Offloading P2 content

[gbadgley]

Howdy, I've been shooting with a AF100 lately which uses SHDC cards, and prior to that a XL2 with uses tape, so I am completely unfamilar with the P2 workflow. I have a chance to use an HPX 170 and am wondering how to I get my content onto my computer. I am using Sony Vegas Pro 11 so I don't think there will be any problem importing into this NLE, and I know that I can offload using firewire, but how to I go about offloading directly from the P2 media card. I have a 5.25 drive of course, but do I need special drivers to make this work?

Thanks in advance.!

 

[Steve Eisen]

The very first thing you want to do is backup the P2 card to 2 different hard drives. This is called offloading. Treat it as if the P2 cards are your master tapes. You will need specific P2 drivers in order for your computer to recognize the P2 cards. They are available on Panasonic's website. Connect the HPX-170 via USB to your computer. You can also find the HPX-170 user manual online to help you set the right settings (USB Device Mode) and how to mount the cards on your computer. There is software available to automate the offload process (ShotPut Pro or P2CMS) or you can drag and drop the files (Contents Folder and Last Clip.txt).

When the P2 card is offloaded, then you can begin your edit process in Vegas. When you are sure that your P2 card has two copies on hard drive, then you can reformat the card for its next use.

 

[Barry_Green]

I am using Sony Vegas Pro 11 so I don't think there will be any problem importing into this NLE

,
Actually, you will. Vegas cannot handle the footage from an HPX170, unless you buy the Raylight plug-in from www.dvfilm.com.

and I know that I can offload using firewire

,
No, you have to use USB. Never try to use the firewire to offload to a Windows system.

but how to I go about offloading directly from the P2 media card.

Plug the camera into the computer via USB. The P2 card will pop up as an external removeable drive. Drag the CONTENTS folder from the P2 card to your hard drive.

You may have to install P2 drivers in order to be able to see the camera as a device.

 

[Pete L]

I use vegas pro 11 as well & it definately won't recognise the footage unless you have the raylight plugin.
Cheers Pete.

 

[Barry_Green]

I use vegas pro 11 as well & it definately won't recognise the footage unless you have the raylight plugin.

True, but according to the press release for Vegas 12, it will now have true integrated P2 support. So no need for Raylight anymore in Vegas 12!