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Multiclips lose sync when reconnecting
Has anyone here tried sharing a multiclip sequence between two computers?
I´m teaching a class on multicamera editing and all of my students have copies of the exact same media, and when I send them a final cut project with synced angles all the multicam clips drift out of sync upon reconnect 🙁
All normal sequences stay in sync, however. It appears that all nonacive angles in a multiclip drift out of sync but the active angle remains fine.If it helps, I made screenshots of the original synced multiclip and the same project reconnected to copies of the same media on another machine.
Any ideas on how I could fix this?
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20 Replies
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Weird indeed…
If you rebuild the mulitclips on the copied project, do they still do this?
Jerry
Apple Certified Trainer
Author: “Jerry Hofmann on Final Cut Pro 4” Click here
Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D
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No, my workaround so far has been to send each student the separate clips as well and make new multiclips from them on each machine. There are only 7 students in my class so this is doable…
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You mean you’ve been NOT sending the original single media files? That probably won’t work.. i.e. just sending them multiclips that have to reference files across a LAN is likely not supported.
Jerry
Apple Certified Trainer
Author: “Jerry Hofmann on Final Cut Pro 4” Click here
Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D
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no, everyone has their own separate copy of the same media. I´m sending them my project file that references files on my hard drive so that when they open the project all the media shows up offline. When they reconnect to their copy of the media on their separate hard drives the multiclips somehow slip out of sync. This has happened on every single machine 🙁
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Johannes –
I edit extensively with Multi-clips on two FCP systems in my office – frequently starting on one system and finishing on another. The problem you are reporting seems to happen about 1- 2% of the time when I do this. I know of no solution other than creating new multi-clips and re-creating the edited section. Multi-clips, once created, cannot be repaired. They also seem to be vulnerable to corruption. It seems to be worse if the clips are not identical in length and time-code, but even when they are this problem pops up.
Herb Sevush
Zebra Productions -
Johannes,
I have seen a similar problem when I simply move my files from one location to another, such as to a different folder or drive in my system and reconnect them. In my case, even the active angle loses synch.
I have a multi-cam project in which the SD footage was shot with 4 consumer cams, 3 Sonys and 1 JVC. Only the JVC footage loses synch. When I reconnect the JVC footage, I get warned that the DV Start/Stop values are not the same. After reconnecting, I can confirm in the browser that the DV Stop value is slightly different from what it was before moving the file.
A workaround I had in mind was to figure out where the DV Start/Stop attributes are stored by FCP for each file, then see if I can “poke” the correct values back in after reconnecting. Unfortunately, I don’t know where those values are stored. Such a workaround might be possible for you as well(?).
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Multiclips do not work and frequently lose sync. If you’re trying to edit any sizable project, then forget it.
Problems occur if timecodes and in points are different, which on multicamera shoot is often the case.
Problem happens when you move, reconnect or otherwise change media, and on some projects it will happen on closing and opening FCP.
You’ll also notice that the length of the multiclip is longer than it should be, possibly with black at the beginning or end.
I work for TV network that installed FCP in January, and after two months of trying to edit multicamera shoots, the official support people have finally admitted that there is indeed a problem with the FCP software. Apple have been informed…
Whether Apple can or will fix it is anyone’s guess. They’re not exactly known for being responsive to complaints.
If you use multiclips then forget it. The problem won’t go away. We’re on the verge of hiring some Avids just to cope with the backlog of work that we can’t get done. So if it’s cheesing you off, then complain to Apple, and maybe they’ll do something about but I’m not holding my breath waiting.
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Jasper –
I have cut close to 100 half hour broadcast episodes using FCP’s multi-clip feature. While there are a few frustrating features overall I find FCP to be an excellent multi-cam editor. Now for your complaints.
Multiclips do not work and frequently lose sync. If you’re trying to edit any sizable project, then forget it.
Are you talking about losing audio sync or losing sync between cameras? If your talking about audio then I am perplexed. I’ve cut 90 minute 5 camera multi-cam shows without any loss of audio sync. In fact I’ve never had an audio sync problem with multi-clips. As for sync between cameras – if a multi-clip is corrupted it will destroy the sync relationship between cameras – this is irregardless of the size of the project.
Problems occur if timecodes and in points are different, which on multicamera shoot is often the case.
Problems occur if you haven’t set the clips up properly and you choose the wrong mode to sync them up with. If your various cameras don’t have identical timecode then you have to set in-points to sync with. When done properly I’ve never had a problem. However if done improperly it cannot be fixed later, which is a problem.
Problem happens when you move, reconnect or otherwise change media, and on some projects it will happen on closing and opening FCP.
Yes to problems with reconnecting and moving media, but I’ve never had a problem with merely opening and closing FCP.
You’ll also notice that the length of the multiclip is longer than it should be, possibly with black at the beginning or end.
Only with an improperly set up multi-clip.
I work for TV network that installed FCP in January, and after two months of trying to edit multicamera shoots, the official support people have finally admitted that there is indeed a problem with the FCP software. Apple have been informed…
I’ve been working constantly with FCP multi-cam’s for the past 3 years and have not had your experience. There are issues with moving and reconnecting media, and its’ frustrating that once a clip is set up it cannot be altered or repaired. But basically if you know how to use them you don’t have these problems.
Herb Sevush
Zebra Productions -
Excellent post Herb and thanks for sharing!
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.STOP STARING AND START GRADING WITH APPLE COLOR Apple Color Training DVD available now!
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I repeat: Multiclips do not work properly.
Have a look on the internet forums – it’s very easy to find people tearing their hair out in frustration. FCP 6 multiclip function is a dog!!!
If you are not having problems, then one of two things is happening: you have FCP version 5 (which has a whole different set of bugs), or you’re not using timecode, or possibly all your clips have identical timecode.
The multiclips lose sync!!!! Believe me I’m a professional TV editor and this is not an isolated problem; it occurs in every one of the 15 edit suites recently installed*, under the supervision of the official FCP support techies. Hell, they can even repeat the problem with a sequence of their own. Just because you haven’t had the problem, don’t assume it doesn’t exist. Apple know it exists, and they just haven’t or çan’t fix it. Their new FCP server is already 9 months overdue, so I’m assuming this is low on their list of priorities. They make much more cash from selling phones.
To reiterate:
If you sync (by inpoint) one or more cameras into a multiclip, then either disconnect and reconnect the media (or in some cases simply just close the project). Suddenly, one (or more) of the clips will shift time, and be completely out of sync. Often so badly that when you switch to that camera you will see black. But the angle is there, it’s just moved OUT OF SYNC from the other cameras! You’ll see that the multiclip length has grown, and possibly one or more of the clips has lots it’s anamorphic attribute.There are thousands of people out there wondering if they are doing something wrong. Swearing at the computer, and just wasting an inordinate number of hours trying to work something out, that JUST DOES NOT WORK.
If you are one of those people, let Apple know. Don’t let the Apple zealots tell you that you’re doing something wrong, because you aren’t. Apple know it’s a problem. Will they fix it?????
Who knows.
Jasper
*two power supply failures and a faulty monitor in a batch of 15! They don’t make ’em like they used to.
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