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Final Cut Pro codec/setup/rendering problems!
So,
Ill lay this out as best I can for help…
We have installed FCP into a new mac pro. We have added a
– G-Speed eS 4TB tower
– in preparation of the deck, we have added the Decklink HD Extreme 3D and installed the software from Blackmagicdesign, (the company who sent out the Decklink)
– Have added some memory cards into the Mac Pro as wellI went for Easy setup, (probably a rookie mistake), and selected format APPLE PRO RES 422 and using some footage of the server, started to create an edit. The footage when in FCP is as follows:
Frame Size: 1920 x 1080
Field Dominance: Upper
Rate: 25Fps
Compressor: H.264
Pixel Aspect: Square
and it was shot on an XDCAM.In my Audio/Video settings, it says
Sequence preset: DV PAL 48Khz
Capture preset: Blackmagic PAL – Apple ProRes (HQ)
Device control preset: Blackmagic PAL 25
Video Playback: Blackmagic PAL – 8 Bit (720 x 576)
Audio Playback: DefaultNow, the problems I had.
Firstly, audio didnt play but i changed the Audio Playback setting (as above), because it originally said: ‘Blackmagic Audio’ but upon changing to Default, it now plays fine.
Anyhow, when I put a clip into the viewer, it played fine, so I clipped it and put it into the timeline.
Again, upon viewing in the timeline after saying that I did want the seq. settings to match the clip it played fine.
However I needed to change the speed. After making the changes, I had to render the clip and when I did I got this message…“Codec not found. You may be using a compression type without the corresponding hardware card.”
So I changed the easy setup format to PAL and upon doing the same steps I was given the message:
“Out of memory”
By this stage I was worried. So, I started a new project and instead of matching the seq. to the clip, I told it not to and to match the seq settings which were PAL 720 x 576 etc.
This has sorted the render issue on the speed change, the only problem is, I have to render each clip ever time I drop it onto the timeline plus Im nervous that when I export the sequence to a high quality setting, I will still loose the quality of the original clip.
As you are all so knowledgeable, can anyone please help me with:
– The correct settings, I mean is this blackmagic thing messing up my FCP and does anyone else use it??
– The codec error…what is that all about?
– How am I running out of memory?!?!All help would be greatly appreciated. I am a rookie on setting these things up but need to get it right!
Cheers
Adam
Editor & Self Shooter in the UK
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12 Replies
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Compressor: H.264
No, No, No, and…Never
Chris Tompkins
Video Atlanta LLC -
OK, so to clarify, when I import a clip to the bin, and look across, it tells me that the compressor is H.264….does this not mean that the original file was compressed that way or is that something that im doing??
I dont think Im set up for H.264 but will check…
Any other views or is this the way to fix it??
Cheers
Adam
Editor & Self Shooter in the UK
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You need to transcode/convert those H.264 files (which is an acquisition and delivery codec) to a format FCP likes. Like,…ProRes.
Chris Tompkins
Video Atlanta LLC -
Nice one.
Next question, (which im sure you will love!), how do I transcode/convert the files?
😉
Adam
Editor & Self Shooter in the UK
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Oh, my??!
Frame Size: 1920 x 1080
Compressor: H.264
shot on an XDCAM
Sequence preset: DV PAL 48Khz
Capture preset: Blackmagic PAL – Apple ProRes (HQ)
Device control preset: Blackmagic PAL 25
Video Playback: Blackmagic PAL – 8 Bit (720 x 576)There are so many contradictions in there I don’t where to begin. You do know the key to an easier FCP life is to simply match your footage to your settings. Right?
(there are a few instances when you might want to ignore this but save that for more advanced users)
Your footage is 1920×1080 – make a 1920×1080 sequence.
You know that h.264 is not an editing codec, right? Of course you do. You’re on this forum and it’s mentioned about 20 times a day. As for XDCAM? It’s your call. Some people get on with it, some people don’t. I personally see it as little better than h.264. Do some tests and see how you get on.
As for your Blackmagic card? You don’t seem to be using it to feed a monitor so you probably don’t realise that having it set to PAL rather than 1920×1080 you are slowing down your system as it tries to deal with the signal you are sending it. You are probably better off disabling for the moment (F12). But then if you don’t have a monitor how are you to know that what you play to your deck is correct?
Oh… I’m not going to add any more unless you have any direct questions.
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FCP and Avid Technical Support
Air Post Production
Shoreditch – London -
Mpeg Stream Clip
CompressorChris Tompkins
Video Atlanta LLC -
OK….so
As was to be expected, Ive been stripped here and shown for novice who just wants to be like you lot! Whereas Ive can use the equipment, setting it up from scratch has been a new challenge which I am determined to do successfully but correctly with help as I need to learn!
Yes, I was semi-aware about the H.264 but hadnt had it fully explained…will go and read up on it.
As for the rest, we arent getting a deck for another few days yet so yes, the blackmagic card isnt helping my confused brain.
Please go on and tell me more, Im absorbing this info with relish and if there is a way of DM’ing you I shall!!
With all that is wrong with the settings, is there more I should adjust?
A
p.s
I saw your feed about getting a sticky for those who insist on using H.264 and I can only agree!!Editor & Self Shooter in the UK
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Search forum: H264 in FCP.
Do a basic course FCP. -
Basic course was done a couple of years ago and yes, till now, I havent been working solely as an editor so no need for that tone.
However, I appreciate the H.264 search, which after reading up on last night, I now have MPEG Streamclip, (thanks to another users suggestion) and am now converting files to Apple pro res.
I realise it can be terribly frustrating for seasoned editors and post pro aficionados when yet another person comes on barking about the wrong settings but we all start somewhere and learn fast.
Thanks for all the replies and help.
Adam
Editor & Self Shooter in the UK
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If the footage is originally shot on XDCAM, they should’ve delivered you the original footage/disk/cards/data.
The person who thought: Oh lets convert XDCAM to H264 for Editing.
Because it’s nice and small and can be sended with dropbox, should look for another job.
Nothing personal ofcourse.
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