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can’t fix field order in FCP for mpeg export
I’m on a nightmare project… or at least it’s turning into one. And I desperately need help!
I have media (quicktime, lower field first, exported from an Avid MC – one of those really old ones that still run on Mac) in my timeline, which I need to cut new graphics into. There are over 50 titles, some with up to 5 layers of moving text, which then need to be translated into 9 different languages. Deadline was 2 weeks ago, of course.
the project: I finished my 8 English timelines, with titles, then duplicated those timelines and replaced the text with the next language. After initially creating titles in photoshop, I then choose to re-do them in FCP – because the deadline was looming and they actually looked nicer. Each title has 4 layers; 2 layers move on and off with an Edge Wipe, the other 2 move on and off/resize using the Motion settings. Not the best but it needed to be quick and easy to replace.
the problem: when I export (to mpeg2) from the original English timelines, the video is jittery (like the field order is wrong), but the titles look smooth. The duplicated timelines in the 2nd language are the opposite – smooth video, jittery titles.
I have tried: changing the timeline settings from lower to upper and even de-interlaced. Deleting all my renders and re-rendering. Exporting straight to Compressor using default compressor settings (DVD mpeg2 best quality 120min – field order automatic). Exporting a quicktime reference (current settings, not self-contained), then compressing this. Copying the compressor settings and forcing it to ‘lower field first’ (on the timeline rendered as lower first). Obviously burning the mpegs to a disc to check on a monitor each time.
I am at a loss as to what to do next. please someone tell me I have overlooked something stupidly obvious. any suggestions would be muchly appreciated!
2.5GHz PowerPC G5 | Mac OS X (10.3.9) | 4.5Gb DDR SDRAM
Final Cut Pro HD 4.5 | DVD Studio Pro 3.0.2 | Compressor 1.2.1
Adobe Photoshop CS | Adobe After Effects 6.5
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Mac Pro: Two 2.66 GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon | 4GB RAM | ATI Radeon X1900 XT 512MB (2 x dual-link DVI)Studio 2 | Adobe Photoshop CS | Adobe After Effects 6.5
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7 Replies
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quick update –
I duplicated the 2nd language timeline (the one with good video, bad titles) and replaced the titles with the original english ones. exported, burnt disc. The video is good, the titles are jittery.
So I’m thinking there is some hidden timeline setting, and somehow my titles are the wrong field order. Is this possible? If so, how do I fix it?
In the browser it says all my timelines are lower field first. I know FCP defaults to upper, but my video is lower so i thought that would be best. Can I change the titles? Or do I need to re-export the video from Avid?
Any suggestions?
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Make sure that FC is interpreting properly the field order of the footage (in the browser column).
BTW which codec are your sequences?Mac OX 10.5.2-FC 6.02-QT 7.4.1
G5 2x2Gh 4GbRAM-BlackMagic Extreme
PMBP 17″Core2Duo 4GbRAM-AJA ioHD
JVC DTV-17″
SONY EX-1 . SONY PD170
..and always a big mess on top of the table. -
In the browser, the field dominance is ‘lower (even)’
By codec, do you mean the compressor? I’ve tried uncompressed 10bit PAL, none and Animation (which FC defaulted to with this media).
I think I’ve solved the media problem, but still need to work out how to export titles as lower field from the timeline to mpeg2. I’m up to chapter 30 in the manual… maybe I’ll hit on an answer soon!
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I’d just get rid of the fields… look at Nattress Effects
Richard M. Harrington, PMP
Author: Photoshop for Video, Understanding Adobe Photoshop, and ATS:iWork
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are you monitoring your timeline on a crt before you compress?
how do the field and titles look then?
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OK. Are you repositioning the titles (Animation) on top of the footage?
If so, you know that Center “Y” value must be an even number (2, 4, 240..). If you set “Y” an odd value, you are shifting all the lines and the titles will look horrible.
If you set the sequence compressor to 10b Unc, check “Render all YUV in High precision”.
Animation has became old fashioned. RGB and with only 8b Alpha channel.Mac OX 10.5.2-FC 6.02-QT 7.4.1
G5 2x2Gh 4GbRAM-BlackMagic Extreme
PMBP 17″Core2Duo 4GbRAM-AJA ioHD
JVC DTV-17″
SONY EX-1 . SONY PD170
..and always a big mess on top of the table. -
Thanks Rafael, I’ll give that a go. I think I’m getting closer. Worst case, I’ve i can de-interlace every sequence – that seems to work, but isn’t quite as smooth.
In response to Chris – no, unfortunately the suite I’m working on has no CRT. It’s on the list to be ordered though. Hopefully soon!
Thanks everyone for your help. Hope you all have lovely weekends!
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