video stutter during editing

[pboss]

While using X3, on a Vista 32 bit, 2.1 ghz dual core, 3gb ram, a 7600GT card -- while editing HD video, I get a lot stuttering during playback in edit mode -- often the sound stumbles too, all of which makes it hard to see how my work is progressing. Checking the task manager, the memory is only about 50% used and processor doesn't appear taxed, so question is, why is this happening and what can I do about it. Thanks in advance.

[Ken Berry]

If your computer is indeed a dual core and not a Core 2 Duo, and the HD video is AVCHD, then you have to use SmartProxy to generate standard def copies of your high def originals. Be patient -- it takes time. But then you can edit the SD copies, view the edits smoothly, and then when satisfied, apply the edits to your HD originals.

AVCHD is the most demanding of all the consumer formats currently available and you need a decent computer not only to edit but just to play back AVCHD smoothly.

[pboss]

Thanks for the fast response - it is a Core 2, model 6400and wonder if a faster graphics card would be a help and likely the cheapest alternative to doing the whole machine all over (or the option you point out). whaddyathink?

[Ken Berry]

Try the SmartProxy route first -- much cheaper!