Hi,

I've just ordered a New Macbook Pro (Mid-Range) for doing graphics, and video editing.

I also have access to a Canon HV20 (with HDMI out), what I want to be able to do is import the video footage directly from the HDMI instead of firewire so I can get a much higher quality import. The only device I have seen that will do this is the Black Magic Intensity PCI Express card. Obviously this will not connect to the Macbook Pro. Is there any external enclosure this can be put in and connected to the Macbook Pro? are there PCI express cards that will do the same thing?
or should I Buy a used cheap G5 tower with PCI Express, or build/buy a cheap PC just for the importing of the video?

Some assistance to what would be the best/easiest/cheapest option would be great!

Thanks

William

How would you be losing quality by using the firewire cable?

It's a digital transfer process, so as far as I know, you would be getting the exact same quality every time.

(I've never used a HD video camera, so I might be wrong, but I'm just assuming it's the same as MiniDV. )

Sorry should have made my self clearer, the import quality is only higher when doing a live capture. No compression is applied when video is directly outputted though the HDMI port. The video is compressed once recorded on to tape.

So a portable solution would be better if possible but as I mainly want the higher bandwidth for getting better key's on blue screen a desktop solution will not be too bad if thats all I can use.

William

Im a working editor and cant say I have ever seen such a device. Only way to capture uncompressed is via a capture card in a tower. The only thing that comes even close is the IO HD which uses firewire and captures using pro res but thats definitely compressed so you might be out of luck there.

I think the ExpressCard specs are to low to support HDMI capture...

I would also think that the HDD in the MacBook Pro wouldn't be able to keep up with raw uncompressed video either.

I just found this product but its seems to be pretty expensive!

Magma ExpressBox1: Cabled PCI Express for Desktops and Laptops

But yeah the Hard Drive speed of the laptop is a problem, its probably all going to be a bit expensive and complicated. I'm still pretty happy with the quality of the HV20!

William

I can't edit 1080p on my MacBook Pro, so likely even if there was a capture card (or you found a PCI Express break-out card and box to use full-size cards) you wouldn't be able to edit the footage anyway.