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FCP /AJA Configuration Nightmares
I am an Avid editor who is now onlineing a series on FCP Studio.
The problems I’m having are with the I/O. I have tried both an AJA HDIo
and a MOTU 4HD. The project was shot XDCam EX 23.98. The project was offlined with a proxy and then the high rez material loaded into FCP.
The project settings are now Apple prorez 422 1080spf @ 23.98, the video settings are the same and the compression codec is set to Xdcam ex in the sequence preferences.I get intermittant PB through the AJA. It will dispay a still from a differenct part of the episode for example. Although the unit diplays bars when not under FCP control. Ideally I want the secondary OP to PB 1080I @29.97 as that is the delivery format to the network.
Under the MOTO box everything works fine until I try to playout. As soon as I hit Edit to Tape the MAC crashes. I have removed and reinstalled drivers, both AJA and MOTU. The only thing I haven’t done is re-install FCP.
My solution right now is to copy my sequence to a 29.97 project. Export a QTR file. Import that file into my AVID (runs on the same MAC) and pb through the Nitris. A little frustrating to say the least.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Graham Saywell
Best Coast Post
Halifax, NS -
6 Replies
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First off, I would not have both sets of drivers (AJA / Motu) installed on the same machine. There are almost undoubtedly conflicts between the two drivers.
[Graham Saywell] “The project settings are now Apple prorez 422 1080spf @ 23.98, the video settings are the same and the compression codec is set to Xdcam ex in the sequence preferences. “
That’s a mismatch. I don’t know if that will work unless you have a really really fast media array. Your Sequence is XDCAM and your project is set to ProRes. You want your Sequence and Project Settings to match.
Also, ensure you’re using the AJA IoHD Easy Setup, not an Apple Easy Setup.
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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Thanks, I’ll double check that the project and sequence settings are the same. I did remove the drivers for the AJA when I was running the MOTU and vice versa. What’s the best way to a 1080i master from a 23.98 project. I only have one HD cam deck so can’t do it through dubbing.
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[Graham Saywell] ” I did remove the drivers for the AJA when I was running the MOTU and vice versa.”
AJA has an Uninstaller so be sure to use that to remove the drivers.
[Graham Saywell] “What’s the best way to a 1080i master from a 23.98 project. I only have one HD cam deck so can’t do it through dubbing.”
We haven’t mastered a 23.98 project out to 23.98 here. We always let the Kona convert it over to 29.97 on the way out and that works just fine.
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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[walter biscardi] “That’s a mismatch. I don’t know if that will work unless you have a really really fast media array. Your Sequence is XDCAM and your project is set to ProRes. You want your Sequence and Project Settings to match. “
for sure.
the EX format works with MPEG2 Long GOP compression that will not play out of an IoHD Laptop config in realtime. The IoHD was configured to capture and playback APPLE ProRes content. FCP has always had issue with the processing of any Long-GOP format
If using the IoHD with the EX it is best capture directly into ProRes or convert all of your content to ProRes (NOT HQ) after ingest.
( FYI I know the EX files are incorrectly marked as mp4- it is an Mpeg2 compression on the card)
gary adcock
Studio37
HD & Film Consultation
Post and Production WorkflowsInside look at the IoHD
https://library.creativecow.net/articles/adcock_gary/AJAIOHD.php -
The lesson here is… Know what you are working with and the background behind the equipment before trying something new.
Sony and Apple have not done a good enough job explaining the Apple ProRes 422 and XDCAM workflows. Its not a tough one, but very different from the norm.
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Wayne Carey
Schazam Productions
https://web.mac.com/schazamproductions
schazamproductions@mac.com -
What ,in your opinion, is the best HD setting for mastering a 23.98 project? And when you say you let the Aja device do the conversion is that using the secondary output and not changing the PB settings of the project?
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