Computers KETS purchase spreadsheet, though separately they’re cheaper.
    compatible sound card, Windows 98SE or above, 500MB free disk space required to install software, 200 meg per minute of finished video.

    Having said that - you won't be happy with a computer with the minimum requirements. Pinnacle recommends at least a 1.5 gHz Pentium, and, if at all possible, have 512 megs RAM. Older hard drives don't have a fast enough transfer rate to capture at the best quality, and if you intend to burn to DVD, be sure to check the Pinnacle website for drive compatabilities.

  • Pinnacle Systems Studio (software only), or Studio AV/DV (includes IEEE1394 - so-called "Firewire" - and analog capture card, plus Studio software). If your computer already has a Firewire connection, or if both your camcorder and computer are USB 2.0 compliant, you only need the software. A demo of  the software is available for free on CD from Pinnacle Systems. 
  • A digital camcorder. If you by AV/DV, an analog camcorder will work, but you'll lose the convenience and high quality of digital.

II. How do I install Pinnacle Studio?

The installation is pretty effortless, but four things you need to watch for - especially with XP/W2000:

  1. Make sure you do a custom install, and make sure that the "SmartSounds" music files are checked to be included with the installation - if not, you'll be prompted for the installation CD every time you attempt to use SmartSounds. 
  2. The content CD is actually a DVD, so you'll need a DVD drive to finish that part of the installation (it's optional - the software runs fine without it).
  3. Make sure that everyone using Studio on the computer is at least a local "Power user" - see your local tech support person if you're not sure.
  4. If you have any problems after installation, make sure DirectX is at least Version 9, and that the video and audio cards (if separate) have the latest drivers.

III. How do I hook it all up?

In contrast to the wonderful world of analog capture, the Firewire interface handles video and audio, as well as camcorder controls. Hence you won't have to unplug your speakers to shoot to tape! Life is good!