HMC, AVCHD and AVID

[NEEL]

Hi there,

I am new to the HMC 151 and just trying to figure out a good workflow with Avid. I just shot a shortfilm in PH 1080p25 (rushes look good on screen - I already love the HMC!!!:love4:) and want to start editing. I have to upgrade from an older version of Avid, thats why I dont have any experience with HD-editing on it. It runs on a PC. Is DNxHD the way to go? Or does it make sense to choose another codec, like AVCintra or DVCProHD? If to go with DNxHD, how to convert AVCHD to it? So many questions, would be glad if someone could help...:violin:

[Barry_Green]

The simplest workflow is to use the free Panasonic converter to convert from AVCHD to DVCPRO-HD.

I don't know of a direct converter to DNxHD. There might be one, I just don't know if there is.

[Cranky]

This works: http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?t=25044 I was able to convert Panasonic's 1080p24(over 60i) into DNxHD 24pN with clean pulldown removal.

[NEEL]

This works: http://www.hv20.com/showthread.php?t=25044 I was able to convert Panasonic's 1080p24(over 60i) into DNxHD 24pN with clean pulldown removal.

Thanks Cranky, I will try it. Was the quality better than transcoding with DVCPRO-HD?

[NEEL]

The simplest workflow is to use the free Panasonic converter to convert from AVCHD to DVCPRO-HD.

I don't know of a direct converter to DNxHD. There might be one, I just don't know if there is.

Thanks, Barry. I've learned that DVCPRO-HD cuts of a lot of quality, so this probably won't be the best way to go for editing? What do you think about transcoding with vegas?

[Barry_Green]

DVCPRO-HD doesn't cut out a lot of quality. It does trim the horizontal resolution, but in 1080 mode you won't really notice a difference. And it's way faster to edit with.

In 720 mode, yes you will probably notice a sharpness difference.

Vegas doesn't need transcoding, as long as you're using version 9. Even version 8 has decent AVCHD support.

[NEEL]

DVCPRO-HD doesn't cut out a lot of quality. It does trim the horizontal resolution, but in 1080 mode you won't really notice a difference. And it's way faster to edit with. In 720 mode, yes you will probably notice a sharpness difference.Ooops... that doesnt sound to great. I just shot 1080p25, but the next project will be in 720p50. So I might work with DVCPRO HD for now, but it looks like I have to find something else for the 720p50 mode :D.




Vegas doesn't need transcoding, as long as you're using version 9. Even version 8 has decent AVCHD support.I only think of transcoding AVCHD into DNxHD using Vegas (as an easy to use transcoder, where I can even view and select the clips) . EDITING itself will be with Avid. I was just wondering if Avid accepts DNxHD material which was transcoded by Vegas...

[NEEL]

Hey Cranky, unfortunately I couldn't run your proposed setup. This was probably due to my computer, not to your recommended software which should run fine with all drivers etc... I just couldn't manage to start it. So I looked for some alternative ways. Here is what Oliver Graves from Pegasys Inc wrote me and which I would like to share:


TMPGEnc 4.0 XPress can perform this kind of task (transcoding AVCHD to DNxHD).
It accepts AVCHD contents in input and output in a wide range of formats.
The DNxHD format is not supported natively, you will have to install the latest
version of QuickTime on your computer, then also install the Avid DNxHD
codec if not already installed. When selecting the output format, choose
the "QuickTime file output" option then in the "Video" tab setting click
the "Settings..." button to select the codec and output options.I tried it and it works... :thumbsup:

[pailes]

Btw. ffmpeg also supports transcoding of AVCHD to DNxHD but it's not what I call user-friendly.

http://www.itbroadcastanddigitalcinema.com/ffmpeg_howto.html