AJA QT to DPX from a MAC to AE on a PC – EOF error

[Gary Adcock]

[Bret Bolton] “When I import those files into After Effects on a PC I get an “unexpected end of file” error. “

End of file indicates that not all of your data is there,

are you loading a seq of frames – ( thats what Dpx files are) or a REF movie?

My guess is operator error on the dpx output to you.

gary adcock
Studio37
HD & Film Consultation
Post and Production Workflows
Inside look at the IoHD

[Bret Bolton]

It is a sequence of .dpx files.
I will ask the operator to double check his conversion procedures.
I have used this workflow once before with another client without any problems although I don’t think they had to convert from QT to DPX.

[Bret Bolton]

Gary, I just read this post.

“I am going to second Ramona’s comments on Glue Tools. it allows you to handle the DPX files directly within FCP by creating a QT “wrapper” or REF file that points to the original DPX frames, it is by far the simplest and easiest way to work with DPX content from VFX or even RED sources.”

Is it possible that the .dpx sequence is also a “wrapper” or a series of REF file(s) pointing to the original Quicktime movie (which I do not have)?

[Gary Adcock]

[Bret Bolton] “Is it possible that the .dpx sequence is also a “wrapper” or a series of REF file(s) pointing to the original Quicktime movie (which I do not have)?”

no.
the “wrapper” is so the Quicktime can read the files on the mac, since mac’s do not read the frames directly.

are you working on a Mac or a PC”?

how are you importing the files into WHICH APP?

have you looked at the DPX files in something else ( photoshop) to see if they open.

you have operator error either in how you are importing the files or who produced them for you

gary adcock
Studio37
HD & Film Consultation
Post and Production Workflows
Inside look at the IoHD

[Jeremy Garchow]

Usually the end of file error means that one of those files in there didn’t get written properly. If you scroll through all of them one by one, you will see one (or more) that’s partial/corrupt.

[Bret Bolton]

Thanks for the reply.

The files are all roughly the same byte size.
I’m thinking there is a problem on their end with the conversion.

I am still waiting for confirmation but I think the original quicktime is an apple pro rez 10 bit 4:2:2 file and I believe for conversion to DPX the utility wants a 4:4:4 file. ??? not completely sure about this. I emailed support at AJA – but no answer.

I suppose they could just export TGA’s through FCP instead.

Finding the optimum workflow in these new production scenarios appears to be a little iffy :\

[Gary Adcock]

[Bret Bolton] “The files are all roughly the same byte size.
“

that does not tell me anything. (you are not helping us very much -I need details to continue)

do the dpx files open in Photoshop? ( and that would mean every single one)

gary adcock
Studio37
HD & Film Consultation
Post and Production Workflows
Inside look at the IoHD

[Bret Bolton]

I apologize Gary. No, I can’t open the files in Photoshop either. I believe we may have an answer to the problem.
Apparently, the AJA QTTODPX wants the originating file to be an 10bit uncompressed RGB movie.
So, it looks as though we will have a two step process in this workflow.

From a 10bit pro rez QT (YUV?) to a 10bit uncompressed QT RGB and then to DPX through the AJA utility and then back again.

I appreciate all the response I received. Thanks!

[Gary Adcock]

[Bret Bolton] “Apparently, the AJA QTTODPX wants the originating file to be an 10bit uncompressed RGB movie. “

The AJA tools you are referring too does not make ProRes conversions of files it only works on uncompressed footage.

EVERYONE has to be more diligent about offering up the hardware and software version information when asking for help at this level. I assume if you are working with DPX files you have some understanding of the workflow needed to handle this type of file.

gary adcock
Studio37
HD & Film Consultation
Post and Production Workflows
Inside look at the IoHD

[Ramona Howard]

I will add that AE is pretty picky on a DPX. If the info in the header in not perfect you will see this type of frustration. My guess is the conversion process has something to do with it.

Also does your version of AE support the version of DPX (1.0, 2.0) that is being passed to you. If the conversion is only writing a 2.0 and your version of AE only accepts 1.0, then problems you will have (a little Yoda advice there).

Best of luck,
Ramona