need to convert avc-Intra to apple pro res

[Jeremy Garchow]

[Craig Alan] “Is there anyway to force FCP X to “optimize” the footage. If not once imported, is there the option to have it do the conversion upon import?”

What exactly do you need to do once the footage is imported?

[Jeremy Garchow]

Let me rephrase that.

Why do you need to transcode to ProRes? Just curious.

[Craig Alan]

I was told that I could create an apple pro res file by optimizing in FCP X then import into compressor and transcode to AIC. Here’s why:

I teach video at a school and need to deal with a large number of projects/codec’s and levels of ability.

We use Panasonic AG-HPX250/Panasonic AG-HPX170 cams among many other cams.

I used Panasonic’s P2 Contents Management Software for MAC users, however, the video plays back with sound but no picture. I read on-line that FCP X being installed creates this disability.

Seems weird. I’ll ask panasonic about it.

That said, it does import into FCP X.

Is there a better work flow for this?

A bigger problem is getting the footage into Imovie.

I have sent the clips to compressor and transcoded it to AIC. But it looks degraded in Imovie viewer.
Much worse than other imported files which I understand Imovie converts to AIC.

I need Imovie for beginners and non-film students and other teachers.

I had no problems with Panasonic’s P2 Contents Management Software for MAC users and FCP 7 last year.

Now I’m making this somewhat painful transition.

Our final product will also be a variety – from on-line, to SD-DVD (I follow Ken Stone tutorial on compressor for that), Blu-Ray, to using a hard drive to play the files directly out a Mac to a HD projector.

Mac Pro, macbook pro, Imacs (i7); Camcorders: Panasonic AG-HPX170/AG-HPX250P, Canon HV30/40, Sony Z7U, VX2000, PD170; FCP 6 certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.

[Jeremy Garchow]

[Craig Alan] “That said, it does import into FCP X.

Is there a better work flow for this?”

I don’t know why you would need a ProRes move to go to Compressor just to get to AIC.

Compressor will read the AVCIntra .mov files just fine.

As far as how AIC looks, I would double check your settings. Perhaps you are mistakenly down converting to SD when you mean to keep the footage in HD.

For P2CMS, The AVCIntra codec is a separate download, perhaps you need to reinstall it.

[Craig Alan]

Thanks Jeremy. That FCP X or 7 to compressor workflow was suggested to me. Will Compressor read the original intra files copied over from the P2 card or do I need to copy them via the Panasonic’s P2 Contents Management Software for MAC users?

Do you know of a fix for the video play back with sound but no picture when using Contents Management Software?

I’ll try again directly in compressor and see what the settings are. But I think your intuition might be correct. That’s what it reminded me of – a standard def conversion.

Any particular not obvious settings I should consider?

Also would starting in compressor help with quality into FCP X? The footage looks really good in X but was just wondering.

Craig

Mac Pro, macbook pro, Imacs (i7); Camcorders: Panasonic AG-HPX170/AG-HPX250P, Canon HV30/40, Sony Z7U, VX2000, PD170; FCP 6 certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.

[Jeremy Garchow]

[Craig Alan] “Thanks Jeremy. That FCP X or 7 to compressor workflow was suggested to me. Will Compressor read the original intra files copied over from the P2 card or do I need to copy them via the Panasonic’s P2 Contents Management Software for MAC users? “

Compressor will not read the AVCIntra MXF container, no.

[Craig Alan] “Do you know of a fix for the video play back with sound but no picture when using Contents Management Software?”

I suggested reinstalling the AVCIntra decoder from Panasonic.

[Craig Alan] “Any particular not obvious settings I should consider?”

You need to match the frame size and frame rate of your original footage.

[Craig Alan] “Also would starting in compressor help with quality into FCP X? The footage looks really good in X but was just wondering. “

No, the rewrapping of footage in FCPX is the same quality as your original footage.

Jeremy

[Craig Alan]

Thanks so much Jeremy,

So I gather FCP X does not break the P2 Contents Management Software?

Maybe the version of QT on my computer? But I’ll try to re-download.

Are there any camera recording choices you would recommend with either of these editing codec’s in mind? Would 1080 P be better for example with AIC?

Mac Pro, macbook pro, Imacs (i7); Camcorders: Panasonic AG-HPX170/AG-HPX250P, Canon HV30/40, Sony Z7U, VX2000, PD170; FCP 6 certified; write professionally for a variety of media; teach video production in L.A.

[Jeremy Garchow]

[Craig Alan] “So I gather FCP X does not break the P2 Contents Management Software?”

Not that I know of. It’s the first I’ve heard of it.

What OS are you running? What has changed on the system since the last time you opened P2CMS?

[Craig Alan] “Are there any camera recording choices you would recommend with either of these editing codec’s in mind? Would 1080 P be better for example with AIC?”

I prefer to work with progressive images, in general. I am not sure that 1080p would be “better”, necessarily, for AIC, as better is subjective for whatever your needs might require.

Jeremy

[Michael W. towe]

Hey Craig,

The solution to the no picture issue in P2CMS is that you need the AVC-Intra decoder installed. You can find it here. Link is at the bottom of the page

https://eww.pass.panasonic.co.jp/pro-av/support/content/download/EN/ep2main/p2cms_dl_mace.htm

As for camera recording choices that will most likely get dictated by your end deliverable. If I am doing a corporate thing for the web I either shoot 1080p AVCI 100 or 720P ACVI 100. If it’s event coverage that has very long roll times I might go to 720p AVCI 50. I also do a fair amount of work for the local NBC affiliate who’s deliverable is 1080i. For them I shoot and post AVCI 100 1080p and then nest the final edit into a 1080i timeline. I try to stay progressive when at all possible through post, makes life so much easier.

Mike

Michael W. Towe
President M2 Digital Post
http://www.m2digitalpost.com

[Michael W. towe]

[Oliver Peters] “Not that I’m aware of. It doesn’t do this because it IS optimized as far as the software is concerned.”

Okay this has me more confused, maybe because I am working with P2. If I import from a P2 card file structure I can tell X to optimize and according to the files it creates in the High Quality Media folder when played in Quicktime player they are ProRes. The files in the Original Media folder are ai5p I am assuming that is AVCIntra. So it looks like it is indeed optimizing.

For those working with AVCIntra from a P2 card, are you optimizing? Are you just importing and working with the original media? Is there a best practice?

I am sort of clinging to a FCP7 method of getting everything into one format prior to editing, but I don’t want to be wasting a bunch of time transcoding P2 AVCI footage if there is no gain.

Thanks again folks, this is a very informative thread!

Michael W. Towe
President M2 Digital Post
http://www.m2digitalpost.com