importing Cineform into Avid

sean90291

Veteran
I captured HDV using Cineform Neo HD (using the 3:2 pulldown, and M2 flip option). On each import, I'm told that there is an "alpha channel" in each the file. I select "make AV clip" and then there is a long import in which Avid is "Creating video fill from QT." I have to click "Create AV clip" for every single clip (and they're slow to import) so it makes it difficult to import a dozen clips at once, since I have to sit and wait and make that selection for each one. I've never seen this option for "alpha channels"/"make AV clip." Just wondered if there's something I'm doing wrong, or I could do something differently. Maybe the Cineform "M2 flip option" (which simply inverts the image) is the "alpha" information? Cheers.
 
I don't know much about Cineform. That being said, look through your Cineform options and see if you can find something about making the file with or without alpha. If you can disable the alpha channel then that should make Avid stop asking for it.

I have this problem sometimes when working with QTs exported from Combustion. I just have to be careful and make the files without alphas.

This is, of course, assuming that you don't want alpha channels. Depending on what you're trying to accomplish alphas can be your friend.
 
Thanks man. There's no option for alpha in the Cineform software. I think it must be the "M2 flip" (the image gets inverted on import by Cineform).

Hope you're swell!

P.S. We never really got an Red>Avid workflow nailed. But I got to play with some Red footage and assist a really cool editor. Thanks again for your advice krestofre.
 
Man, so you're tellling me I'm 0 for 2 now. Couldn't solve the RED problem or the Cineform problem? I'm starting to let you down. :)

When you have time drop me an e-mail on your impressions of the RED footage.

Take it easy.
 
No, you were a great help on the Red>Avid questions. The truth is there are few good solutions yet. But your insights helped me tremendously. I'll shoot you an email later with my impressions over all. Thanks again mate.

s.
 
So I gather Cineform HD is an RGB (0-255) Quicktime codec. When it gets imported to Avid it gets converted to 601 (16-235). So is there any reason why the movie in Avid looks less rich and vibrant than the original Cineform HD QT file viewed in the QuickTime viewer? I'm wondering if it's just a function of viewing it in Avid giving a different look, or if the color space is causing some shift in contrast/color on import to Avid.
 
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