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Archiving – what to keep?
I don’t (yet) have any P2 gear, but I have some P2-originated footage that I need to retain for future editing. The shooter provided me with a raft of files inside a FCP project.
I’d like to make room for other projects on my RAID by deleting as many folders as I can. One folder is labelled “MXF Files from P2,” the other “Quicktime Files.” The contents have alphanumeric filenames which match up, with the QT’s being about 20 mb larger.
Can I delete the MXF files?
Thanks!
Bob C
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6 Replies
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[Bob Cole] “Can I delete the MXF files?”
DO you throw away your master tapes?
No.
Keep these. If you need room, get another drive and back these up. These are the MASTERS. You want to keep these. If whoever provided you with them has them backed up, you can think about tossing them. But I am paranoid…I keep two copies. And since these are the masters…back them up. Get another drive….
Shane
Littlefrog Post
http://www.lfhd.net -
Totally- you need to buy at least Firewire drives you simply stash away somewhere with the MXF files. Don’t keep them in circulation with your day to day work.
Noah
Unlock the secrets of the DVX100 and now Apple Color!
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Do these MXF files contain data not contained in the QTs that FCP creates from the MXF files? Reason I ask is that I’m having trouble cloning the P2 drives contents (including MXF files) through Finder to an external or internal drive. I have the QTs in FCP and in Capture Scratch, but I was unable to remove the advanced pulldown to get FCP to read the 24fps of the P2 media. If I find an FCP system that can do the advanced pulldown (ideally through FCP’s P2 import dialog box), would I be able to do that on the QTs or would I have to have the MXF files?
TIA,
Jonas -
Thanks — I’ll copy the MXF files as well, but I am curious as to why it is advisable. The QT files are what I actually use in FCP. Keeping the MXF files doubles the backup space required.
I assume that I need to keep all of the associated data files that live in each respective MXF folder as well.
Bob C
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With the MXF files being the Masters, you can actually get rid of the QT files since they can be recreated from those Masters. That should buy you more space. Though, with Firewire drive prices continually coming down, you can afford to keep multiple backups. LaCie’s 500GB Quad Interface (eSATA, FW800, FW400, USB) Firewire Drive sells for about $185 at MacConnection. It’s excellent. I just budget them into whatever project.
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[Bob Cole] “Thanks — I’ll copy the MXF files as well, but I am curious as to why it is advisable. The QT files are what I actually use in FCP.”
You captured footage from your DV tapes, and those are now QT files, so why keep the tapes? Why not TOSS them?
No. They are your MASTERS. Also, once you import that footage via FCP, NO OTHER COMPUTER can view them without FCP installed. Can’t use them on a PC, can’t use them in any other editing system. Can’t even SEE them with a Mac that doesn’t have FCP install. You are LOCKING yourself into FCP only. What if you need the footage in another project in the future that you cut on an Avid? Edius? Something else?
KEEP the MXF files. Edit the QT files and when the show has delivered, delete the QT files, just like you would if you captured from tape.
Shane
Littlefrog Post
http://www.lfhd.net
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