ProTools optimized for altivec?

[bobmirror]

Does anyone know if ProTools is optimized for altivec? They are such a big company, I am suprised it's not on the list I checked. Also... why the hell does there seem to be such a moral debate over using ProTools?

[ThunderRoadPost]

Not sure on the Altivec question.

I think it's because Pro Tools TDM is so outrageously expensive, and those who have taken the plunge into it have something of a superiority complex or a chip on their shoulder (if it cost me so much money, it must be the best!). While I have a TDM system, I recall what it was like not to have one, and try to temper my responses with that feeling.

Also, PT still functions far better on a Mac than on NT (and with any luck always will), so there's that whole platform war thing, too. Silly waste of time, that. We all know which platform is better. The other side's just jealous! http://www.audioforums.com/forums/wink.gif

[Tunesmith48]

Since ProTools uses it's own DSP processors the main CPU is not that critical so altivec inclusion wouldn't be that critical. Yes it is awfully expensive but it is the top way to go these days. Too much $$$ for home though, at least for me.

[cerealchamp2000]

Hey Bob

That list I sent is not exactly current. For example, I don't recall seeing DP on it but it is Altivec stuff. Per my talk with my MAC genious friend, nearly all number intensive programs, not the least being audio software, take some or full advantage of the velocity. There may be a G4 guru lurking around here to clarify. I think DP3 will be the first to take advantage of OSX.

[davidp158]

While Altivec and dual processors may not be as needed on a TDM system, my Digi001 host based system would surely benefit from it. I've seen major improvments in Photoshop with my dual processor G4.

Digidesign seems to be intentionally dragging their feet on these issues. Critics will claim that they are protecting their TDM stuff by keeping the Digi001 a bit underpowered. Truely unfortunate, but it can only go on for so long, as most (all?) other new systems will eventually take advanatage of either or bother Altivec and dual processors. Some say that OSX will automatically give you dual processor support, but I belive that has to be written into the code of the updated application as well. Obviously, running a non OSX savy application on OSX will not reap any benefits of OSX, and actually run slower as its in emulation mode.

I've got my fingers crossed, but not holding my breath for Digidesign to help the 001 users anytime soon.