FCP Footage in PC AVID MC

[MikeyP]

There's a producer who moved into my area that is originally from the UK. She used to work for the BBC and now does documentaries. She previously worked with someone on an FCP system, but didnt like the editor.

She now has a project she wants me to edit on my MC 3.1.3 or MC 3.5.4 systems. However, all of the HDV footage is on a hard drive she wants to bring in [originally captured in FCP]. I have no experience with this, so I thought I would post on the forum. [Im assuming its 1080i HDV since it was shot on a Sony].

She's a producer, and has absolutely no technical knowledge, assuming any format will work flawlessly despite format, computer platform or anything else- so this is all on me. I told her I could re-digitize the original footage if she got the tapes & a play back unit (we're P2 native, so decks are out the door). She didnt think she could arrange this.

I called a buddy of mine who has both a Mac MC and a seperate Mac FCP. He says you need to import each clip seperately which will work since their both QuickTimes. He said they go slowly until you get the import settings right, then the go LESS slow.

However, Im on PC systems....before the sh*t hits the wall, what do I need to know to get this footage in?

 

[Butcher]

First, you need to know whether or not her FCP quicktimes will even play on your PC. Have her FTP the shortest one. I'm betting there's almost a 100% chance they won't play.

I believe FCP's HDV codecs are proprietary, so unless you have a Mac with FCP installed you probably don't have the HDV codec it used. And you can't get it without FCP. Hopefully they transcoded to ProRes. There's a ProRes decoder for PCs you can download from the Apple site, so you can at least view and import them.

Second, you need to make sure she knows that Avid doesn't keep Quicktime timecode (I reserve the right to be wrong on this one--I'm thinking 3.5 and beyond does?), so if she has timecode written down it will be useless once you import the footage (unless 3.5 preserves it and you have 3.5). This may also mean no batch capturing from the original tapes if needed (but you can batch import to uprez, should you decide to cut this at a lower rez).

Third, it's going to take a long, long time to import all this footage. Run some tests with a short quicktime first to determine the right import settings. Then select everything, hit import, and walk away for a while. Probably a long while, because Avid will need to transcode everything to the resolution you choose, probably rewrap/convert the audio, then move on to the next clip. Since the footage isn't in an Avid codec already there will be no fast import. So do a test on a short clip to determine the import time, then use that to give yourself a rough idea of how long it will take to import everything.

Honestly, this project may be easier just to do in FCP if you have access to a system. I don't understand how producers don't have their original tapes. It just boggles my mind.

Good luck!

Michael.

 

[MikeyP]

I was able to find http://avid.custkb.com/avid/app/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=273291, however they refer to exporting clips/seqs. The files she has really aren't exported, they are the original media files FCP stored them to a drive in. I cant believe that this hasnt come up before, anyone have any first hand experience?

 

[Butcher]

FCP captures and wraps the media as a Quicktime file. If you don't have the codec used to make that Quicktime, you can't see the footage, which means you can't import it. You really need to get a quicktime from the producer, open it in quicktime, and see if you get a picture. If all you get is a white screen then you don't have the codec. Hit Ctrl+I to pull up the Movie Info window and see what codec it lists. That's the codec you'll need, and if it's not available for the PC you'll need a FCP system to access the footage, then export it all into an Avid codec.

The link you have basically refers to DVCProHD footage captured on a Mac. Raylight made a DVCProHD decoder so users who don't have FCP could read the files and import them into their Avid (or any other program they needed).

You really just need to get a hold of one file to test.

 

[MikeyP]

Formats, editing platforms, type of computer- cant we all get along! Making me long for the days of my RM-440 edit controller and the soft whir of 3/4" decks!

 

[grinner]

She'll need to get you the tapes or the editor will have to export files you can use.

 

[Jim2000]

I've had no problems importing a variety of quicktime files into my Avid. Just make sure you have the right codecs on your computer. If this doesn't work, try to get ahold of a mac based Avid. The media files Avid creates will ultimately play on either a pc or mac system.

 

[DC]

FWIW - I recently imported into AMC v3.1.1 a handful of standard def Quicktime files that were digitized by Final Cut Express. They all played just fine.

 

[Shane Ross]

As stated, the HDV codec is native to FCP only. ONLY a computer with FCP installed will be able to see those files. And unlike ProRes or DVCPRO HD, there are no decoders available. Even if you did have the QT codec, ALSO as mentioned when Avid imports it DOES NOT import the timecode information. That is lost, and that is vital for professional editing.

You will have to recapture the footage on your system. Or buy a Mac and invest in FCP.