New user trying out MC4: How to organize all my old clips so MC4 can use them?

S

szimmer

Well-known member
Hello,

I am trying out the trial for MC4. I am a PPCS3 and PPCS4 and fed up with using a program that crashes too many times.

I have read a lot about MC4 and though I realize I need to learn a new workflow, I think it will be worth it.

However, I have a few issues if I want to transition to MC4. My library of videos consists of the following files:

1920 x 1080 – 30p Cineform .avi files
1920 x 1080 – 30p AVCHD files

I realize that Avid does not like either of these formats and wondering what the experts with more experience with Avid would recommend as for converting the files.

Converting it to DnxHD via meta fuze? If so, which settings?

I quickly opened meta fuze and it did not recognize either files for conversion.

Any other formats that would make more sense?

Also, I use AECS4 and have many small projects that are

1920 x 1080 – 30p

I realize I can export the projects out as DnxHD but again which setting since MC4 does not have a 30p setting/ template?

If the cineform files are a pain to use, I could re-capture the videos I have on tape to I am assuming DnxHD? They were originally filmed at 60i.

Any guidance on how I should make this transition would be appreciated.

Lastly, once I bring these new files into Avid, how would I go about organizing each clip with keywords and setting ins and out points, etc…

I have a lot to learn but look forward to the challenge.

Thanks,

Simon
 
Avid only works with .MXF and OMFI media files. If you bring in other footage, you need to convert it to either format...MXF preferred. Avid does this when you IMPORT the footage, unless it cannot recognize the codec. If it can't, you need to use something that does.

If you capture, capture as DNxHD. This would be the better option...cleaner and less resolution loss.

"Once I bring these new files into Avid, how would I go about organizing each clip with keywords"

Avid has many fields for this information. Name the clips what you want, or put this in the information in some other field.

"setting ins and out points"

Just like every other NLE out there. I for in, O for out.
 
download the free cineform codec (decoder) and QT should see the cineform files. From there MetaFuze or direct import should see it. I need to look around for the AVCHD - I thought Panasonic had an app for conversion.

Michael
 
Hello,

Thanks for the tips.

I did not realize that Avid automatically converts your files when you import. And good news, it accepts my cineform .avi's. Very cool.

As for AVCHD, I just convert them to cineform now and then import them into Avid.

Works great and so far Avid seems very stable compared to PPC4!!!

As for organizing files, what if you have one big clip and have several ins and outs that you want to use. I am assuming I will need to trim the long clip into individuals clips and then do ins and outs.

Thanks again for the support.

Simon
p.s.
Panasonic does have a free conversion program for my HMC-150 but it only works from the camera. It is not standalone. At least it did not work for my AVCHD files later one when I tried it that were not on the card in the camera.
 
I am VERY new to Avid, but am facing a similar curve to you. I've found Avid MC VERY stable, and a heck of a lot of fun to learn. Maybe I am just a masochist.

OK, once you bring your long clip into the source window, set an in and out point, and you can splice that into the timeline, or create a subclip.

As for working with the HMC150 clips, I think you can convert with MpegStreamclip, but I'll need to verify that.

szimmer said:
As for organizing files, what if you have one big clip and have several ins and outs that you want to use. I am assuming I will need to trim the long clip into individuals clips and then do ins and outs.

Thanks again for the support.

Simon
p.s.
Panasonic does have a free conversion program for my HMC-150 but it only works from the camera. It is not standalone. At least it did not work for my AVCHD files later one when I tried it that were not on the card in the camera.
Click to expand...
 
Hi Perrone,

I am practicing with the trial version but will most likely buy it VERY SOON.

I have the AVCHD file issue solved since for PPCS4 I converted all my files via cineform. Avid takes them and the quality looks great. Issue solved. But thanks!

I am going through all the tutorials on the avid forum to learn Avid. Yes, it is different than PPCS4 but I don't mind it if it WORKS and so far it works very well.

Simon
 
Hi Perrone,

What is your take on graphic cards for Avid?

I have a quadro nvs 295. I hear the FX's are better.

What do you use?

Thanks,

Simon
 
You can use the AVCHD shot on the HMC150 and use the Panasonic converter to convert it. When the files are on your hard drive, browse into the folder made by the camera and then point at the folder called STREAM. Then tell the converter to convert all files in that folder. Also, if you look at the ReadMe for the transcoder, it gives a file tree on where that folder is.

Glad you like Avid. I think it is pretty awesome, especially MC4 with mix and match framerates and formats and then their new AMA.
 
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