-
Importing AVCHD gets slower with longer clips?
Aloha,
Successfully Log and Transferring AVCHD clips to our storage drive as ProRes 422.
Small issue that is a bit of a problem.
As my clips get longer the import time gets longer and longer (well, duh, but hold on).For short clips (under 1-2min) the import time is 1/3 realtime.
For medium clips (4-6 min) the import time is about realtime.
For longer clips (8-10 min) the import time is DOUBLE realtime.Who knows what the time will be when I record something that is 40 min long!?!
First I was trying the transfer off of the memory card. Then I tried transferring the clips to a hard drive first (7200rpm FW800) for their conversion to a separate hard drive. The machines are Dual 2.66GHz Quad-Core Xeons with 12GB of RAM. Running the latest FCP Studio on 10.5.8.
Any ideas? Thanks for the help!
Mike -
2 Replies
-
Figured it out.
The Sony NX5U has two audio recording modes – PCM and AC3.PCM (higher quality/less compression/larger file) takes about 3-4X realtime when the clip is over 5min – making the import about 20min – no good.
Using AC3 I am able to convert 13.5min to ProRes422 in about 3.75min – awesome.
So the long and short of it – use AC3 audio. At least in the meantime, especially for LONG clips, situations where audio quality is not absolutely paramount or for time sensitive editing.
Cool.
-
Question – if your end product will be a DVD using AC3 audio does recording AC3 matter? I have this same problem with my NXCAMs and if the audio quality in the end will be the same I would much rather use AC3 in the field.
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up