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Open .mxf-files outside avid
Hi!
Okay, so here’s the thing. A client was supposed to give us some material, and they gave us a bunch of .mfx-files and .aaf-files.
Normally, I can open .mfx files, (like the ones from panasonic HVX-camera) but I suspect that these files are in some kind of Avid-codec that can only be opened in Avid.Now, we don’t have Avid here, we do our editing in Final Cut, and need to find a way to open these files in FC (or any adobe-program).
I’ve installde the Avid LE codec pack, but that doesn’t seem to be enough. Iv’e read about a pack called PE, but as far as I can tell, you can only get that by purchasing Avid.
Is there any way at all to open these files without avid? I’ve even installed the 30-days trial of Avid Studio, but it doesn’t even recognize the files.
Thanks,
Hannes -
11 Replies
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The only way to open those files is via software like Calibrated or MXF4Mac.
The client really should have given you QT files. You can say “hey, we don’t have Avid here, so can you provide us exported QT files of that footage?” Or, you can download the Avid Media Composer full version as a demo for 30 days and do it yourself. But next time, specify that you need QT files.
Shane
Little Frog Post
Read my blog, Little Frog in High Def -
Hi, (new poster here so excuse me if this is an incorrect way to reply)
I use Sony XDCAM Transfer – this reads .mxf files made by Avid and (if you download the patch for FCP) can also allow you to directly import into the FCP project you have open. It will convert it for use, and allow you to re-export, cut and whatever else you may need to do with it.
As well as that, it has a preview window, for showing your client directly what it is you/they want to view.
Cheers
-R-
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There’s a trick that lets VLC player play back Avid MXF media files (free): https://michaelkammes.com/avid/play-avid-mxf-for-free/
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VLC might allow you to VIEW, but not use to edit with. Which I gather is the point of having the footage.
Shane
Little Frog Post
Read my blog, Little Frog in High Def -
Thanks – hoping some enterprising soul takes this to the next level with a nice front end 🙂
.: michael kammes mpse
.: senior technology & workflow consultant
.: audio specialist . act fcp . acsr
.: michaelkammes.com
.: twitter: @michaelkammes
.: facebook: /mkammesHear me pontificate: Speaking Schedule .
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actually, i’ve already made a front end (intended for MXF renaming / archiving for a broadcaster over here), but i can’t get FFplay to work with my Avid files…
Can you send me a compiled version of FFplay that does work?And, it’s not really a VLC trick, but an FFplay trick…
Bouke
https://www.videotoolshed.com/
smart tools for video pros -
Hi Boruke:
I dig your app, did some experimentation with it a year or so ago for this very purpose.
The above (and below) link has a compiled version which does this.
https://michaelkammes.com/avid/play-avid-mxf-for-free/
~Michael
.: michael kammes mpse
.: senior technology & workflow consultant
.: audio specialist . act fcp . acsr
.: michaelkammes.com
.: twitter: @michaelkammes
.: facebook: /mkammesHear me pontificate: Speaking Schedule .
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How do you get that to work? I can’t make XDCAM Transfer read AVID .mxf files.
Could you please tell us?Regards,
Erik -
Hi,
When you open XDCAM Transfer, you can either import the files or, as I prefer (as a mac user, but I am sure it is a very similar process on a PC) right click on your .MXF and Open With…
This should then open XDCAM and say something along the lines of “look for source” – I don’t bother.
Once the files are there you should be able to view them. Remember, the .MXF is just a wrapper for another file – XDCAM reads the .MXF just like Avid does – by “unwrapping” the file, long enough for you to view it and then continue by exporting for NLE’s.
Hope this works for you.
-R-
Rob Smith – Broadcast, Corporate & Independent Editor
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Mike,
What app of me are you referring to?
AFAIK, the thing i talked about was never public…Bouke
https://www.videotoolshed.com/
smart tools for video pros
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