What's Happened To Apple Store

[zephyrnoid]

I did post my request here two months ago.Here's the post....
NOTE: NO RESPONSES!
https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/5093490/
NO useful responses either here or on the three other HDV forums I frequent. Maybe it's my poor drawing skills. here's the diagram again..
Basically, I need a turnkey solution that is not just an Apple or or vendor driven 'package' but rather one that customizes the components based on a need to capture uncompressed vid at the highest rez that the camera is capable of, editing in FCS2, uses a RAID of some sort and will deliver DVD's or BluRay Discs.
I fail to see why this is so difficult for experts here or in an Apple Store?

Is there something wrong with my expectations?

Besides which, if you read and post here, what are you doing asking them for help?? Post a thread here, watch the experts give you advice, compile a shopping list, take it to the Apple Store and say "I want to buy this." Done!

 

[mperkins37]

I am a Mac User for 20+ years & I am also a tattooed Gen X'er, I have a lengthy ponytail, and Play Thrash metal Guitar, & Rock.
BTW, I am also a Republican, that has solid knowledge of the world around me.
I was a Dem until they tried to shove John Kerry down my throat.
The fact is that some sales persons suck & some salespersons don't. It is usually the character of the person that dictates his/her pride in work, not his/her political affiliation.
Grow up a bit.

 

[notjustjay]

I did post my request here two months ago.Here's the post....
NOTE: NO RESPONSES!
https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/5093490/
NO useful responses either here or on the three other HDV forums I frequent. Maybe it's my poor drawing skills. here's the diagram again..
Basically, I need a turnkey solution that is not just an Apple or or vendor driven 'package' but rather one that customizes the components based on a need to capture uncompressed vid at the highest rez that the camera is capable of, editing in FCS2, uses a RAID of some sort and will deliver DVD's or BluRay Discs.
I fail to see why this is so difficult for experts here or in an Apple Store?
[snip]
Is there something wrong with my expectations?

Well, why didn't you say that in the first place? The original post you linked to merely asks "how can I fill in the blanks on this diagram?" I had a look at it, studied the diagram, and had no idea what you were looking for. Not that I'm any kind of HV20/HV30 expert, though I'm watching the posts closely on these cameras as I am seriously considering getting one in the near future.

I suggest you try another post, include your diagram and this time include what you've just said above, I'm sure someone can give you a hand. Perhaps give it a thread title like "Help me spend $3000 on an edit suite!" or something descriptive and eye-catching.

People here are very helpful when they know how to answer your questions. If they don't offer you an answer, it's because nobody knows or because you're not being clear in expressing what you would like help with. Either way, don't take it personally.

I would bet money on you getting better answers here than you would in any Apple store.

 

[Mal]

*technical flowchart*

Come on, you really expect a retail salesperson to understand and be able to come up with a meaningful solution for you? You need to talk to someone who specializes in that field. Obviously, someone who specializes in high end video work isn't going to be working minimum wage at an Apple Store (actually, they're slightly better than minimum wage, but you get the point). In this case, it's entirely a case of unrealistic expectations.

jW

 

[MacinDoc]

You definitely need to go into a store that specializes in high-end digital photographic content. Perhaps some place like Samy's Camera in Los Angeles, which specializes both in high-end digital stuff and in high-end Apple software. I walked in there to replace my camera that died while I was on vacation, and I was amazed by their product selection.

 

[fuzzielitlpanda]

do your research before you go in. i would never depend on a sales person to teach me about the product I'm about to purchase.

 

[bigjnyc]

its unrealistic to expect that every employee in an apple store is and expert tech. This is why they have the genius bar, you were better off scheduling an appointment with a tech for your needs. now if you need to pick up a new computer or peripherals or software then you can talk to a salesperson. Also at my local apple stores they have techs who give classes and tutorials on video editing you can ask for one of these people as thats obviously an area of expertise for them.

you can check on apple.com by retail store what the class schedule is, maybe attend the next video editing class and hang around and speak to the instructor afterwards.

 

[DeuceDeuce]

Is there something wrong with my expectations?

Yes...

 

[f1]

I did post my request here two months ago.Here's the post....
NOTE: NO RESPONSES!
https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/5093490/
NO useful responses either here or on the three other HDV forums I frequent. Maybe it's my poor drawing skills. here's the diagram again..
Basically, I need a turnkey solution that is not just an Apple or or vendor driven 'package' but rather one that customizes the components based on a need to capture uncompressed vid at the highest rez that the camera is capable of, editing in FCS2, uses a RAID of some sort and will deliver DVD's or BluRay Discs.
I fail to see why this is so difficult for experts here or in an Apple Store?
[snip]
Is there something wrong with my expectations?

This is pretty complicated, the Apple Store doesn't even carry the products you would need, so even if the sales person knew what you were talking about you would still walk out empty handed. Other then the Apple Pro Apps, the Apple Store only stocks consumer level stuff.

 

[Digital Skunk]

Basically, I need a turnkey solution that is not just an Apple or or vendor driven 'package' but rather one that customizes the components based on a need to capture uncompressed vid at the highest rez that the camera is capable of, editing in FCS2, uses a RAID of some sort and will deliver DVD's or BluRay Discs.

Capture uncompressed vid? Aja or Blackmagic. I like the IOHD. I never knew HD could be as seamless and easy to edit as SD.

http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/

http://www.aja.com/

Editing in FCS2? Just grab the box, no problem at all there.

RAID of some sort? You looking for RAID 0,1,5, or higher? I like the G-Technology's G-Speed Es with their eSATA card. Buy two of them and you get what you are looking for, 10bit 1080i/60 HD real time in RAID 0 or 5. I don't have one yet but I have done the research in the hopes of grabbing them.

www.g-technology.com

For BluRay you will need a BR drive of some sort. www.fastmac.com has some that are Mac compatible, and the new Toast from Roxio burns BRD. I don't think DVD Studio Pro gives BRD support just yet though, so you will have to pick up the authoring tool used in Adobe's Video Suite. The name escapes me.

I hope this is what you were looking for?

 

[Xeem]

I've watched the sales help in the Mac Stores switch over since 'W' took the oval office and I have to tell you, these guys haven't got a clue.

As interesting as it is to see someone trying to imply a link between Bush and Apple's state of affairs, I have to point out that retail Apple Stores didn't even exist before Bush took office- maybe you're thinking of CompUSA?

I think that if we are going to blame Bush/Republicans for the quality of Apple Store employees then I think it is only fair to laud "W" for the incredible growth that Apple has experienced during his entire presidency, as opposed to Apple's performance throughout all of the 90's:

...or maybe we can just accept the possibility that the Apple Store chain has expanded so much since it first started in 2001 that Apple might be having some trouble keeping up the same quality of employee that they've been known for in their stores the last several years.

 

[zephyrnoid]

Actually, I did just that. I made an appointment via Apple's Personal Shopping scheduler and specifically noted that I needed to talk to someone that had an understanding of Vid editing needs for HD.
It's my fault. I made bad assumptions. You should know that position still stands. The domain knowledge of the average Apple Store ( even Genius Bar) associate had nose-dived. I simply wasn't aware of that when I made my appointment for Bethesda, Maryland Montgomery Mall.
When the Tysons store first opened, followed by the MM store, many of the floor salespeople were actually laid-off Whiz Wunderkids from the various Webshops/IT Cos. in the area- that was between 2000 and 2002. Those people knew enough to sell a well config'd system. Today? The two persons I spoke with were sweating bullets and feeding me rubbish. The remark about their political affiliations stems from a shocking realization that there may be a connection between Political affiliation, hair style, dress code and serious knowledge of Mac capability- let's call it professional stereotyping. It's nothing personal, just a shocking discovery.
To those fellow forumites that took offense at this. Please Don't! I make a distinction between professional and personal stereotyping. However, I did take it personally that I was being treated like I just heard about Mac's that day.
If Apple employees only make a tad above minimum wage, what are they going to do with their discounts? Buy Macs to use them like they formerly used their PCs ?

its unrealistic to expect that every employee in an apple store is and expert tech. This is why they have the genius bar, you were better off scheduling an appointment with a tech for your needs. now if you need to pick up a new computer or peripherals or software then you can talk to a salesperson. Also at my local apple stores they have techs who give classes and tutorials on video editing you can ask for one of these people as thats obviously an area of expertise for them.

you can check on apple.com by retail store what the class schedule is, maybe attend the next video editing class and hang around and speak to the instructor afterwards.

 

[chrono1081]

I dont want to sound like devils advocate but I have worked in electronics retail for 10 years when I was younger and I can say this much:

-Great sales people work for commission, not an hourly rate so if apple stores are hourly, you may not get the expertise that you were expecting (This isnt the case everywhere)

-Asking software specific questions is going to get you an "I dont know" answer. Sure, the software may be sold at the store but that doesnt mean any associate bought the software, took it home, and learned every feature about it just so they can answer your questions. Just because the store sells it doesnt mean the employees know about it.

-Same goes for weird pieces of hardware. If you ask a normal question sure the sales guy should know but if you ask something like "How do I convert records to mp3s to stream to my xbox 360 with the best sound possible?" um...ya dont expect a good answer unless someone at the store has done it.

-When electronics store employees are trained they are trained on the basics and to help you get what you need with the information you provide them. Noone goes to college just to go work at bestbuy or ccity.

 

[zephyrnoid]

Oh Yes! I should sent W a thank you check for boosting Apple Sales. Sorry I have that all wrong. Forget i said anything. Let's remember that much of that money was borrowed from China

As interesting as it is to see someone trying to imply a link between Bush and Apple's state of affairs, I have to point out that retail Apple Stores didn't even exist before Bush took office- maybe you're thinking of CompUSA?

I think that if we are going to blame Bush/Republicans for the quality of Apple Store employees then I think it is only fair to laud "W" for the incredible growth that Apple has experienced during his entire presidency, as opposed to Apple's performance throughout all of the 90's:

[snip]

...or maybe we can just accept the possibility that the Apple Store chain has expanded so much since it first started in 2001 that Apple might be having some trouble keeping up the same quality of employee that they've been known for in their stores the last several years.

Thanks for this. It gets me close with just a few more gaps to fill. I note that you suggest this stuff without stating that it's what you actually have or have actually config'd for someone.
No matter. I get the idea now

Capture uncompressed vid? Aja or Blackmagic. I like the IOHD. I never knew HD could be as seamless and easy to edit as SD.

http://www.blackmagic-design.com/products/

http://www.aja.com/

Editing in FCS2? Just grab the box, no problem at all there.

RAID of some sort? You looking for RAID 0,1,5, or higher? I like the G-Technology's G-Speed Es with their eSATA card. Buy two of them and you get what you are looking for, 10bit 1080i/60 HD real time in RAID 0 or 5. I don't have one yet but I have done the research in the hopes of grabbing them.

www.g-technology.com

For BluRay you will need a BR drive of some sort. www.fastmac.com has some that are Mac compatible, and the new Toast from Roxio burns BRD. I don't think DVD Studio Pro gives BRD support just yet though, so you will have to pick up the authoring tool used in Adobe's Video Suite. The name escapes me.

I hope this is what you were looking for?

 

[Digital Skunk]

Thanks for this. It gets me close with just a few more gaps to fill. I note that you suggest this stuff without stating that it's what you actually have or have actually config'd for someone.
No matter. I get the idea now

I have configured it for a few businesses that I work with. I haven't used anything but the a Kona card and FCS2, but everything else kinda works as expected.

I am surprised that no one at the Apple Store could help you with this.

 

[zephyrnoid]

Here's a challenge. I challenge anyone to take my diagram down to the Apple Store in Montgomery Mall, Bethesda, MD. to procure a professional turnkey solution to the question marks on the drawing. I'll pay your gas for up to a 50 mile round trip journey. Go in groups, Go individually. These alleged 'Apple' sales guys need to get the message over there.
They should be able to help you since they've had the drawing for 3 days and haven't called me back yet

 

[pprior]

I am just dying to hear about all of your experiences in Apple Retail Stores before W took office. (The first one opened in 2001)

With the lack of intellegence the OP shows in his postings in this thread, it's no wonder he's struggling with video editing.

OP, take this stereotyping whining crap to your daily Kos rantings if you wish, but leave your your egotistical greatness there. It's sad when people pretend that their political leanings imbibes them with greater knowledge on any other subject. Believe what you want to believe when you go into the voting booth, but spare us the foolish assumptions.

If you want to talk pro apps, you need an appointment with a pro apps specialist. In my local apple store there are maybe 10% of employees that know the pro aps and most of them aren't what I consider genius level. You want truly high end advice, you need to go to a high end vendor that deals with video, there are plenty in the back of any video editing magazine or search online.

 

[Mac In School]

Apple retail employees should know everything about every piece of hardware they sell, and...

Be professional studio engineers who have all the free time in the world to teach you Logic Studio when you walk in with questions.

Be a professional videographer, and able to answer every question you have about Final Cut Pro, Color, Shake, etc...

Be professional print and Web designers so they can tell you the right way to use Photoshop's Burn/Dodge tools, as well as teach you how to develop your own custom Spry Widgets.

Have every sound in every Jam Pack memorized, and be able to accurately sing them to you in every key signature...

Know how many stitches each laptop bag has holding it together...

Memorize the system requirements of every 3rd party app in the store...

Have the FSB speed of a G2 iWhatever memorized...

Be able to walk you through exactly how to install and program your eyeTV...

Know if the "HP" printer you have at home will work with Leopard, even though you don't have the first clue what model it is...

Know what speed your "Linksys" router at home supports, again... Even though you don't have the first clue what model it is...

Be able (and allowed) to tell you how to unlock your iPhone...

Should we get into the future predicting next?

Know the date and time the new iScrewU is coming out and how many whateverbytes it has...

Be able to tell you the exact date the iPhone is coming out in Timbuktu, and what carrier will be supporting it...

Did somebody mention the Genius Bar? What kind of expertise do you encounter when you waddle up to the Dell/HP/Microsuck bar? That's what I thought.

...

If you're so brilliant, perhaps you should fix the problem by working there yourself. What, they can't afford you, Mr. Spielberg? Probably not. Do you have any idea what it would cost to staff an Apple store with the level of expertise you want? You think Apple products are expensive now?

I spend at least an hour a week at the Apple store (I'm a one-to-one member), and I think they do a tremendous job. Judging by the crowd and the smiles, I'm not alone.

 

[zephyrnoid]

So what I'm hearing is that there are actual designated 'Pro' specialists in these store. Right? So why is it that when I specified a Video Specialist with HD know how I got a pair of hamburger flippers helping me choose a system?
Pathetic.

 

[trip1ex]

So what I'm hearing is that there are actual designated 'Pro' specialists in these store. Right? So why is it that when I specified a Video Specialist with HD know how I got a pair of hamburger flippers helping me choose a system?
Pathetic.

You're expecting too much. I think the genius bar is just a front line tech support. Mostly for dummies and old people and Mac newbs.

The Genius BAr isn't a consulting firm which is what you seem to need.

 

[nick9191]

You don't learn everything there is to know about FC to go and work in an Apple Store for £5 an hour.

You can't expect them to know all that, they know enough to help the majority of users.

Just because its Apple people expect the staff to know every last thing. It's just another store, with minimum wage workers, who are a lot better than most stores may I add.

 

[Consultant]

You're expecting too much. I think the genius bar is just a front line tech support. Mostly for dummies and old people and Mac newbs.

The Genius BAr isn't a consulting firm which is what you seem to need.

Genius Bar offers these services:
diagnostics, support, repair

Yes, not a consulting firm, but not for dummies either. People who work at Genius Bar has to undergo training and pass periodic tests (and if you don't study enough, you will FAIL the tests).

 

[monokakata]

As at least one other poster has suggested, you need to talk to a systems integrator, especially since you want a "turnkey" solution. It's unrealistic to expect retail store employees to be able to do this for you. I inhabit the periphery of the video world but I can suggest the Creative Cow forums, and here's one (among many) systems integrators:

http://dv411.com/

They are an example of the kind of place where you need to go for answers (and to buy what you need, most likely).

 

[Eraserhead]

I fail to see why this is so difficult for experts here or in an Apple Store?

Because they are retail employees. If I wanted this solved I'd probably end up paying someone appropriate $1000/day to solve it, its not trivial.

 

[SwitchingtoMAC]

have only been to an apple store twice, once to get an ipod, and the other for them to replace it under warranty