General purpose platforms-the premature pretenders?

When used for off-line, graphics and animation the general purpose computer has been widely accepted by the industry but when required for more critical applications, does the concept of processing video within the computer provide sufficient power, speed and economy to compete with dedicated processors? This question implies that a choice must be made between a low cost, multiuse, expandable platform or a costly, customised, single purpose device. The author argues that reality is quite different. He considers whether the general computer platform is a universal tool or compromise. Software emulation of real-time effects is considered as are hard disk characteristics (including reliability), signal transmission, hybrid editing, broadcast quality and the use of general purpose platforms in news applications.<>