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Final Cut to AVID Meridien workflow?
Hey Guys,
I’m STILL using an AVID Meridien based system as our primary machine. I have a freelancer who shot with an EX3 in 1080i. I need to get footage into our system to edit.
He’s using a Final Cut system…so I had him import, downconvert (placing footage into a 720×486 D1 Sequence) Then export using installed Meridien codecs.
Everything worked…files open with QT and show the Meridien codec, they’ll open with After Effects…seem completely fine. But won’t import into my AVID.
I have SEVERAL clips…too many to do a re-render through After Effects.
Any luck working from Final Cut to Meridien codec? What is the secret formula? 🙂
Thanks for your help!
-Jason
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8 Replies
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What is the file size of the clips that won’t import?
There may be a 2GB file size limit on the old Meridien system. If thats the case, you may need to break up the clip into small segments
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No…the test I did was only 70MB about 20-30 seconds.
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Are you sure the frame size is set to 720 x 486 ? The older systems did not like 720 x 480. Also double check your frame rate…make sure it’s 29.97.
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Is the old Avid a Mac or a PC?
Does that version of MC have the setting for PC compatible file names switched on? Are the file names lengthy or do they have odd characters in them?
Grasping at straws here…if it opens in AE and QT player, it should work in Avid…so its probably something in the Avid thats causing this.
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It’s 29.97 and 486…I know that it needs to be D1 and not DV.
-Jason
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AVID is on a PC. File names short…no odd characters.
Here’s a strange thing…this is likely the problem.
When I open the file in AE. It displays the dimensions as 729×486
That has to be my problem. But in Final Cut (I’m not very knowledgeable with FCP) The sequence is 720×486 … where are the 9 extra pixels being added? And why???
I think I’ve narrowed it down to that.
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Seems like a lot of work. Are you intending to finish from the Media Composer or is there a separate online in HD?
The EX 3 has SDI and timecode out. The SDI can play out an SD downconvert. Timecode is on a BNC, you’ll need to adapt to XLR. Audio will have to be through the analog RCAs, you’ll need to adapt to XLRs. Have the camera operator bring his camera in and capture live in the Meridien. Provided of course the media can be put back on cards (it is possible). This should be the fastest and most reliable workflow. If the clips have continuous timecode a card will play out as 1 clip. If it’s time of day code, the Avid will stop on each break. Just cue up the next clip and start a new capture. I miss the Meridien systems. I don’t miss OS 9.
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I’ll be finishing in the Media Composer.
Sounds like a do-able solution.
I didn’t consider that option…I keep getting wrapped up in file transfer and import!
I’ll see if that is an option.
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