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Which AVID codec pkg for 3rd party use
Looking at AVID’s web site I am not sure which codec pkg to download for use in 3rd pary apps like AE, FCP, Episode Engine, Squeeze, DS,etc.
We would like to encode to DNxHD with Alpha for use in Media Composers. We are an all Mac shop except for some 3D and the Avid DS.
We have MC v2.8 Adrenaline soon to be upgraded to MC5.5, AE CS5, DS v10.3.
I see numerous versions of codecs. Which is the best to use and why?
Thanks,
Phil -
4 Replies
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https://www.avid.com/dnxhd , which is the short link for the Avid DNXHD landing page.
Towards the bottom of the page, there is a link: https://avid.custkb.com/avid/app/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=372311
On this page, there are (currently) 4 downloads: current codec pack (2.3.2)for Mac and PC, and old versions (2.2.1) for Mac and PC. These are Quicktime codecs, and will be accessible from any application that uses Quicktime.
There are even OLDER versions, here: https://avid.custkb.com/avid/app/selfservice/search.jsp?ssdFilterCommunity15=1408&ssdFilterCommunity11=0&ssdFilterCommunity13=0&ssdFilterCommunity3=0&ssdSearchOperator=0&ssdFilter_SearchKeyWord=codecs&page=1
Now, for the caveats:
MC 2.8 is relatively older, and thus has a different DNxHD codec rev installed. Because Avid has made tweaks in the codec over the past few years, you MAY experience odd glitches or colors in the video if the encoded file has a different DNxHD codec than the playback machine.
Newer codec installs should be able to play older encoded files, but *usually( not vice versa. Thus, a brand new DNxHD encode with the new codecs may not play 100% in your Adrenaline, but should be fine when you upgrade to MC5.5. This is not an absolute, but something to be prepared for. I recommend trying with the latest codec pack, and seeing if the resulting file works. If not, install the codec pack and try another.
If this helps, I wrote a guide for creating media for Avid for fast importing: https://michaelkammes.com/encoding/avid-is-self-aware-fast-import/
I recommend going to the most current on all other machines when you rev to 5.5.
.: michael kammes mpse
.: senior applications editor . post workflow consultant
.: audio specialist . act fcp . acsr
.: michaelkammes.com
.: twitter: @michaelkammes
.: facebook: /mkammesHear me pontificate: Speaking Schedule .
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Thanks for the reply Michael,
Is there an issue with the latest codecs (2.3.2-Mac 2.3.1-PC) running on other OS levels NOT listed…OS10.5, OS10.4, XP SP2 for example?
And I have read your fast import guide. Good info. We like DNxHD here but have had compatibility issues and alpha problems from AE and Episode so I am trying to investigate further.
Thanks,
Phil -
Good Question.
My gut tells me there is no reason Avid would test old codec installers with new OS rev’s released since the codec pack release. After all, they did release a new codec pack, so I guess it’s assumed you’d use the latest codec pack with a newer OS.
So, your mileage may vary. I do strongly recommend that you try and stay as close to the recommendations (including QT Version) as possible.
~Michael
.: michael kammes mpse
.: senior applications editor . post workflow consultant
.: audio specialist . act fcp . acsr
.: michaelkammes.com
.: twitter: @michaelkammes
.: facebook: /mkammesHear me pontificate: Speaking Schedule .
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Here’s the link to the latest codecs (I think) for 2.3.4
https://avid.custkb.com/avid/app/selfservice/search.jsp?DocId=392959
Why does Avid always make it so hard to find the latest downloads? There should be a giant ass “DOWNLOAD THE LATEST AVID CODEC” button on the landing page. The link provided in your post takes me to the 2.3.2 download page.
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