Here's my set-up:
MacBook Pro 17" (OS X 10.4.8) - FCP 5.1.2 - Mac 23" Cinema Display - XLH1

I'm just beginning to delve into the logging and editing process using the Easy Setup "HDV=1080i Firewire Basic." I've noticed a slight "shifting" of the image as well as a pulsing (brightness) when I'm previewing (Cinema Display 23") recorded footage during the logging (Batch Capture) process. Is this a function of the system trying to deal with the MPEG compression. These FX do not show on captured footage.

Will the Matrox MXO box give me a "cleaner" look from the Cinema Display during preview as well as during the editing process?

My first post job will be output to SD DVD. Does it make a difference whether I use the downconvert function in the XLH1 or should I capture in HDV format and downconvert in the FCP timeline as part of the editing process?

If anyone has the same system as I do and would be willing to answer some off-list questions I'd appreciate an email.

Thanks.

"I've noticed a slight "shifting" of the image as well as a pulsing (brightness) when I'm previewing (Cinema Display 23") recorded footage during the logging (Batch Capture) process. Is this a function of the system trying to deal with the MPEG compression. These FX do not show on captured footage."

You're looking at a lower res preview in FCP.

"Will the Matrox MXO box give me a "cleaner" look from the Cinema Display during preview as well as during the editing process?"

Yes.

"My first post job will be output to SD DVD. Does it make a difference whether I use the downconvert function in the XLH1 or should I capture in HDV format and downconvert in the FCP timeline as part of the editing process?"

I've had great results exporting HDV to compressor and transcoding to SD mpeg2 and then authoring in DVDSP4.

Rich:

Thanks for the help. So let me make sure I have the work flow correct. You capture in HDV straight from the cam, work with HDV in the FCP timeline and then go through Compressor with SD MPEG 2 settings to your DVD project.

Thanks.