Digital Media Platform

• Processor
  Intel Pentium 4 3.0GHz, 800MHz FSB, HT Enable is a main stream processor. HyperThread function may speed up video encode that uses multithreads. Intel's X86-64 extension and AMD Althon64 are another optional when we need to approach 64-bit applications.
  
  
• Memory
  Dual Channel PC3200, DDR400, 256MBx2 has the highest memory bandwidth - twice the memory bandwidth upto 6.4GB with lowest latency. KVR400X64C3AK2/512, DDR PC3200, DIMM 3-3-3 is the dual-channel solution from Kingston Technology. There is only less than $5 margin to normal memory.
  
  
• Hard Drives
  Maxtor S-ATA 150, 160GB, 8MB Cache, the Serial ATA disk allows fast speed and high capacity.
  
  
• Motherboard
  Intel 865GRH chipset, Dual-Channel DDR DIMM sockets, USB 2.0, 10/100 Ethernet, AGP 8x, Trust Platform Module (TPM), 6 Channel Audio, Intel Pro 10/100/1000 CT with Gigabit Ethernet support.
  
  
• Case
  MinTower ATX or MidTower ATX with power supply that complies with the ATX12V Power Supply Design Guide Version 1.2.
  
  
• Video Card
  ATI Radeon 9800 Pro is complint to the DirectX 9 that supports HLSL with high performance. ATI Radeon 9600 SE is an economic selection. The DirectX 9 compliant is the minimum requirements.
  
  
• Sound Card
  There are 6 channel audio port on Intel's 865GRH board.
  
  
• Speaker
  Nice speakers can demonstrate cinematic effects.
  
  
• Keyboard and Mouse
  The normal two button mouse is extremely cheap now. What's the price? We bought it with Canadian Dollar $3.50. Do not know why manufacturers still make it. Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse are popular selection.
  
  
• DVD-RW Writer
  LG Super Multi DVD Writer can write all DVD and CD formats included DVD-R/+R, DVD-RW/+RW, DVD-RAM, and CD-R/RW. This is our favior for media publishing.
  
  
• Digital Video Camera
  Canon ZR60 is an DV with 18x optical zoom. The Canon ZR70 has better night-shot function. Sony's HC series are also attractive but they all has only 10x optical zoom.
  
  
• Wireless Router
  Wireless 802.11g router is cheap and widely avaiable. The 802.11g is specially suitable for media transfer. Both Linksys' and DLink's products are fine.
  
  
• Broadband
  Cable or DSL with modem
  
  
• Software
  Right Intel's Trust Platform Module (TPM) only supports Windows 2000 SP3+ and Windows XP Professional, Since C++ is the language of media and game for performance, Visual Studio C++ looks like the only tool for the smooth DirectX integration. PhotoShop 7.0 is a tool for image and texture edit, Myra 5.0 is for 3D model design.
  
  Neatware Ladybug Studio XP is a Shader Studio to develop HLSL shaders,
  
  
• Security
  We do not want to our source to be pirated like Half Life 2 through Internet. That is why select a motherboard with hardware security. The firewall and anti-virus software are plus.