Matrox have brought out a new version of their successful RT.X2 card. The RT.X2 is the best way to improve the performance of Adobe Premiere Pro for both SD and HD editing. There were previously two versions - the RT.X2 which is both standard definition and high definition and the RT.X2 SD which is standard definition only. You can buy either of these cards on its own, or you could buy the RT.X2 in a bundle with Adobe Premiere.

The only problem with the RT.X2 is that it is a full-length PC card - so it does not fit into a lot of standard computer cases. Even with our own, not so small, quiet Antec cases we have to remove a couple of drive bays to make sure it fits. The RT.X2LE is basically the same as the RT.X2 and smaller, so it fits into a standard case. The only other thing missing from the card is a DVI output port. For monitoring HD you can view the picture either through a component connection or through a digital one like a DVI or HDMI port. HDMI is the new standard port for HD pictures, but this is not present on the RT.X2 - instead it has a DVI port which is capable of giving a picture every bit as good as an HDMI port, albeit with no sound.

The biggest problem we have had with the RT.X2 DVI port is deciding which monitor to use with it. It has to be a monitor capable of showing the full resolution that the DVI port is outputting, and these have been quite rare. We finally do have a BenQ monitor, which comes equipped with HDMI and VGA as well as a DVI socket for the RT.X2, which will work at 50Hz. It is full 1920 x 1200 resolution and is £350 +VAT. However, it is the only we have used that works like this. Most, including the BenQ FP214WZ, which is a similar spec but also has a component connection, work at 60Hz - which means you get jerky playback.

So for most people the RT.X2 LE is perfect. It is available now and is £625.00 +VAT (£735.00 inc). The RT.X2 is £730.00 +VAT for just the card or £999.00 in a bundle with Premiere and Encore.

You can order them now from the DVC webshop.