How to transcode AMA linked sequence?

[James Beattie]

AMA linking is usually pretty straight forward, but nothing is perfect.

If you select your sequence in your bin (not by selecting your timeline in the interface). The go under Clip at the top menu and select Transcode. You should have an option for handles, then choose an Avid DNxHD resolution to transcode into. Select the drive to put it on.

James Beattie
ACSR Elite/Avid ACI, Apple Certified Technician

Consulting for Workflow and Digital Technologies at Comprehensive Technical Group

[Henry Barrial]

I tried that and the Transcode button remains greyed out. I have no video on timeline, only audio because I’m trying to export an AAF. No matter what I check the Transcode button remains grey and unavailable. Curiously, in the upper right hand rectangle of the transcode window it is reported that “0 clips selected” “0 effect clips selected” “1 sequence selected.”

So the transcode seems unavailable. I ask myself, is it the AMA links that won’t allow transcoding? How can I transcode media that is only linked? Do I need to import media? Can’t I just select the media in the sequence, make it off line and then import with handles?

Henry

[James Patterson]

Have you selected which drive you want to transcode to from the Target Drives column on the left, where it says video/data? If you have is there enough space on the drive, as it will be greyed out if there isn’t.

Best

Paddy

[Pat Horridge]

A common Consolidate/ Transcode issue is failing to select the target drive in the LH pane. The bold drive just indicates the drive with the most free space. It isn’t selected until you click it (or another drive) The window then updates the space needed and space available on that drive so you can see the operation will work.
If there isn’t space it will warn you but let you continue if you want to (some operations allow the deleting of source files as it Transcodes and that could be freeing up space. A risky way to work!)

But to be clear you can AAF export linked to AMA media (as you have to for a Resolve grade linking to the original sources) or you Consolidate (if it’s Avid Native media) or Transcode to make new media that the AAF will be linked to.

Pat Horridge
Technical Director, Trainer, Avid Certified Instructor
VET
Production Editing Digital Media Design DVD
T +44 (0)20 7505 4701 | F +44 (0)20 7505 4800 | E pat@vet.co.uk |
http://www.vet.co.uk | Lux Building 2-4 Hoxton Square London N1 6US

[Henry Barrial]

Thank you Pat. I will try that after I get off work but it sounds like there’s a good chance that might be the issue. I hadn’t thought to press that button because it already seems selected. Some of the intricacies involving Avid are new tome. I’ll update later. Thank you!

[Henry Barrial]

Transcoding proceeding well. Did come across a message that basically told me I had to either convert or skip some media because it was moving at a different rate than the project rate. This is the exact message: “Some clips do not match the rate of the current project.” I converted. I guess I better double check everything later.

[Henry Barrial]

Pat, I want to thank you. The transcode worked and, just as importantly, the choice to convert 29.97 audio clips (how some of my audio got this way is anyone’s guess) also worked like a charm. All my audio is checking out in sync. With your help I have gotten over my domestic feud with MC 6.0.1 and gives me hope that I won’t regret choosing this path. Thanks Pat!