I just read the sticky on importing MXF files, but seriously, is there no way around making a copy of all the material? I have 1.5 TB of P2 data, which is backed up remotely. If I have to copy everything I will need to buy more disks, just for the import process. That's kind of crappy.
MXF Import - storage problems
- Thread starter gi-jones
- Start date
???
Tell us more about your setup. If your MXF files are already in your Avid MediaFiles folder you don't need to copy anything. If you have them backed up on an external hard drive(s), you'll either need to set up the files with an Avid file structure so you can edit off the drives, or you'll need to copy them to your Avid media folders.
You haven't give us much information about what you've tried, how your media is organized, your system setup, or anything. Kind of taking shots in the dark here until we know more.
Michael.
Tell us more about your setup. If your MXF files are already in your Avid MediaFiles folder you don't need to copy anything. If you have them backed up on an external hard drive(s), you'll either need to set up the files with an Avid file structure so you can edit off the drives, or you'll need to copy them to your Avid media folders.
You haven't give us much information about what you've tried, how your media is organized, your system setup, or anything. Kind of taking shots in the dark here until we know more.
Michael.
The media is organized in P2 folders on an internal drive. They can be imported into Avid using the import P2 feature, but as described in the sticky they appear as offline, when the project is reopened. The problem is that, to avoid that, Avid needs to "ingest" the files into it's own file structure, but that means I will end up with two copies, not to mention the time it will take.
I'm using the most recent Media Composer.
I'm using the most recent Media Composer.
DC
Cinematographiliac
This is part of Avid's media management and there is no real way around this. If you don't want to "ingest" by using the "Import P2" command, then you can follow the steps in Section 2 of the sticky. Basically, you can move all of your clips into the Avid directory structure. It will take time but then you won't be making "copies" and can save on disk space.
However, my recommendation is that you DO KEEP a copy of your original P2 folders on external drives.
However, my recommendation is that you DO KEEP a copy of your original P2 folders on external drives.
DC
Cinematographiliac
Maybe I'm confused, but wouldn't the fact of you having it backed up allow for some manipulation of your P2 file structure? In this case, I don't see any real danger dismantling your P2 files into the Avid directory structure. Worst case scenario you default to your backups.
Iif you already have them backed up, then your only option (according to what you say you are trying to accomplish) is to follow the steps in Section 2 of the sticky and move all of your clips into the Avid directory structure.
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Barry_Green
Moderator
Okay, here's something you could try; you could use P2CMS to ingest the footage onto your external hard disk in the field (i.e., instead of just copying the cards, use P2CMS's database feature and "ingest" them).
Then, when you get to the Avid, you could run P2CMS and tell it to "export" and choose the "hard links" option. What that does is send out a file redirect into whatever folder you tell it to go to, and as far as any program accessing that "redirect" cares, it's a legitimate version of the file.
I'm not 100% certain this would work for you, but I bet there's a way to make it work somehow...
Then, when you get to the Avid, you could run P2CMS and tell it to "export" and choose the "hard links" option. What that does is send out a file redirect into whatever folder you tell it to go to, and as far as any program accessing that "redirect" cares, it's a legitimate version of the file.
I'm not 100% certain this would work for you, but I bet there's a way to make it work somehow...
Section 2 still works, provided your media folder structure is right...
Section 2 still works, provided your media folder structure is right...
Originally it was, but it still works. Avid looks in specific folders through a specific path. This path:
[MEDIA DRIVER LETTER]:\Avid MediaFiles\MXF\[NUMBERED FOLDER]
If your MXF files are in a numbered folder with the above file structure, you'll see the media. If there's so much as one letter not Capitalized or a space missing compared to the above path, Avid won't see the media. The P2 Import just makes it easier (you can import Master Clips and consolidate it all within Avid), and allows you to edit directly off the cards. That's huge in the news world.
Michael.
Section 2 still works, provided your media folder structure is right...
Originally it was, but it still works. Avid looks in specific folders through a specific path. This path:
[MEDIA DRIVER LETTER]:\Avid MediaFiles\MXF\[NUMBERED FOLDER]
If your MXF files are in a numbered folder with the above file structure, you'll see the media. If there's so much as one letter not Capitalized or a space missing compared to the above path, Avid won't see the media. The P2 Import just makes it easier (you can import Master Clips and consolidate it all within Avid), and allows you to edit directly off the cards. That's huge in the news world.
Michael.
DC
Cinematographiliac
Interesting theory, Barry. Although I have it, I haven't fiddled much with P2CMS. I'm still using P2 Viewer with P2 Genie and it works just fine for my needs. But I am interested in checking out P2 Forge . . .
I'll update the sticky to make this more clear.