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MAY 14, 2002 Performance: Apples to Apples
Test 1 involved five layers of video in 3D, with the top layer rotating on the X, Y and Z axes. The opacity of the topmost layer changed over time. Result: Dual G4 1 GHz: 230 seconds; G4 933: 346 seconds. [an error occurred while processing this directive]  Test 2 was purely about particles, involving two explosions and shooting smoke from the default libraries, though modified in scale, zoom and velocity. The particles were applied as operators to the footage.
Result: Dual G4 1 GHz: 408 seconds; G4 933: 495 seconds. But the third test is where the dual G4 shined above all others. This test involved two 3D layers with a variety of effects applied, including Oil Paint, Lens Flare, Add Noise, Crumple (particularly processor-intensive), Discreet Color Corrector and Motion Blur. Result: Dual G4 1 GHz: 981 seconds; G4 933: 1,701 seconds. Test 4 also showed impressive results for the dual G4. This was the only 2D layer test in the bunch, but color for the entire comp was set at 16 bits per pixel. It involved one layer of footage and the following effects: Gaussian Blur, Ripple Pro, Find Edges and Discreet CC Curves. Result: Dual G4 1 GHz: 263 seconds; G4 933: 439 seconds. The final test wasn't as impressive as the previous two for the dual G4, but decent nonetheless. Test 5 was essentially a mix of all of the above. The comp was 16-bit with a 3D footage layer, particles (which are only 8-bit in Combustion 2), 16-bit text and effects. The 3D layer was rotated on all axes and warped with a Pinch filter. It also used Add Grain and Discreet CC Curves. Particles used were "Splashes purple-orange." The text was animated over time for position and color and used the Luminosity draw mode. Result: Dual G4 1 GHz: 808 seconds; G4 933: 1,299 seconds. Combustion test summary: Combustion 2 takes decided advantage of the dual processors in the top-end G4. In a perfect world, where all hardware and software is configured perfectly, the dual 1 GHz G4 at best, and only theoretically, could process information in 46.7 percent the time it takes the 933 to process the same information. Of course, this isn't an ideal world, and software and hardware aren't perfect. Nevertheless, in one of our tests the dual G4 completed its rendering in 57.7 percent the time it took the G4 933--just 11 points shy of perfection. Overall, with Combustion 2, the dual G4 completed its operations in 62.9 percent the time it took the G4 933. Synthetik Studio Artist 2.0 Now Studio Artist is an application that makes no pretensions toward multiprocessing. It is a 2D paint, effect and rotoscoping application that taxes the CPU exceedingly with vector and raster processing. A stunning application in its own right, Studio Artist is available only for the Macintosh and is brought to you by the same guy who created such little Mac applications as Pro Tools and Deck. Prev 1 2 3 4 5 Next Related sites: • AV Video • Creative Mac • Digital Animators • Digital Media Designer • Digital Post Production • Digital Producer • Digital Video Editing • DV Format • Film and Video Magazine • Film Imaging • Hollywood Industry • The WWUG Related forums: [an error occurred while processing this directive] 
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