[stephen pick] "does anyone have any advice on what the minimum hardware spec is we should be getting to go with final cut studio 3? "
http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/specs/
Mac Pros will easily get the job done, but you could even go with the new quad core 27" iMacs. But I would look into getting a nice big gigabit ethernet raid that can be shared access the network for storing all the media on.
Also don't edit in the HDV format, it not all that great, I would capture and edit in Pro Res.
There are no "technical solutions" to your "artistic problems".
Don't let technology get in the way of your creativity!
