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Unable to convert to Mpeg2…
Hi, I wonder if there is any body out there who can help me with a conversion-to-Mpeg2 problem. I’ve just finished a multiple part project and am trying to put all the material onto DVD through DVD Pro 4. Everytime I try to compress the files into the Mpeg2 format it crashes my Dual processor G5 desk top (even when I try to convert through Quick time the same happens).
One work-around I’ve thought about is can I use another computer thetherd to my G5 and use DVD Pro on that computer to convert my footage to Mpeg2? Would this work? Or is there some way to transfer all the material -I’m reluctant to do it because it would seem so complex- (reference files and everything) over to another computer and process the compression on that other machine?
Thanks in advance.
Shaun
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4 Replies
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Sometimes a crash during an MPEG2 encode is indicative of a corrupt piece of media and not necessarily a fault of the encoding program. Is the crash occurring at the same place every time? If so then the most common culprit is a render file or a picture inserted into the timeline.
If everything checks out but you’re still crashing try using Compressor as a stand alone app. for your encoding. It’s more stable than using DVD Studio Pro and also gives you more control over the encoding process.
– Don
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Shaun,
Welcome to the Cow.
Your question should really have been directed to the Final Cut Basics Forum as it is clear you are just feeling your way around the software at this point and need “basic” guidance.
First, there is no such app in FCS named DVD Pro. I assume you intended to ask about DVD Studio Pro (DVDSP), but that is not the appropriate app for MPEG2 encoding, it’s the DVD authoring app in the Final Cut Studio suite.
Compressor is the proper app for MPEG2 encoding, but you should first export self-contained QTs of each of the parts of your project before encoding in Compressor. For this use Export>>Quicktime Movie and check the box to “Make make movie self contained.” These files will be exact duplicates of your timeline at the highest quality.
After exporting each self contained QT, import these into Compressor and chose one of the “Best” DVD presets, which will encode both a a MPEG2 video file and an AC3 audio file, which you will then use in DVDSP to author a DVD. The instructions for using these apps are all right in the manual. If you need step by step instructions, I would suggest hiring a consultant such as myself or one of the other Cow leaders, who can walk you through all of the precise steps for creating the very best DVD possible.
David
David Roth Weiss
Director/Editor
David Weiss Productions, Inc.
Los AngelesPOST-PRODUCTION WITHOUT THE USUAL INSANITY ™
A forum host of Creative COW’s Apple Final Cut Pro, Business & Marketing, and Indie Film & Documentary forums.
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As Don mentions, you might have a corrupt file somewhere in your timeline. Export to a Self Contained movie and try again in Compressor.
From your Sequence:
File > Export > Quicktime Movie > Leave it set to Current Settings and be sure to turn ON “Make Self Contained Movie” at the bottom of that window. You want to see the check mark.
Now launch Compressor and bring THAT self contained movie into Compressor. Now make your MPEG 2. If your system crashes again, then you might have to reset the preferences in Compressor.
We’ve been making MPEG-2’s even with the old G4’s with no problems and the G5 Dual can easily create the MPEG-2’s you need.
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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Hi Walter, thanks for the advice, I’ll give that a try but i feel that I’ve already tried every thing; using compressor, using Quicktime professional, DVD Studio Pro 4….. they all seem to crash the computer no matter what the material content of my film sequences. Maybe there is something wrong with the Mpeg2 codex? I’m wondering if I could get around this by using compressor or DVD Studio pro on another computer thethered to my G5? But I’m not quite sure how to do this.
Thnaks for your suggestion though, I’m going to try that.
Shaun
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