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EDL Workaround Idea For FCP To Media100
As a work around for me being able to off line edit on FCP and send an edit decision list (EDL) to a Media100 for online, I have this question. From my thread readings here (which has thoroughly confused me on the topic!) I believe I read that you can “re wrap” the QT files created by FCP’s ingest process back into MXF files with now the new QT metadata from the off line edit (new file/clip names, etc.) included which would allow the Media100 to “see” the same file name corresponding with the QT file created and the EDL. As it is now, when I generate the QT file, it changes the file name from the original MXF file name.
If “re wrapping”, my editor is saying the problem with that is that FCP created the QT file in a 720 x 480 format instead of the 720 x 486 format, which I need for broadcast. Although he says “everybody’s doing it now,” he also says there IS a quality loss in the picture and noticeable.
So, is this possible, and are his concerns about picture degradation accurate?
Support notes:
1- We cannot get the XML output file to talk to each other. That’s not an option unless someone here wants to challenge our method and solve that issue (which might be the answer to the work around.)
2- I prefer not to add the original MXF file name in a comments field for manual reference in the EDL, as I will have over 600 edits or more in this thing and it will cost me a fortune in editor time to reference.)I hope this problem makes since to you guys and you are motivated to respond, because I’m at my wits end on this, and this seems to be my last work around idea.
Thank you in advance.
Wherever I am…I’m lost!
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13 Replies
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Let’s back up a minute.
What version of FCP, what version of M100 and what format are you shooting?
Jeremy
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Hi Jeremy. I think I may have two solutions to this work around, but not sure. First, I am on FC6. Not sure about the Media100.
MXF/Camera Data: 720pn 23.98 AVC Intra100, 10 bit 4.2.2 Shot with a Panasonic HPX VariCam 2700
Here’s what I’m now being told:
1- If I bring the MXF file in as a complete clip and not select multiple in/outs from one clip, I can then preserve the original MXF file by having the QT file named the same. That’s one way to have my FC EDL match the MXF files when the Media100 does it’s auto import.2- Panasonic tells me it is not true that FC is limited to 720 x 480, that it can create a multitude of resolution outputs including 720 x 486. If this is the case, then the answer is to deliver the QT files to the on line bay and let them work from those. My concern with this option is, am I maintaining the original quality of the MXF file when I run it through FC and create the QT file, in other words, the appropriate settings, or does the MXF file come in it’s full state regardless of the settings I set (which is what I’ve been told.)
Thanks for your comments.
Wherever I am…I’m lost!
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[Mark Fanjoy] “1- If I bring the MXF file in as a complete clip and not select multiple in/outs from one clip, I can then preserve the original MXF file by having the QT file named the same. That’s one way to have my FC EDL match the MXF files when the Media100 does it’s auto import. “
Okay. Perhaps I am missing something here, but first I’ll ask why are you finishing on a Media100? WHy can’t you simply give the M100 editor your transcoded ProRes media and have them work that that? No reason do reimport the MXF files.
[Mark Fanjoy] “My concern with this option is, am I maintaining the original quality of the MXF file when I run it through FC and create the QT file, in other words, the appropriate settings, or does the MXF file come in it’s full state regardless of the settings I set (which is what I’ve been told.) “
You’re shooting in HD, why edit in SD? Edit in HD and then make any format of master you want. FCP is not limited to SD and hasn’t been for many years now. I would ingest the AVC-I files as ProResHQ (which will come in as 720p23.98 ProRes or HQ files) and then simply hand those files to the M100 editor. You can then pass an XML to M100 (not an EDL) as long as they have a current enough version of M100.
Making sense?
Jeremy
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Yes, Jeremy. It’s making perfect sense. You are suggesting exactly what I’m trying to accomplish. I was only compromising with a work-around because I was told I could not get to where you are taking me. So, the challenge for me is making sure I understand and can execute your direction. Here’s what I’m going to do. You tell me if I’m understanding you correctly:
1- I was told it does not matter what my pre sets are, that MXF files transfer in at their full resolution and recorded settings. But, here’s what I set up anyway:
Sequence Preset: Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) 1280×720 24p 48 kHz
Capture Preset: HDV-Apple ProRes 422 (HQ)
Device Control Preset: Non-Controllable Device
Video Playback: Blackmagic NTSC 10 Bit (720×486)2- I Log and Transfer clips from MXF converting them into QT files.
3- I perform my offline on FC and create and XML or EDL (Editor has not been able to work with my XML, but the EDL has worked out fine for us.)
4- I copy all my newly created QT files to an external drive and deliver to editor for Media 100 finishing (I am not equipped here in my home to physically output from FC, and am not experienced enough to create all the finishing bells and whistles which he can accomplish.)
5- He simply plugs in the external drive, copies all QT files into his hard drive (which he prefers over editing from an external,) loads my EDL, and re connects all the edits into his system which will in turn, match my FC off line. We then proceed to add all the frillies and spit out a master for air.
To verify, the goal here is to edit in HD, deliver HD quality QT files, re connect in HD quality, and output a master in SD (can you output an HD master in 4×3, which is likely my primary target audience?)
Thank you very much for your guidance.
Wherever I am…I’m lost!
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Jeremy, by the way, when I check the properties of a QT file after the workflow I stated in the last posting, it says 1280×720 – Apple Pro Res 422 (HQ). I’m hoping this is the right direction. I have to get moving on my deadline. I can always re transfer and re connect what I build if you send me in a different direction.
Thank you!
Wherever I am…I’m lost!
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[Mark Fanjoy] ” that MXF files transfer in at their full resolution and recorded settings. “
That is correct.
[Mark Fanjoy] “Video Playback: Blackmagic NTSC 10 Bit (720×486) “
I don’t know why you are doing this. You should edit in a ProResHQ 720p23.98 timeline, not an Sd timeline.
[Mark Fanjoy] “3- I perform my offline on FC and create and XML or EDL (Editor has not been able to work with my XML, but the EDL has worked out fine for us.) “
https://www.media100.com/tutorial/FCPXML.php
[Mark Fanjoy] “(can you output an HD master in 4×3, which is likely my primary target audience?) “
You can output a regular 4×3 master (called a center cut) or you can output a letterbox 4×3 master, yes. Media100 has OEM AJA boards in them so it is totally capable of this feature.
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[Mark Fanjoy] “Video Playback: Blackmagic NTSC 10 Bit (720×486) ”
From you: I don’t know why you are doing this. You should edit in a ProResHQ 720p23.98 timeline, not an Sd timeline.
There is no setting in the Video Playback Preset for 720p. The closest option I have isHDTV 1080p 2.976Hz 10 Bit (1920×1080). The only 720p setting is 8 Bit Hi Res.
Are any of these settings effecting the QT generated file, or are these settings focusing on FC configurations? At the end of the day, as long as I am outputting an identical file in QT as was in its MXF form, and the Media100 can work from these QT files, then I’m in business.
Sorry I am not picking this up quickly, but your input is very valuable and greatly appreciated.
Wherever I am…I’m lost!
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Just be sure your timeline is set for 720p23.98 fps and ProResHQ.
Jeremy
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Okay, thanks. I hope those settings I gave you earlier are correct. That’s what I’m going with.
I did notice when I drop a clip into the time line it doesn’t prompt me to re set the timeline sequence to match the clip settings. So, I’m hoping that’s a good thing too.
Thank you for your valuable time. Much, much appreciated.
Wherever I am…I’m lost!
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With your sequence selected, hit command-zero to bring up the sequence settings.
Take a screen grab and upload it here to the cow.
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