can’t find “Link to AMA Volume”

[Michael Phillips]

They changed the way AMA is accessed between versions. Select AMA link for volume or file.

Michael

[Daniel Schultz]

Thanks Michael,

I see that it gives you 5 options:
• SIngle bin based on selected folder
• Single Bin Named ______
• BIns based on current AMA setting
• Bins based on subfolders
• Top Bin Window

I downloaded and installed the XDCAM AMA plugin from Sony, and rebooted MC.
I tried AMA linking and pointing to the BPAV folder, using all the above options.
I get the same error each time: “Unable to link to any clips at /Volumes…”

Any thoughts?

Thanks again,
Dan

[Daniel Schultz]

BTW, here’s the site I downloaded the plugin from:

https://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/download/pdzk-ma2

Also, I just downloaded the 3.2 version, which according to the chart is the right version for MC 7.0.
Still not able to AMA link.

Thanks, Dan

[Daniel Schultz]

Argh! There has got to be a better way.
I’m not usually one to get down on Avid, because I love editing in it.

But I did open up premiere (which I rarely do) and all those darned clips loaded magically.

So here’s my PITA workaround, which I think is working.

• I downloaded a trial version of XDCAM Browser
• Exported all the clips as MXF files for NLE from XDCAM Browser
• Avid doesn’t seem to like those MXF files in the Avid MediaFiles folders
• So then I converted the MXF files to DNxHD Quicktime files using Adobe Media Converter
• AMA link to the quicktime files and consolidate in AVID

Seriously, Avid? There’s got to be a better way!

[John Pale]

It doesn’t need to be anywhere as complicated as you did there.

Navigate to one level above your BPAV folder, not the BPAV folder itself, and you should be good. If not, the folder name may contain illegal characters that are confusing things.

Wouldn’t hurt to go to the Help menu or open the user guide and read the chapter on AMA linking. Common workflows are rather nicely spelled out. Better than questionable online tutorials that refer to older versions of the software.

XDCAM and P2 are among the easiest to work with (and often can be worked with natively without transcode)

[Daniel Schultz]

I know, it’s always easy when you know how!

I tried navigating out to the folder above a number of times, but no luck.
Changed name of outside folder to something simple, like “card1”
Still same error message.

The clip names themselves don’t seem to have illegal characters.
Is there somewhere that has a list of all illegal characters.
I’m truly stumped.

[Robert Ober]

[Daniel Schultz] “I’m truly stumped.”

Robert’s Stock Answer #1:

Start in Resolve.

Robert

Robert A. Ober
IT Consultant, Vidcaster, & Freelancer
http://www.infohou.com
Houston, TX

[Daniel Schultz]

eesh…so just give up on AVID and go to resolve?
There must be something simple/stupid I’m doing wrong.
Like John said, the P2 and XDCAM workflow with AVID should be like a superhighway!

[Robert Ober]

[Daniel Schultz] “eesh…so just give up on AVID and go to resolve?
There must be something simple/stupid I’m doing wrong.
Like John said, the P2 and XDCAM workflow with AVID should be like a superhighway!

Nope, start in Resolve, create media and an AAF to load in MC. Then when done with the edit, create an AAF to load in Resolve. This is what many of us do. Search the Internet for Resolve Avid roundtrip or roundtripping.

I constantly see folks have issues with AMA, etc. The roundtripping workflow is pretty reliable. Make sure you check the box in the project settings to use the filename to create a reel name.

Good Fortune,
Robert

[Daniel Schultz]

I really don’t care so much about AMA in this instance. I was just using AMA as a way to get the footage into Avid. Then I transcode right away. (I wasn’t able to import, drag and drop into bins either, BTW)

I still have a hard time believing there’s not an easy way to get regular ol’ XDCAM footage into Avid without going to a 3rd party situation.