About real-time effects
If you have a Power Mac G4 or PowerBook G4 that is qualified for G4 real-time Effects as outlined in the product specification, please be aware that products at the lower end of the speed range may not be able to preview all effects in real-time. Not all boldfaced items are available for real-time preview on all computers. Boldfaced items should be taken to represent the range of real-time effects that is possible at the highest end. This is the intended behavior of the program.
In order to check that G4 real-time effects are available on your computer (in either OfflineRT format or DV format) insert a static graphic into the Timeline. A static graphic may be text or a freeze frame made from a video clip that matches the resolution of the format you are working in. Real-time preview of a static graphic is available on any computer on which G4 real-time effects are available.
If a green render bar is visible in the Timeline, then your computer is properly set up for software real-time previews. If a static graphic is not available for real-time preview, your computer may not be properly set up. Refer to the manual for setup instructions.
Symptom
Effects and transitions appear in a bold face font, but have a red render bar when placed in the timeline.
Solution
OfflineRT is a suitable alternative to those seeking G4 real-time effects, but with computer that are not capable of using a wide range of the possible effects on their computer in the DV format. OfflineRT is designed with mobile editing in mind, and is the best format for those seeking G4 real-time effects on a PowerBook.
In Final Cut Pro 3.0.2 and later, the bold real-time effects listed in the Effects menu are accurate for each specific computer. The menu items are bold only if your computer can use real-time effects.