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Optimal Export of Media out of Avid, into Final Cut Pro
Greetings,
This question is for anyone with solid experience exporting media out of an Avid System to edit in Final Cut Pro:
I have Avid media files (OMF) from an old Avid project. I no longer have the original source tapes. I want to export the media into source files that I can then import into Final Cut Pro, and edit. (Sorry, the reasons for this workflow are detailed, and I won’t get into it for your personal safety and sanity.)
I have tried this export in two different formats. I have exported the files as Avid DV (Meridien Codec) files. These files look beautiful in FCP, once you get the settings right, but they do not edit correctly. The edit points get gargled when you try and export the media, and after hours of investigation I’m done trying to make this right.
As an alternative, I have tried exporting the Avid Bins into DV NTSC DV/DVCPRO files. Now these files behave correctly when edited in FCP, but the thing is, the image looks soft when you begin to play the source file in a sequence. (When you play the source file in the Quicktime Player, the image does not go soft. Why is this?)
Does anyone have any input regarding an optimal file format to export out of Avid, and optimal settings for editing the source files in Final Cut Pro?
Any help, most appreciated!
Regards,
Mtbakerstu
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3 Replies
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You really need to look at video monitor to make a judge for output. Likely you were judging quality on the Canvas, a huge no-no in the FCP world. Still looking soft? Change your RT pop up menu in the Timeline to:
Safe RT
High Quality
Full Frame RateThat one gets every newcomer to FCP. 😉
Most people will forget that FCP is more than an app. It’s a system, so if it is not set up as such (i.e. no external vid monitor, no proper audio monitoring), your experience will be degraded.
Kevin Monahan
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fcpworld.com
Pres. SF Cutters -
[mtbakerstu] “As an alternative, I have tried exporting the Avid Bins into DV NTSC DV/DVCPRO files. Now these files behave correctly when edited in FCP, but the thing is, the image looks soft when you begin to play the source file in a sequence. (When you play the source file in the Quicktime Player, the image does not go soft. Why is this?)”
I think the Avid DV files use a 720 x 486 frame size rather than the native frame size of DV which is 720 x 480. Try moving the clip up or down 1 line in the motion tab and see if that helps.
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Great call on the RT settings. That’s all there was to it, thanks!
Mtbakerstu
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