[AAR.oner]

wilson...

just a few notes:

1. as a former PC user who switched to Mac [but still use my pc for file storage], let me tell you--SWITCH TO MAC!!! far less errors, crashes, security problems, hack attempts, spam, adware, etc...

2. as a film student & former audio recording junkie, mac is the way to go in both worlds...final cut is very similar to premiere [which i have used in the past], but i find it a bit more "professional" [mainly its filters, effects, etc]...

3. re: converting DV to HiDef---h_vargas is right...in order to truly make something HD, the footage would've had to have been shot on a HD Camera [which few people have the $10,000 for]...however, i still use Final Cut Pro HD for the footage i import [XL2 down to regular DV Cam footage]...i simply import it in whatever format it is, and not as HD...

i would note that if you are merely going to import footage [such as live shows] and do little in regards to filters/effects/etc. i would just buy Final Cut Express [just looked in MacMall and its $294 right now]...

4. Apple's online store offers student discounts, so if yer a student [or know a student who would purchase something in their name for you] you can get the Final Cut Production Suite [Final Cut Pro HD, DVD Studio Pro (professional-level menu authoring), Motion, & Peak(audio) + more] for only $499!!! thats about a 60% discount...i'm sure Final Cut Express would be even less than $300 with the student discount as well...

hope that helps a bit...if you do decide to get the Production Suite, look online and note the minimum system req for each program so you are sure you can run them...

good luck...slainte!
aar.onerrrrrrrrrrrrr