Strange frame rate "bug" in editing

[MannHands]

shot a feature in March with two HVX's. A Cam shot to two 4gb P2's, B cam shot to two 8gb P2's. Cameras were completely synced for scene files and settings.

Upon import into FCP 5.1 I've noticed that somewhere around 1 out of every 10 clips from the B camera have the following problem: sound is recorded at normal speed, but the video rate is a really strange number and the video is virtually unusable. I've seen the following "frame rates" : 6fps, 11.99fps, 12.99fps, 13.99fps, 15.99fps. And some others. Luckily we had two cameras on most scenes and did a good number of takes. Not sure what this problem would be, but it only appears to be on one camera.

Any idea if this is a P2 issue, or an import glitch in FCP?

[Justin Kuhn]

I don't have firsthand experience with this but I've spent a few hours reading posts describing similar problems and subsequently developing a paranoid twitch. Apparently OS X has issues with the P2, causes artifacts in the footage sometimes. Windows, however, offloads flawlessly and FCP works with that footage just fine. I haven't tried this out for myself yet. Did you offload with a PC or a Mac?

[Betacam2]

I had a similar problem with a 720 24pn project that I waas working on.

Looking through the import P2 advanced options i noticed the remove duplicate frames option was selected in FCP. After deslecting that, the footage imported fine.

Hope that helps

[MannHands]

thanks guys. I don't know about that remove duplicate frames option. Doesn't seem like it would make a huge difference, and wouldn't explain the funky frame rates, but it's worth a shot. I probably won't import all the footage again, only if I need something vital.

We offloaded everything in the field with a PC laptop running XP. Only strange thing I noticed in doing so was different file sizes when copying to external drives. For example, a 6.94GB folder on the PC would read as 6.93GB on disc when read by a mac. Though I read that was normal.

anyway. thanks.

[Betacam2]

The remove duplicate frames is there to remove the extra frames put in for 24p footage with 3:2 pulldown.

So, if you shot 24pN, FCP could be trying to remove frames that it doesn't need to.

Try deselecting it and give it a shot. You sound like you're having the exact same problem I did and it worked for me. Strange frame rates on some of the clips and normal audio, deselecting it fixed it.

And just a little tip.. When someone is trying to help you, you should try the solution first before criticizing it.

[MannHands]

hey Mr. Betacam2.

Thanks for your help. Maybe you should go take a nap or something, I think you're a little wound up. I wasn't criticizing you or your suggestion.

But if you need someone to talk to, I'm here for you bro.

[memeboy]

hey MannHands,

was Betacam2 right? If so I think _you_ need to take a nap.

People in your situation shouldn't go around insulting the people who take the time out of their day to help you.

[MannHands]

When I try it out, I will let you know. And I think both of you misunderstood me. I wasn't "insulting" or "criticizing" anyone. I was simply looking for an answer to a problem and I ended up getting flack about attacking people. I think everyone on these boards should chill out a little bit, maybe go outside and see the sun once in a while and stop assuming everyone's out to get you.

Here's my original post, how about you read it, and then check the Oxford's definition of "criticize." Let me know what it says, I'm interested.

"thanks guys. I don't know about that remove duplicate frames option. Doesn't seem like it would make a huge difference, and wouldn't explain the funky frame rates, but it's worth a shot."

[MannHands]

that said, I do appreciate the help that people on this board and others have given me. some people are knowledgeable and friendly.

[Betacam2]

Typically I don’t take part in these petty interpersonal arguments in a professional forum, but, reading your responses I thought I should reply.

You keep saying that everyone else should relax, however, by the tone and reasoning of your responses, it seems as though you are the one who needs to get his blood pressure checked.

As far as I can see, no one was giving you “... flack about attacking people.” If you were referring to the tip I offered you, I was merely offering a suggestion that you should hold off on criticism of a solution before you even try it. If you try it and it doesn’t work, then so be it, rip it apart.

You’re obviously new to the business and this business is about working as a team and helping each other out. I can guarantee you if you give that kind of response to a director, producer , DP, electrician or anyone on a major set, you’ll be sorry you did. I thought I would offer a succinct suggestion about how to respond when people are trying to help you out.

As far as the definition of criticize: "to find fault; judge unfavorably or harshly." Your response to the solution of “...I don't know about that remove duplicate frames option. Doesn't seem like it would make a huge difference..” Would fit that definition quite well. it would also fit an alternate definition of criticize., “to make judgments as to merits and faults.

Mannhands I apologize if I offended you. But in no way was I attacking you, just offering a suggestion. I didn't think there was a way to blow it out of proportion the way it has been.

This will be my last response to this thread unless you need more assistance in solving your technical problem.

I’ll be glad to debate technical or philosophical topics related to video/film production. But, I don’t think a professional forum is the arena to debate interpersonal issues that you may have.

If you'd like to continue this discussion PM or e-mail me and I'll be glad to discuss it with you outside of the forums.

Thanks.

[MannHands]

wow. this thread is a ridiculous waste of everyone's time. sorry if I encouraged it.

I'll give your method a try. Like I said before, I appreciate the advice. But I don't think I was judging anything harshly. But enough of that, let's all have a hug.

Here was my initial confusion or issue with your suggestion (which I am by no means counting out as a possible solution). The strange frame rates are only on 1 out of every 10 clips from the B Camera. I don't have any problems with any of the like 2,000 clips from the A Camera. So I guess that would seem strange to me since I know I didn't change those settings. The original media is in Pennsylvania, so I don't have the opportunity yet to re-import it. I will definitely try switching that option off when I try it again. At which point I will let you know if it works.

Thank you, and I apologize for giving you shit. I was simply trying to get your goat. Looks like I got him.

... and ate him. Tasty goat.