The new Mac Pro & RED

[Stephen Gray]

I'm curious how compatible the new Mac Pro might be with a 4(or 5 or 6)K workflow. I know it's really dependent on editing software used, but let's say grading was being done in RedCine-X. On the Graphics overview, they boast being able to edit full-4K res in real time.

https://www.apple.com/mac-pro/

We’re talking storage that’s up to 2.5 times faster than the fastest SATA-based solid-state drive and up to 10 times faster than a 7200-rpm SATA hard drive. Most flash storage systems connect via SATA buses designed for slower spinning hard drives. But we designed the new Mac Pro around new PCI Express-based flash controller technology to deliver the fastest solid-state drives available standard in a desktop computer. So booting up, launching apps, even opening massive files happens in, well, a flash.

On that topic, what are all your thoughts on the upcoming Mac Pro launch? Beefy enough? As a Mac and RED owner/user myself, I think it's innovative enough but we'll see just how real-world useable it'll be once it's out. I tried PC again, can't do it. Almost considering a Hackintosh. Almost...

 

[Andy Roberts]

Hi Stephen. This topic has been covered in immense detail on other threads. But the short answer is, until the new Mac Pro and the New RCX Pro comes out (October?) with GPU acceleration, it is impossible to give you a definitive answer. But still, that is the solution I'm planning on... new MacPro with lots of RAM, the new 4K monitor (rumor), and the new RCX along with Adobe Premiere, After Effects and SpeedGrade... no Red Rocket-X. How will it handle Dragon footage? my guess is: adequately.

 

[Stephen Gray]

Hey Andy, sorry I didn't catch the earlier discussion. I thought it had to have been talked about, but nothing came up in search. Thanks for adding your thoughts, though. Slightly different discussion for software: but Adobe is definitely rocking it with their CC kit. I'm using both FCPX and Premiere at the moment. I really would be surprised if Dragon footage runs as smoothly on the new MacPro. For now, a 4K R3D workflow seems more promising on a modern Apple set up.

My guess is that the rumoured 4K monitor is most likely the latest 'iMac' style 27" with retina. How amazing would that be?

 

[L. Langer]

Right now, there are no real panel contenders in production for 4K monitors except for what Sharp is offering. Yes, there is a 39-inch monitor coming out next year but it uses a panel made for a UHDTV and it's of a lower quality than what Apple would use. I expect a 31-inch Cinema Display with what Sharp is currently offering though if Apple came out with a 39-inch using a HQ panel, it would be a game breaker. We'll just have to wait and see what pops up at IBC 2013/CES 2014 with HDMI 2.0.

 

[L. Langer]

Looks like Samsung is going to offer a 31-inch UHD panel and monitor next year and it looks superior to the Sharp offering with 2 DisplayPort inputs and HDMI 2.0. That could very well be the basis for a new Apple Cinema display, which would fit perfectly in the footprint of the older ones.

 

[Stephen Gray]

Still nothing, even after a 5K iMac display! .
Two years later, and I've moved onto a Mac Pro w/ standard 27" Cinema Displays (same as I was using, editing R3D files on a Macbook Pro).