Multiple Processor Rendering at DVinfo.net

Paul Buchan · April 4th, 2009, 03:44 PM

Does anyone know how the different versions of Avid handle rendering across multiple processors? Curious if it is better to have a slower Quad Core, or a faster Dual core when it comes to rendering. I've tried to look for an answer all over the place but can't seem to get a real answer.

Any insight would be appropriated.

Thanks!

Terry Martin · April 5th, 2009, 12:06 AM

I would definitely recommend a quad core for Media Composer 3.0 and above.

Bill Ravens · April 5th, 2009, 06:28 AM

It really depends on which codec you're exporting to. Some codecs are multi-threaded, others are not.

Paul Buchan · April 5th, 2009, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Ravens

It really depends on which codec you're exporting to. Some codecs are multi-threaded, others are not.

What about internally to AVID, before export? Same thing, based on what codec?

Bill Ravens · April 5th, 2009, 10:27 AM

As far as I know, Media Composer on a 32 bit platform is not multi-threaded. In other words, internal processing would not be much different on windows XP pro whether quad core or not. I understand that there are some processes that are multi-threaded, such as the 10-bit color correction module, but, that's about it.

According to Avid rep's, they will be going to multi-threaded processing when they go fully to 64-bit engines.

Terry Martin · April 6th, 2009, 01:17 AM

Bill is right in that some functions can be written as multi threaded, while others are not. For instance, Quick Time itself is single threaded. I understood that the MC 3.x series had greater multithread functionality, so I typically watch the MS performance monitor for anything that takes any noticeable time. I can report that transcoding HDV to DNxHD145 uses all eight of my cores to about 80% each, drastically reducing workflow time. Other aspects of avid that are instantaneous may be single threaded or multithreaded, but I don’t care if I don’t have to wait.

Unfortunately for me, Sorenson 5.04 seems to be single threaded when producing mpeg-2 output from QT reference files of the DNxHD145 media.

I recommend Intel Core 7 quad processors (920 is a bargain) for any new computer. This CPU will overclock itself if it finds some of the cores are unused.

April 4th, 2009, 03:44 PM	#1
Paul Buchan Tourist Join Date: May 2007 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 4	Multiple Processor Rendering Does anyone know how the different versions of Avid handle rendering across multiple processors? Curious if it is better to have a slower Quad Core, or a faster Dual core when it comes to rendering. I've tried to look for an answer all over the place but can't seem to get a real answer. Any insight would be appropriated. Thanks!

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April 5th, 2009, 12:06 AM	#2
Terry Martin Regular Crew Join Date: May 2007 Location: Palo Alto, California Posts: 100	I would definitely recommend a quad core for Media Composer 3.0 and above.

April 5th, 2009, 06:28 AM	#3
Bill Ravens Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: santa fe, nm Posts: 3,264 Images: 10	It really depends on which codec you're exporting to. Some codecs are multi-threaded, others are not.

April 5th, 2009, 10:27 AM	#5
Bill Ravens Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: santa fe, nm Posts: 3,264 Images: 10	As far as I know, Media Composer on a 32 bit platform is not multi-threaded. In other words, internal processing would not be much different on windows XP pro whether quad core or not. I understand that there are some processes that are multi-threaded, such as the 10-bit color correction module, but, that's about it. According to Avid rep's, they will be going to multi-threaded processing when they go fully to 64-bit engines.

April 6th, 2009, 01:17 AM	#6
Terry Martin Regular Crew Join Date: May 2007 Location: Palo Alto, California Posts: 100	Bill is right in that some functions can be written as multi threaded, while others are not. For instance, Quick Time itself is single threaded. I understood that the MC 3.x series had greater multithread functionality, so I typically watch the MS performance monitor for anything that takes any noticeable time. I can report that transcoding HDV to DNxHD145 uses all eight of my cores to about 80% each, drastically reducing workflow time. Other aspects of avid that are instantaneous may be single threaded or multithreaded, but I don’t care if I don’t have to wait. Unfortunately for me, Sorenson 5.04 seems to be single threaded when producing mpeg-2 output from QT reference files of the DNxHD145 media. I recommend Intel Core 7 quad processors (920 is a bargain) for any new computer. This CPU will overclock itself if it finds some of the cores are unused.