Digidesign is now concluding its qualification process of the PCIe systems with the new range of Apple Power Mac G5 computers. Windows-based computers equipped with multiple PCIe expansion slots are not yet commonly available. Digidesign is planning to test and qualify its PCIe systems with Windows-based computers once machines with at least three usable PCIe slots as standard are introduced to the market.

Since the new Power Mac G5 computers have only three usable PCIe expansion slots (and because those computers will be the only ones qualified at the launch of the PCIe Pro Tools|HD systems), initial Digidesign support for PCIe-based Pro Tools|HD^® systems will be limited to a maximum configuration of three cards. If you plan to use the new PCIe-based Power Mac G5 computers and want to build an expanded configuration (beyond three cards), you will need to use the PCI version of our Pro Tools|HD cards in conjunction with an expansion chassis.

To accommodate the installation of expanded Pro Tools|HD configurations on a wide range of PCI, PCI-X, and PCIe-equipped computers, Digidesign will also introduce the Digidesign Expansion|HD chassis, a brand-new six-slot PCI expansion chassis that connects to the host Windows or Mac computer using either a PCI/PCI-X or PCIe expansion slot.

Available Soon
PCIe-compatible Pro Tools|HD core systems are scheduled to ship before the end of this year and will be sold at the same price as their existing PCI counterparts. Digidesign will offer a cross-grade program for PCI users who wish to switch to a PCIe solution. Full details and pricing of this offer will be communicated soon.