Re: It simply works better...

[Arnie Schlissel] "And yes, that does mean that a lot of people who don't know what they're doing or how to tell a story will try their hand at it, but it also means that smaller shops can compete with some of the majors."

It also means a lot of people who have absolutely no clue how to actually assemble and operate that FCP system will be whining when that system doesn't perform correctly. "I thought FCP was so much better than Avid and Premeire, but it sucks because it doesn't do anything in realtime." Because they didn't set up their system correctly or they have no clue what they are doing with that system. Then they come on here and whine because we need to hold their hands and help them for about 200 posts before they finally figure out how to properly set up their system.

That's where a VAR comes in and that's why I always recommend a VAR to someone who is purchasing their first system or about to integrate multiple systems into a SAN. Sure, anyone can build a system, install their own parts and accessories, but when something goes wrong, a company like ProMax included 1 year of free tech support with their system installs. And that was pretty much everything, System Questions, FCP Questions, After Effects, questions, etc.... They answered it all.

They also would set up and run your system for 24 hours before shipping it to you to ensure that everything operated correctly BEFORE you received it. This is pretty much standard operating procedure for VAR's. If you don't think this service is worth an extra $1,000 - $2,500, well that's your perogative, but I will definitely miss ProMax and their knowledge. When it comes down to the point where there are no VAR's left and it's every man for himself, then it will get interesting with new folks trying to join into the industry.

Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.

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