New MacPro predictions? Hopes? Fears?

[Nicholas Croft]

I I wonder how the Trashcan "form factor makes this the dream machine for DIT's"?

they are fine but the rendering issue in Resolve did bite me on one project and i know others have experienced it. I'm open to anything that helps me do things better and more efficiently.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2W0Lsf7hec

And you can slap Jake's CentOS on there too.

If you're a thrillseeker, an R290x in there will rip through fcpx files better than a 'firepro' D700.

 

[jake blackstone]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2W0Lsf7hec

And you can slap Jake's CentOS on there too.

If you're a thrillseeker, an R290x in there will rip through fcpx files better than a 'firepro' D700.

Sure, it's not a Trashcan
As I said, to me the top gaming experience is less important than the ability to craft a system, that meets my exact needs. If someone is looking to built a powerful computer in a small form factor, then why not? I'm all for choices...

 

[Simon Dunne]

Look at the current trend over on the workflow forum....Mac hardware is dead.

 

[Wayne Morellini]

What about that $129k Nvidia supper computer. We should be able to have processing like that for $10k.

I had this brilliant idea many years ago, to make an array of processors into a desktop (desktop computer literally). Using a universal IO system I was envisonaging around the boundary, thousands and tens of thousands of high speed IO lines would be available that could emulate TB USB PCI etc (not that you need GPU cards with this sort of array). Sir Clive Sinclair's company had made a fault bipass water memory system, and were preparing a processor that would also bipass faulty processor cores on the wafer, to make an high end Linux computer. The same sort of system could be used so that massive wafer slabs could be joined together to firm a desktop, and any buggy parts not bring it down. The thing is that you could drastically decrease the cost metric per square unit of area. I'm imagining if a now seeding and vapor deposition of the chip substrate is possible. Remember, unlike a normal wafer process it dues not need to be near perfect, eben if you loss 20% of the cores you are still potentially many times ahead on costs. As long as the substrate can be made on flexible stretchable electronics (just a bit, it is a desk, you should be able to put stuff on it, move it around and stand on it). Very interesting stuff, and my laser scanner design can write to such an area (but precision is the issue. They had planned on various writing technique to draw circuites on wafers smaller than bluelight before near field became the choice). Hmm another idea, encase the wafer in a substance to avoid contamination before the writing, but chips are many layers normally.

 

[Blair S. Paulsen]

Mac hardware may be weak sauce compared to the latest Windows/Linux hero boxes, but it's hardly dead. I would point out that for many tasks in our industry, a late model iMac or rMBP does quite well - let alone a maxed nMP or cMP.

Many RedUsers fit a specific profile of resource requirements and time pressures that call for heavy iron - transcoding high resolution compressed files, image manipulation, huge data sets, etc. For us, the limitations of Mac hardware are frustrating workflow clogs.

The crux of the biscuit for many is ProRes, hence the desire to find a rock solid authoring program for the Windows side. Perhaps the "trending" Simon notes is more about the intensity of that search, than prima facia evidence of the Mac's demise.

With the tech currently in the pipeline, Apple will have the opportunity to bring a proper workstation to market in the next 12 months. Whether that will happen, or is even a organizational goal for them, is another issue.

Cheers - #19

 

[Mike Halper]

Without built-in native ProRes encoding in the major apps like Adobe Creative Cloud apps, Resolve, etc. Mac is far from dead. The majority of post houses and distributors list ProRes HQ and ProRes 4444 in their specs. Without ProRes encoding most people are really unable to move over to Windows. The encoding options/workarounds that are available for Windows don't use Apple's native encoder (they use ffmpeg) and don't really meet the specification properly. On some systems the ProRes files from those encoders will cause an error/warning regarding the file, even though they may play it. And some apps won't open some of the files too.

Some want the most powerful computer (PC hardware) and some want an easier to use computer and a better overall experience (MacOS). Some want both, but that's not possible right now unless you dive into building a hackintosh (which admittedly may remove the easier computer part but I think still give a better overall experience).

 

[Bérenger Brillante]

Without built-in native ProRes encoding in the major apps like Adobe Creative Cloud apps, Resolve, etc. Mac is far from dead. The majority of post houses and distributors list ProRes HQ and ProRes 4444 in their specs. Without ProRes encoding most people are really unable to move over to Windows. The encoding options/workarounds that are available for Windows don't use Apple's native encoder (they use ffmpeg) and don't really meet the specification properly. On some systems the ProRes files from those encoders will cause an error/warning regarding the file, even though they may play it. And some apps won't open some of the files too.

Some want the most powerful computer (PC hardware) and some want an easier to use computer and a better overall experience (MacOS). Some want both, but that's not possible right now unless you dive into building a hackintosh (which admittedly may remove the easier computer part but I think still give a better overall experience).

The overall experience on windows since 7 has been quite nice. 7 to 8.1 to 10 was troubleless and easy. It's a matter of taste especially when working on crossplatform softwares.
You should see my tiles on my grading labtop, it's so easy, it could be considerated idiotproof


Post Houses list Prores flavour as a first choice, but when asked if DNX HD/HR is ok, they answer "sure it's the same". I had it happen probably hundreds of time and I'm not even a DIT.

 

[Jarek Zabczynski]

What I find the most frustrating is there's virtually no leaks on any type of MacPro update. Couple hearsay things here and there. 10 USBC/TB3 ports is the only rumor that gets tossed around. Yet we've heard the next iphone will have no headphone jack for months...

It almost feels like they were about to announce an update a few months ago but changed their mind's for some reason. Hopefully to redesign the thing from scratch.

Someone's gotta know something...

 

[Wayne Morellini]

What I find the most frustrating is there's virtually no leaks on any type of MacPro update. Couple hearsay things here and there. 10 USBC/TB3 ports is the only rumor that gets tossed around. Yet we've heard the next iphone will have no headphone jack for months...

It almost feels like they were about to announce an update a few months ago but changed their mind's for some reason. Hopefully to redesign the thing from scratch.

Someone's gotta know something...

Know what you mean. They were talking about micro blade, and after a while the existing one turned up. They really needed both, because as Blair said, it suites many applications, even IMac (particularly that big touch TV one, that folded down like the HP's, they canned, which would have been a very cool buy, particularly if they had auto 3D (and BD burner option, now BD 4k). That would have been big enough to fit a MacPro level hardware in it (I suggest a replacable back that allow two profiles, thin and fashionable home, office, newspaper desktop publishing, audio, photo, and workstation). HP can do it, why not Apple.

As it is, Apple might be regretting things a bit. Choosing to concentrate on IPhone and tablets, and watches, which go stale design wise, instead of diversification of profits. It is time for a refresh, of everything.

 

[Wayne Morellini]

Mac hardware may be weak sauce compared to the latest Windows/Linux hero boxes, but it's hardly dead. I would point out that for many tasks in our industry, a late model iMac or rMBP does quite well - let alone a maxed nMP or cMP.

Many RedUsers fit a specific profile of resource requirements and time pressures that call for heavy iron - transcoding high resolution compressed files, image manipulation, huge data sets, etc. For us, the limitations of Mac hardware are frustrating workflow clogs.

The crux of the biscuit for many is ProRes, hence the desire to find a rock solid authoring program for the Windows side. Perhaps the "trending" Simon notes is more about the intensity of that search, than prima facia evidence of the Mac's demise.

With the tech currently in the pipeline, Apple will have the opportunity to bring a proper workstation to market in the next 12 months. Whether that will happen, or is even a organizational goal for them, is another issue.

Cheers - #19

Blair, how is future Resolve support for ProRes going, or is it mainly just Mac software licenses?

 

[Mike Halper]

The overall experience on windows since 7 has been quite nice. 7 to 8.1 to 10 was troubleless and easy. It's a matter of taste especially when working on crossplatform softwares.
You should see my tiles on my grading labtop, it's so easy, it could be considerated idiotproof


Post Houses list Prores flavour as a first choice, but when asked if DNX HD/HR is ok, they answer "sure it's the same". I had it happen probably hundreds of time and I'm not even a DIT.

I definitely hear you there. Windows is a lot better now. It's still not as simple and straight forward as MacOS though, and when you just need to get to work, that goes a long way. Sure, you get a lot of options with Windows systems, but when it comes down to needing to just get to work, you don't want to have to deal with that. Neither system is perfect for anything, unfortunately.

 

[Mike Halper]

What I find the most frustrating is there's virtually no leaks on any type of MacPro update. Couple hearsay things here and there. 10 USBC/TB3 ports is the only rumor that gets tossed around. Yet we've heard the next iphone will have no headphone jack for months...

It almost feels like they were about to announce an update a few months ago but changed their mind's for some reason. Hopefully to redesign the thing from scratch.

Someone's gotta know something...

That's because all R&D and manufacturing of the Mac Pro is done in the US, where Apple has a lot more control of security. All other Apple products are manufactured in China so info gets leaked from there a lot easier. That or Apple is just going to phase out the Mac Pro, which (to be honest) wouldn't be a surprise at this point (they did EOL all their displays).

 

[Blair S. Paulsen]

I don't think it's lost on Apple that having their hardware be a de-facto ProRes dongle has kept them semi relevant in media content creation. Is that leverage point enough to motivate them to put out a decent MacPro 7,1 in the near future? Obviously many of us hope so. That said, with smart phones and tablets getting so sophisticated (not to mention bandwidth sufficient to support cloud platforms) - is it worth the squeeze to even stay in the computer business at all when 90% of potential buyers are already served? Is there enough space between racks of hardcore hardware at the top end and a nice laptop to support a "workstation" market large enough to make serious profit on the scale that Apple operates these days?

The fact that Apple still sharply limits ProRes licensing at least gives me hope they do want to continue to serve the content creation market with their own hardware. I'm just hopeful that their strategy is to wait for Kaby Lake so a 7,1 cylinder is enough of a jump from the current nMP 6,1 to satisfy people like us. No, I'm not holding my breath...

Cheers - #19

 

[Jarek Zabczynski]

I don't think it's lost on Apple that having their hardware be a de-facto ProRes dongle has kept them semi relevant in media content creation. Is that leverage point enough to motivate them to put out a decent MacPro 7,1 in the near future? Obviously many of us hope so. That said, with smart phones and tablets getting so sophisticated (not to mention bandwidth sufficient to support cloud platforms) - is it worth the squeeze to even stay in the computer business at all when 90% of potential buyers are already served? Is there enough space between racks of hardcore hardware at the top end and a nice laptop to support a "workstation" market large enough to make serious profit on the scale that Apple operates these days?

The fact that Apple still sharply limits ProRes licensing at least gives me hope they do want to continue to serve the content creation market with their own hardware. I'm just hopeful that their strategy is to wait for Kaby Lake so a 7,1 cylinder is enough of a jump from the current nMP 6,1 to satisfy people like us. No, I'm not holding my breath...

Cheers - #19

Is there much profit to be made in the workstation market for Apple? Probably not much, but if I were running Apple I would cater to such a market, not to make a profit, but stay relevant and give pro customers what they need. They make enough with iToys tunes and apps that simply breaking even on workstations should be a no brainer for a company like Apple.

Alas, I am not running Apple...

 

[Sergio Perez]

The pro market should be viewed like their tie ins with Hermes or the location of their flagship stores: as prestige boosts and raising brand perception and value. The revenue would not be on direct pro system and software sales , but on the influence and raise in profits it creates on the "regular" products.

 

[Antony Newman]

Mac Pro : I don't think Apple are pushing for the most performance - but Are aiming for the most performant PC within a Wattage, Sound and Space profile.

If Intel 10nm Xeon chips are ~2 times their 2013 Mac Pro (22nm), the CPU side would be able jump to twice the performance (when it finally comes out!)

By mid 2017 - I think the existing Mac-Pro users who have been 'plodding along' with their 4 year old machines would be ready to ready to evergreen - and Would be happy to dazzled by the next wave of 'innovative' technology.

If new next machine had 10 TB of internal high speed SSD, the ability to support up to 8K displays, HDR, WCG, and a GPUs architecture that promised upgradabilty (from Vega) ... They would probably have the receipe for another hit machine that will sell in the millions.

AJ

 

[Jarek Zabczynski]

According to Amazon and a supposed insider, the Mac Pro is being discontinued.

https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MD878L...d-Manufacturer/dp/B00747Y9C2?tag=macrumors-20

This can mean many things. It could simply mean the Trash Can is being discontinued. It certainly doesn't rule out a new Mac Pro with a new design. Let's hope.

 

[Scot Yount]

According to Amazon and a supposed insider, the Mac Pro is being discontinued.

https://www.amazon.com/Apple-MD878L...d-Manufacturer/dp/B00747Y9C2?tag=macrumors-20

This can mean many things. It could simply mean the Trash Can is being discontinued. It certainly doesn't rule out a new Mac Pro with a new design. Let's hope.

Dood. That's fucking hogwash. All that means is that that particular model, processor, 6 core whatever is no longer available. Apple builds the much maligned TRASHCAN in an American factory in Austin, Texas, that they built for the sole purpose of making the MacPro.. They are not gonna give up the ship because some people on REDUSER can't put their RED cards into it.

Edit: Full disclosure. I have the 12 core fully maxed unit and it works fine. I run full debayer Dragon 6K on it in REDCINE-X with almost no delay. On the D-700 GPUs I get great performance in FCPX and DaVinci Resolve. Not sure what else I need. I also run C4D, which is SUPER processor intensive on it with no problems at all. If I had a complaint it would be that some 3rd party render folks (Octane for instance) only work with Nvidia GPUs.

 

[Daniel Reed]

heh, I was the one who originally posted the Amazon link of the discontinued Mac Pro page to MacRumors - and that screen grab was from my iPhone!
:badputer:

I sincerely hope it is a typo or reference to only one particular nMP model no longer being made - but I have doubts since we are 5 days away from 1,000 days w/ no Mac Pro updates.

I suspect Tim Cook's Apple will only update Mac computers running MacOS on devices w/ integrated screens moving forward.
At least for a few years, until their est. annual 12% revenue contribution drops down to 3~5%

 

[Scot Yount]

heh, I was the one who originally posted the Amazon link of the discontinued Mac Pro page to MacRumors - and that screen grab was from my iPhone!
:badputer:

I sincerely hope it is a typo or reference to only one particular nMP model no longer being made - but I have doubts since we are 5 days away from 1,000 days w/ no Mac Pro updates

Hey! I Super agree they are way behind. They have dropped the ball. But I don't think they are gonna close up shop and lay off all the people in Austin without a solution. There are things about the cylinder that don't work for people, and things that do. I don't think they got everything right and I wish Steve wasn't dead. There are a shit ton of FCPX haters...but I find it seamless. I was at a seminar about RED workflow the other day on Premier and the instructors couldn't make it work right. They were great knowledgable people, but I recognized immediately that what they were trying to do in Premier was a cinch in FCPX. The MacPro has limitations but I bought it to run FCPX and it does that extremely well.