Apple Pro Res vs. Apple Intermediate Codec

A

abeas

Well-known member
I shoot with both an HMC150 and HMC40. Normally, I edit on my mac pro and transcode all files to Pro Res 422. I recently acquired a black macbook that has final cut express 4 on it. I can use log and transfer, but it transcodes to AIC, instead of Pro Res 422. Keeping the fact in mind that I shoot with an HMC150 and 40, is there much difference between AIC and Pro Res? I am aware of the limitations in terms of frame rates, with FCE unable to support 60p and 24p.
THanks for the help!
 
The biggest difference, as I understand it, is that AIC uses 4:2:0 color space, while ProRes is 4:2:2. So, even though you're shooting in 4:2:0, when you move into a post environment, the additional color information of 4:2:2 will allow you more latitude in color-correction before the footage begins to artifact/degrade.

I think.
 
Sounds reasonable to me.
I don't ever want to edit on this Macbook with FCE, however when I'm out in the field it would be nice to dump a card and transcode the files to AIC and save the time. If people think it's better to have the extra color channel though it may not be worth doing.
Out of curiosity, I wonder if I could run the FCS install discs on my Mac Pro, boot this Macbook in Target mode via firewire to the Macbook, and choose the Macbook hard drive as the install option. The little system checker program that runs would have already ran on the Mac Pro (prior to the disc install destination) and passed based on my Mac Pro specs. I'd still be within the EULA as it statesI get one desktop and one laptop. Hmmm, anyone ever tried this?
 
abeas said:
Sounds reasonable to me.
I don't ever want to edit on this Macbook with FCE, however when I'm out in the field it would be nice to dump a card and transcode the files to AIC and save the time. If people think it's better to have the extra color channel though it may not be worth doing.
Out of curiosity, I wonder if I could run the FCS install discs on my Mac Pro, boot this Macbook in Target mode via firewire to the Macbook, and choose the Macbook hard drive as the install option. The little system checker program that runs would have already ran on the Mac Pro (prior to the disc install destination) and passed based on my Mac Pro specs. I'd still be within the EULA as it statesI get one desktop and one laptop. Hmmm, anyone ever tried this?
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Just install FCP on your laptop- it's that simple. License agreement allows you to have the same copy on laptop and desktop with the same serials- I called Apple about this 3 years ago.
 
robertrogoz said:
Just install FCP on your laptop- it's that simple. License agreement allows you to have the same copy on laptop and desktop with the same serials- I called Apple about this 3 years ago.
Click to expand...

You're missing my point. I can't install FCStudio on the laptop because it has intel integrated graphics. The little program thing that runs when you start up the FCStudio installation tells me my system does not meet the system requirements, and the installer just quits. Hence, why I wanted to try and trick it and install it via target mode.
 
abeas said:
You're missing my point. I can't install FCStudio on the laptop because it has intel integrated graphics. The little program thing that runs when you start up the FCStudio installation tells me my system does not meet the system requirements, and the installer just quits. Hence, why I wanted to try and trick it and install it via target mode.
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It's most likely Motion that screws the install up. Try installing just FCP by unchecking the rest of the apps. I had FCS (FCP5) on Mackbook, so I would imagine it still should be possible
 
It might sound a little crazy, but I've recently purchased a Canon T2i and have been testing codec conversions with MPEG Streamclip, and I really like converting from the T2i's mpeg 4 files to 50 mbps 1080p XDCAM HD 422. File sizes are not too much bigger than mpeg 4 T2i or your basic HDV files. Conversion is fast and I have the added luxury of working in a 422 colorspace as well. Plus, FCP doesn't have any problem editing XDCAM footage, as it causes no slow down or rendering on the timeline for playback.

I don't know if MPEG Streamclip will give you what you need with FCE, but it might be worth a try.
 
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