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Creating clones from FCP timeline – any generational loss?
I have always cloned my miniDV tapes going from deck to deck. This worked well because I could run a VHS dub at the same time for reference. Recently our company decided to begin archiving DVD copies instead of VHS, which means digitizing the footage, adding a time code window, then exporting movie to burn to DVD.
So it would make it much easier to run clones of my master tape directly from the timeline to my deck, though I worry that this will not be an exact replicate of my master. I know that there is not supposed to be any generational loss with DV, but I have heard it is better to run your clones from deck to deck instead of exporting from FCP. Does anyone know what the truth behind this is? I appreciate any help.
Alan Lucchetti
alan@combatfilms.com
http://www.combatfilms.com -
3 Replies
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There should be virtually no difference at all. However, even a 100% digital clone from one tape to another has some minor, but inconsequential loss.
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When I am making my clones by exporting from my timeline to the deck, is the default Export-Quicktime Movie… setting going to be the same quality or should I choose Using Quicktime Conversion… and set my preferences and compression manually for the most exact copy of my master tapes? I am coming from miniDV DVCAM master going to miniDV DVCAM clones. Sorry if that’s a bit convoluted, I’m not sure how else to put it.
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YOu need to choose QUICKTIME MOVIE, sequence settings, either ref movie or self contained. This gets you a file with no quality loss.
But I question why you do this.
a) Why are you exporting a file at all, instead of just playing the original captured clip from the timeline? If you are doing it for making a DVD, this is the way you export for iDVD.
b) You are not going to be able to output the original timecode of the tape. Therefore it won’t be a true digital clone.
Why not get a DVD-R deck, and keep your same workflow, only burn a DVD? This way you aren’t doubling your time by capturing, then outputting…you still get TC window…and your digital clones will have matching timecode.
Shane
Alokut Productions
http://www.lfhd.net
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