Dropping HDCAM 108060i shots into a 23.98 sequence

[Kevin Monahan]

A mixed format timeline, IMHO, is only a temp solution.

I usually transcode rogue footage to the codec of the timeline by using a video capture card or, if I have to, with Compressor.

I did this recently in a different way. I used the media manager to transcode three different formats to ProRes. Seemed to take care of all the cadence issues.

Kevin Monahan
http://www.fcpworld.com
Author – Motion Graphics and Effects in Final Cut Pro

[Peter Von puttkamer]

Yes thanks Kevin- I’ve found a great solution online- using compressor as you too suggest: for anyone interested- this is a foolproof method to convert 60i footage into 24p (this was HDCAM footage). Thanks again.

1. import what ever 60i clip into Compressor

2. Add a desired setting to the clip (this will determine the format of the compressed footage, so make sure it’s what you want to work with in you sequence). This can be done by right clicking or drag ‘n drop from the settings pane

3. Make sure the new setting is selected on the clip and look to the Inspector pane. There are six small icons, each indicating options to include in your encode.

4. The second icon from the left is Encoder tab. Click it, and click the “Settings” button beside video

5. In the settings you’ll have the option to change the frame rate. You can select 24 from the drop down menu or you can also select custom and type in 23.976 (this may help for video preview in FCP). You also need to ensure that the footage will become progress rather than interlaced. Once your settings are in order click OK.

6. The next icon over is Frame Controls, which holds the keys to success in frame rate conversion. In this tab, you’ll need to first enable frame controls by clicking the small cog button and selecting “on” in the drop down menu. The options below are now enabled.

7. The first menu only matters if you are resizing the footage. The next option down allows you to decide how you want to reorder the fields (two fields per frame) in your footage. For this method you’ll want to select progressive.

8. The next option is Deinterlace. You’ll want to select “Best (Motion compensation)” This will increase the amount of time it takes to compress, but it’s a very intelligent method and will keep your footage looking sharp.

9.Hop on down to the Rate Conversion drop down menu, and select “Best (High Quality motion compensation)” This will also dramatically increase the compression time, but we’re interested in quality, well worth the wait.

10. Back up to the icons, click the next one over, which is Filters. There are many option that can be enabled and adjusted. Scroll down to Deinterlace, enable it, and choose the “Sharp” Algorithm. You might also want to scroll down and enable “Sharpen Edge.” You can select a frame in the preview window and adjust the “Sharpen Edge” filter to taste.

11. That’s about it. Now if you feel like you’ll use this preset again, go ahead and save it in your custom settings.