The Matrox (RT2000)and RT2500 is a "…real time editing platform….to easily capture analog and digital video from a variety of sources, edit projects in real time…then deliver to tape, DVD, CD, and the web….

Tests by Matrox have shown that 1394a (400Mbps) hard drives are not capable of sustaining the data transfer rates that are needed for video editing with the RT2500.

Recommended setup:

• Use a 1394b (800Mbps) Maxtor external coupled with a 1394b interface controller.
• add an additional internal ATA hard drive dedicated for audio and graphic files
• (Power user) add a IDE/SCSI RAID configuration. Significant read and write times compared to a single drive set-up.

"Do I really need a separate [hard disk] drive for my A/V content? Yes. To ensure that your system is properly configured for realtime playback, your video clips should be stored on a drive other than your system drive.