Two readers (thanks Ray/Dave) sent a note that Avid has a free (registration required for key code) FreeDV app for Mac OS X (and a Windows version also). Here's some info I found at their site:

"What is Avid Free DV?
Avid Free DV is feature-streamlined, standalone software designed to give a user the opportunity to explore the Avid editing application. It includes basic video and audio editing capabilities, up to two streams of real-time effects and support for both Windows XP and Macintosh OS X platforms. When you're ready for even more horsepower, you can step up to Avid's professional line of products including Avid Xpress DV software and Avid Xpress Pro systems, and take advantage of the fully functional Avid editing interface and toolset."

Mac requirements listed are OS X 10.2.4 or later, 667 MHz or faster G4, 256MB (or more) of RAM. See the FreeDV FAQ for answers to common questions (FreeDV projects not compatible with other versions) and their Free DV Resources page has links to a feedback form, Avid forums and tutorials (for the Xpress/Xpress DV although may be useful for FreeDV also). You have to fill out a form at the Download page (w/cookies enabled in browser) to get the authorization key mailed to you.

" Mike, two interesting G5 reports. I tried installing an Apple OEM UL3D SCSI card in the G5. (Dual G5 with SCSI card in middle slot) The machine started nicely and Apple Profiler recognized the card, however, Retrospect did not see my Ecrix tape drive. I then downloaed and installed the Atto version 2 drivers which are supposed to support the G5, but not the OEM card. (that driver update was noted here back in August, and other ATTO card problem reports said they had installed the latest drivers. I asked him what "revision" (firmware version) ASP reports for the card.) and viola, Retrospect sees the tape drive and works perfectly. I've tried several restores (but not a backup) and it worked flawlessly. In my experience, Retrospect is very fussy about SCSI connections so this is really a good sign. (There was an update recently to Retrospect 5.1 I think for SCSI devices. I asked him what version of Retrospect he was using)

On a sour note, I tried replacing my M-Audio Audiophile 2496 PCI card with their USB Audiophile. This worked perfectly in my G4. In the G5, however, it causes a kernel panic whenever it's turned on, even after a successful startup with it off. (Crashes on startup if the unit is on when starting). I've sent M-Audio an email, but have not heard back. (See the linked G5 compat. page, PCI section above for M-Audio compat. info)
Thanks for a great site. George S.."

He later wrote with answers to questions about the Retrospect version he was using and the firmware version of the OEM ATTO card:

"Strange that you should ask about Retrospect. I was using version 5 and it worked fine. I upgraded to 5.1 (with the SCSI patch) today and it works about the same. So, bottom line is the ATTO oem card will work with either version. The firmware is 1.6.1f1. This card was purchased from OWC some months ago. OWC incorrectly states that the card will not work with the v 2.0 ATTO drivers designed for G5s. The v 2.0 drivers in fact did work (without them the card would not recognize the tape drive.

The M-Audio sound module is not a card, but connected through the USB port. I bought it because I knew the Audiophile card would not work. It has the same functionality as the Audiophile PCI card but connects through USB. In any event, any time you turn on the module you get a kernel panic within a few seconds. The module worked in my G4 flawlessly. M-Audio still hasn't responded to my e-mail.
George"

I'll add George's comments to the next update on the G5 compat. page.

" Just to inform you if you wish to see these high end 3Dlabs Wildcat video cards on your G5 for realistic 3D rendering etc., please be professional and describe your requests to:

Steve.Cox@3Dlabs.com
Stephen D. Cox
North American Channel Sales Manager
3Dlabs - A CREATIVE COMPANY
9668 Madison Blvd.
Madison, Alabama 35758

He mentions he is getting a lot of response from those on the Mac platform, this is good. As some in the 3D profession know, the Mac platform has been traditionally shunned as being underpowered and no high end card support.
Well the Dual G5 has changed all that.
-sailfish "

• Giga Designs G4 1GHz (at 1.2GHz) in (sawtooth g4/400) G4/AGP (rated 9)
  (includes lots of before/after performance tests including Audio Apps)
• PowerLogix BlueChip G3/900 in Powerbook G3 2000 (rated 10)
• PowerLogix G3/900 in B&W G3 (rated 10)
• PowerLogix G4 1.2GHz in G4/Cube (rated 10)
  (My full reviews of G4 and G3 upgrades w/apps/game tests, install info, etc. are linked here.)
• Apple B&W G3/300 OC report

(Warning - Overclocking may not be reliable and could lead to hardware failure or corrupted data.) You can find the full reports by searching the database selecting the indicated Mac model and upgrade card brand/type. If you've upgraded the CPU on your Mac, please post an entry in the database. Search the database for entries from most every upgradable Mac model *before* you buy. (Searchable by mac model/upgrade brand). For detailed reviews with performance tests and install tips, see the CPU Upgrades page.)

Tape Drives:
• SCSI Sony SDX-D500C used w/B&W G3 (OS X)
  (2nd report on compat. issues with Sony Tape drives and Adaptec 29160 card in OS X)
  
  DVD-ROM Drives:
• IDE GD-7000 (8x/40x) and GD-3000 (6x/32x) in Beige G3 (OS 9.2)
  (both apple rom drives - problems noted w/GD-7000)
  
  CDRW Drives:
• IDE Liteon LTR-52237S (52x32x52x) in Beige G3 (OS 9.2)
• IDE Liteon LTR-52237S (52x32x52x) in 85/8600 using IDE PCI card (OS X) (using burn support plugin from FAQ)
• USB Iomega CDRW38402EXT2-B (40x12x40x) used w/G4 Dual (OS X) (using modified burn support file)
  
  Combo DVD-CDR Drives:
• IDE LG GCC-4480B (48x24x48x + 16x DVD-ROM) in G4/AGP (OS X)
  (noted 10.2.8 has native burn support without needing the modified LG file from the FAQ used for 10.2.6)
  (Illustrated CD drive install guide here covers G4 towers up to the Digital Audio Model, Beige G3 MT, B&W G3 and 8600/9600 Macs)
  
  DVD+R/RW + DVD-R/RW Drives:
• Firewire (IDE drive in FW Case) Pioneer DVR-106 used w/B&W G3 (OS X) (didn't note OS X version - but 10.2.8 added native support w/o modified plugin files needed for 10.2.6 and previous)
• IDE Sony DRU-500A in G4/AGP (OS X 10.3)
  (noted native burn support)
  
  Hard Drives:
• IDE Maxtor DiamondMax Plus 120GB in Beige G3 (OS 9.2)
  (Beige G3 MT illustrated HD upgrade guide here)
• IDE Seagate ST3120026A 120GB in Dual G4 DDR (OS X)
• IDE (serial ATA) Western Digital WD360GD (Raptor) 36GB in Dual G4 DDR using IDE Serial ATA PCI Card (OS X)
• IDE Western Digital WD1200JB 120GB in G4/AGP (OS X)
  (Illustrated guide to adding a 2nd HD here in B&W G3 rev2 and G4 towers up to the QuickSilver models.
  IDE articles page RAID section has an illustrated guide for adding 2 more drives in the side bays.)
• Firewire (IDE drive in FW case) Maxtor DiamondMax Plus 200GB used w/iMac G4 (OS X)

You can find full owner reports (latest shown first) by searching the database by drive/brand/interface/mac models (the latest reports are shown first in searches). For guides to installing CD/CDRW/DVD drives or Hard drives in many mac models, see the IDE Articles page. The Firewire articles page also has guides on case kits, installing drives, etc.
If you've added a IDE, SCSI, Firewire or USB hard drive, CDRW, tape drive, etc. make sure you add a report to the database. (If you post an updated entry - make sure you use the same name, etc. as you did before so I can find your past entry. Thanks.)
(Incomplete entries are deleted. Do not post questions in the database, it's for drive reports not questions on what drive to buy - for that try searching the database for reports from owners of your mac model on the drive type/brand/interface, etc. you're interested in.)

• 1 year ago today
• 2 years ago today
• 3 years ago today