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Here is how to convert MP4 files and work with them in FCP
So, here’s one way to get it to work somewhat, but this seems utterly rediculous to me. I did my conversions from MP4 to MOV files using MPEG StreamClip. Then, I imported into FCP 7.0.3. Then, when my clips were listed, I right clicked a converted MOV and went into the Media Manager. In Media Manger I did a recompression using the following settings: Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) 1920×1080 30p kHz. I chose the location to save the file, did the compression, then it opened a new tab and there was the file. So, I dragged it onto the timeline to see if I would get the Red Rendering bar of I-have-been-trying-to-figure-this-out-for-days, to my surprise, I did NOT get that this time. I was able to view the clip and play it. HOWEVER, there is a green bar above it which would indicate that effects were applied, but I did not apply any effects. So, to make a long story short, I am not quite sure this IS a solution, and I don’t know what the implications are for subsequent exporting/rendering at the completion of the edit in regards to what that green line really means.
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13 Replies
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[Zoe Weslowski] “I did my conversions from MP4 to MOV files using MPEG StreamClip”
What FORMAT of .mov? That’s like saying “I bought a can of drink.” What KIND of drink? Soda? Beer? Lemonade? FCP works with specific formats…codecs. ProRes, DVCPRO HD, DV, DV50…things found in the EASY SETUPS. Unless you converted to an MOV that was one of those formats, FCP will have issues with the clips.
[Zoe Weslowski] “Then, I imported into FCP 7.0.3. Then, when my clips were listed, I right clicked a converted MOV and went into the Media Manager. In Media Manger I did a recompression using the following settings: Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) 1920×1080 30p kHz”
So you recompressed the footage from MP4 to MOV (into an unknown codec), and then recompressed AGAIN? Dude…convert to ProRes in MPEG STREAMCLIP…recompress ONCE, not twice. You have an extra step in here that is unnecessary, and is in fact, damaging.
[Zoe Weslowski] ” I was able to view the clip and play it. HOWEVER, there is a green bar above it which would indicate that effects were applied, but I did not apply any effects.”
That also means that the sequence settings and the clip settings do not match. And if you want no render bar, they must match EXACTLY. When you drop the clip into the timeline, click YES when FCP asks “do you want the sequence settings to match the clip settings?”
If you STILL get a green render bar, then something is wrong. And that something can be that the dimensions of the file are non-standard. Meaning ProRes, but 640×480, not 720×486 like it should be. Or 1600×1200, but ProRes. Besides needing specific codecs, FCP also needs specific frame sizes. 720×480, 720×486, 1280×720, 1920×1080. Broadcast standard formats, because it is designed to edit broadcast formats.
Shane
Little Frog Post
Read my blog, Little Frog in High Def -
I agree with Shane.
Two generation lost before start editing.
Have a look to the Mp4 specs and think how you wan’t to deliver that and make the conversion at once.
rafael -
Open one clip in QT and “Cmd-I” to open the clip Info window.
Tell us what do you see there.
Rafael -
As far as the info on the MP4 clip, it’s 10.5MB and codec H.264….there’s lot’s of other information, what specifically should I be looking for?
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MPEG Streamclip does not allow you to specify as to specfic formats of MOV files. It simply creates a file as a MOV file. Perhaps there is some specific default MOV file that it produces, but when it exports into QT to produce a MOV file, there is no information upon format or anything like that that I can see. Also, unfortunately, the ONLY way I have found to produce MP4 conversions to MOV files is by doing the double step. MPEG Streamclip does not offer prores in the format options – the only format options are: DV, AVI, QT, and MPEG-4, and several listed under other not including prores. Believe me, if there was a way to do this simply as a one step process without losing quality, I would do that. But as many people have not found a way, I wanted to at least share that there is in fact a way to get it to work, while not optimal, certainly possible.
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Also, when I drop the clip into the timeline, in the version I am working in FCP 7.0.3, I do not get any prompt to match sequence settings. I have not even found where this information is available so I would not be able to tell if it’s any of those: 720×480, 720×486, 1280×720, 1920×1080.
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[Zoe Weslowski] “As far as the info on the MP4 clip, it’s 10.5MB and codec H.264….there’s lot’s of other information, what specifically should I be looking for?”
In “Format” you should be able to see codec and and picture size.
Is also important “fps” (time base).If you can’t see that in QT player, open the file in MPGStreamclip and “Comm-I” (stream info).
[Zoe Weslowski] “MPEG Streamclip does not allow you to specify as to specfic formats of MOV files. It simply creates a file as a MOV file. Perhaps there is some specific default MOV file that it produces, but when it exports into QT to produce a MOV file, there is no information upon format or anything like that that I can see. Also, unfortunately, the ONLY way I have found to produce MP4 conversions to MOV files is by doing the double step. MPEG Streamclip does not offer prores in the format options – the only format options are: DV, AVI, QT, and MPEG-4,”
Sure it does.
You are trying to “SAVE AS..”.
NO.
You have to “Export to QT”.[Zoe Weslowski] “Also, when I drop the clip into the timeline, in the version I am working in FCP 7.0.3, I do not get any prompt to match sequence settings. I have not even found where this information is available so I would not be able to tell if it’s any of those: 720×480, 720×486, 1280×720, 1920×1080.”
Zoe, you have to learn how to tell which kind of stuff you are working with.
In FC you need to look at the Browser to see codec (compressor), picture size, pixels aspect, field order, etc.
I think you should spend some time with FCs manual.
rafael -
Hi Rafael, I can pull up the codec information by simply right clicking on the MP4 file itself, if you mean the picture size it is 1280×720 and the codec is H.264 AAC. I’m not sure what you are referring to as “format” except for the format setting in the easy set up otion on FCP.
I did go back in to QT as you mentioned and exported it. I changed the compression setting to Apple Pro Res 422 (Proxy). I was able to get a file that I could import into the time line without red rendering, but there was a green bar there. There were several other Apple Pro Res Settings: Apple Pro Res 4444, Apple ProRes 422 (HQ), and Apple Pro Res 422 (LT). Give my codec and picture size, are any of these more optimal?
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Go to this link , search for Editing Tab and my match your setting with that shown in the image.
And it’s best to convert to ProRes LT for projects that are not very effects heavy and meant for DVD video (standard def).Pradip Patil
Mumbai,India -
Ok thanks dude! I am checking out the link. As far as effects though, I am using Superimpostions and color changes, is that still a good setting to use Apple ProRes 422 LT if I am using those effects? I am also using a few distortions and maybe a few transitions.
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