Converting MS Avi to QT for editing

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PrestonH

Well-known member
Boy, I thought this would be as simple as any other export but is turning into a hassle.

I've got a MS DV avi file. I have a client who wants a QT file he can throw on his Mac (his laptop, I'm guessing) and edit if he wishes - 720x480, full motion, etc. He's a novice so I don't think he has any kind of fancy NLE. Probably imovie or something. I'm a Windows guy so my choice of Apple export codecs may be limited.

When I do an export from Premiere or After Effects to a QT file using the Apple DV/DVCPro NTSC codec, the results look like crapola. Like serious compression artifacts. Totally unacceptable.

When I export the exact same thing using the same codec with Canopus Procoder Express the video is very clean (like it should be) except there is random block noise throughout the file. Looks like digital dropouts - very weird.

What CODEC should I be exporting with that will allow him to edit on his Mac and output to tape if he wishes with very high quality results? Is the the (generic)Apple DV codec really that bad?
 
You're closer than you think...

You're closer than you think...

Quicktime supports importing of AVI directly. Just give them the AVI file. It will convert it on import, even into something as basic as the quicktime pro player.

Cheers
 
Thanks. I did open with AVI with QT Pro. It exhibits the same recompressed, mush look of the exports I was doing.
 
Well, I used DV Rack to recapture the footage as a QT file. It looks just as sucky as my exports upon playback so I guess that's the nature of the beast.
 
Quicktime and AVI Conversion

Quicktime and AVI Conversion

Once I got home from work I ran some tests on some AVI DV footage. If I imported it directly into Quicktime it converted it would default directly to Apple's DV/DVCPro NTSC codec and as you have already seen looks like a dogs breakfast.

If I bring the AVI footage into an editor and output quicktime using Sorenson Video 3 at top quality it comes out perfect.


Try that one.
 
Thanks, man. I wonder if using that Codec will cause any problems if the guy decides to edit and output. I guess worst case, he'd have to render his timeline first.
 
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