AVCHD and Avid Media Composer

I have workflow test with an AVID post house next week.

My understanding is that it is as simple as a "Native' workflow.

ie. Ingest > Edit (no transcode required)

Will advise.
 
I can't speak specifically for MC4, but in MC5, it's easy to Import/Transcode AF-100 footage. I've been working with AF-100 footage imported into DNxHD 175 and it cuts like butter. A really nice high-quality codec. Now, I haven't (and likely won't) try a "native" AVCHD workflow, simply because there is no need for me to do that in my current working environment.

But I'd certainly be curious to see what you find out, Shooter.
 
Curious, Mick

Why did you find no need to edit natively and go to a transcode using DNxHD ? ( great codec BTW)
 
Space and time are really of no concern to me. I have all the storage space I need on a per-job basis, and my jobs tend not to be quick turnaround projects. So taking the time to transcode isn't an issue, especially if it means better performance in the timeline.

I can certainly understand why people want to edit natively, but it's just not a priority for me right now. But who knows what we'll see in the near future.
 
you still cannot use AVCHD files natively on MC5. you have to import to your choice of DNxHD (it takes time and might get to be X8 bigger than original AVCHD).
but i would also be happy to hear of a good workflow. i still have some decisions to make..
- is it possible to finalize editing in the lowest DNxHD and replace with original AVCHD files when going to After effects ? (that could save a lot of space)
 
I have not tested this ( but will).... Does transcoding from AVCHD to DNxHD maintain the TIMECODES?

That would be a fundamental requirement for any proxy workflow.
 
I've been unable to link to AMA volume (MC5) with my GH2 footage but importing to DNxHD works like a charm.
I can't wait to get my AF100 and try mounting AMA volume
 
roei z said:
you still cannot use AVCHD files natively on MC5. you have to import to your choice of DNxHD (it takes time and might get to be X8 bigger than original AVCHD).
but i would also be happy to hear of a good workflow. i still have some decisions to make..
- is it possible to finalize editing in the lowest DNxHD and replace with original AVCHD files when going to After effects ? (that could save a lot of space)
Click to expand...

I'm still on MC4 and I can confirm that MC4 will not import AVCHD. I have a Sony EX1 but one my clients brought in some AVCHD footage from a Sony camera and I would not be import to into MC4. What I finally end up in doing is install the trial of MC5 and import all AVCHD files into MC5. And yes, it's quite slow but not as slow as transcoding by TMPGenc or Sorenson Squeeze. The file size is bigger than it's native MTS file; however, it's WAY smaller than transcoded by TMPGenc 4.0 Xpress or Sorenson. It would nice if there is a better workflow.
 
I just double checked. I can import AVCHD, .mts files, which are trancoded via Avid's codec to the file type you choose. You cannot link the native AVCHD files via AMA file or AMA Volume Link, which would save space and transcoding. I have used MC5 with AVCD files converted via HDLink (Cineform) to .mov files, which can be used in MC5. Avi's can be made also but do not play well in MC5, and you definitely should convert to .mov rather than .avi if going with the Cineform workflow. BTW the import in MC5 is slower for me than via Cineform, but Avid's clips usually run in real time on the timeline.

Tom
 
I also came face to face with this AVC wall, as I call it. Much of what I do is somewhat to very time sensitive, and it took me well over 3 hours to transcode 1.5 hours of AVCHD into Avid MC5. So I bought a Nanoflash. Now it sees and plays those files instantly through AMA, but appears to still require a transcode on export. I really wish there were a same as source option, or QT reference available in AMA.
 
bhdfield said:
I also came face to face with this AVC wall, as I call it. Much of what I do is somewhat to very time sensitive, and it took me well over 3 hours to transcode 1.5 hours of AVCHD into Avid MC5. So I bought a Nanoflash. Now it sees and plays those files instantly through AMA, but appears to still require a transcode on export. I really wish there were a same as source option, or QT reference available in AMA.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure about other format but with my EX1, AMA will only allow me to edit and apply effects and that's it. I still have to transcode or mixdown. That could literally take hours. Many times MC4 will not let me transcode that means the only other option is mixdown...which it as a whole other issue if I ever want to go back and change some effects or color correction. I have to re-mixdown every time I make any changes. There is no good workflow in Avid if you use long GOP.
 
so you're saying it's better to work in CS5 on AVCHD projects? is it stable and reliable? i hate those vegas/edius/premiere interfaces !! :(
 
i had the chance to shoot with af 100 for a day and i own MC 5.0 and all i did is just import the files i shot..

i opened a 1080 25p project and imported the files as DNxHD120.... if you want you can import it as 185 or whatever res you want... after all your files are 24mb/s...

imports might take some time... But, in the long run... trust me, using files without import with AMA will kill, even the fastest system...
 
i had the chance to shoot with af 100 for a day and i own MC 5.0 and all i did is just import the files i shot..
Click to expand...


Seems as if your files were transcoded and not native as you are suggesting.

i opened a 1080 25p project and imported the files as DNxHD120....
Click to expand...
 
pekinazer said:
i had the chance to shoot with af 100 for a day and i own MC 5.0 and all i did is just import the files i shot..

i opened a 1080 25p project and imported the files as DNxHD120.... if you want you can import it as 185 or whatever res you want... after all your files are 24mb/s...

imports might take some time... But, in the long run... trust me, using files without import with AMA will kill, even the fastest system...
Click to expand...

You don't have a choice if you're working with AVCHD mts files - you must transcode these as far as I know. And it takes a really long time.
 
I'm still on MC4 and I can confirm that MC4 will not import AVCHD. I have a Sony EX1

I'm still on MC4 and I can confirm that MC4 will not import AVCHD. I have a Sony EX1

I work on MC 4.05 and have the same frustration that AVCHD .mts files do not import directly. I wait for a good offer to upgrade to 5.5 from Avid. In the mean time the best and fastest option is to import straight from the AF 101 camera by capturing via HD SDI to DNXHD. Old fashioned Real time, but super image quality without the codec failures.
 
i thought nanoflash files (mxf) could be brought into avid natively and did not need to be converted/transcoded to DNxHD. I am sure i have read this somewhere.
 
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